Japan to open consulate in Bangalore

Japan to open consulate in Bangalore

T.S. Ranganna

Bangalore: With the increase in trade and commerce between India and Japan in the past several years, particularly in the information technology sector, Japan plans to open a consulate in Bangalore in January.

After a meeting with Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and senior government officials here on Friday, Japanese Consul-General Kazuo Minagawa said he had sought the help of the Chief Minister in setting up the consulate and had been promised all support from the Government.

Mr. Minagawa said three properties in the central business district had been identified for the consulate, and it would be recommended to the Japanese Ambassador for his final approval.

According to an official in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the Union Government granted permission six months ago to Japan and Germany to open consulates in Bangalore. Germany is also making preparations to set up its consulate here.

The Japanese consulate will be the first one in Bangalore. The United States opened its consulate a few years ago in Hyderabad. Several countries have expressed interest in opening trade offices here.