In a significant move to foster greater collaboration between India and Japan, NSDC International (NSDCI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Nippon Travel Agency Co., Ltd., a global workforce solutions company, have recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to create awareness in the Japanese market regarding hiring skilled professionals from different sectors in India. The initiative addresses the growing demand for diverse talent in Japan and seeks to facilitate a seamless recruitment process.
Mr. Ajay Kumar Raina, Director & Chief Operating Officer of NSDCI, and Mr. Keigo Yoshida, Executive Officer & Chief of Headquarters of Nippon Travel Agency, officially signed this historic agreement.
This joint effort is envisioned to bridge the talent gap and enhance workforce mobility. Furthermore, NSDCI and Nippon Travel will organize collaborative seminars and workshops in India and Japan. These events will emphasize skill development, workforce mobility, and other relevant areas, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Speaking on the collaboration, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC & MD NSDC International, said:
Our partnership with Nippon Travel marks a significant milestone towards fostering closer ties between India and Japan. Recognizing the vital role language plays in cross-cultural understanding, we will actively support and promote Japanese language training in India. By addressing the importance of linguistic skills, we aim to enhance communication and collaboration between professionals from both nations. This initiative is a testament to our shared vision and commitment to excellence, underscoring our resolve to contribute to both countries’ economic and cultural growth.
India and Japan have collaborated on various skill development initiatives, such as the India-Japan Skill Development Council, which promotes cooperation in vocational education, training, and human resource development. In 2016, the nations signed the “Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme” agreement to train 30,000 persons with Japanese manufacturing skills and practices over ten years. Thirty-five Japan-India Institutes for Manufacturing (JIM) and 11 Japanese Endowed Courses (JEC) have been established in different states across India.
Keigo Yoshida, Executive Officer & Chief of Headquarters at Nippon Travel Agency, stated:
This partnership will facilitate economic and cultural bridges between the two countries and further enrich Japan’s diverse labour market. We look forward to welcoming India’s hard-working and talented human resources to contribute to Japanese society and grow together. We look forward to further deepening the friendship between Japan and India.
The TITP MoU, signed in 2017, aims to enhance India-Japan bilateral collaboration in the skill development sector considerably. Under the agreement, qualified Indian candidates spend three to five years interning in Japan before returning to India to apply their new talents.
Similarly, in April 2019, the Japanese government announced the ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ programme, which allows aspiring Indian youth to work and stay in Japan. Japan established the ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ initiative to address the severe labour shortages in Japan by accepting foreign human resources with specific knowledge and skills. As of July 2022, Japan has signed SSW Memorandums of Cooperation (MoCs) with 15 countries, including India. In January 2021, India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to implement the ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ agreement.
As the vanguard of India’s skill ecosystem, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) brings its significant expertise to the global arena through NSDC International, a holistic approach to skill development for a worldwide audience, set up in October 2021 as a wholly owned subsidiary of NSDC. NSDC International, based on the values of quality, credibility, and diversity, serves as a springboard to better international employment opportunities. Since its inception, the organization has played a vital role in enabling International Workforce Mobility through strategic engagements with foreign governments, dedicated training programmes, and inclusive digital and on-ground initiatives.
India and Japan’s joint initiatives in skill development extend far beyond their national boundaries. They both embrace a shared vision of fostering international mobility as a central pillar of their partnership. This collective vision is rooted in the firm belief that a globally competent workforce is paramount in tackling the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities of the 21st century.
Nippon Travel Agency, a West Japan Railway Company Group member, was established in 1905 and was Japan’s first travel agency to begin operations. With over 3,600 employees (across the NTA Group), the company delivers high-quality travel services. With over 100 years of experience, NTA is regarded as a prominent travel agency providing comprehensive services to its valued customers.
