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India Gazette
7 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Japan: Tokushima prefecture Governor eyes stronger India-Japan partnership
Tokushima [Japan], June 4 (ANI): Masazumi Gotoda, Governor of Tokushima Prefecture in Japan, shared his vision for strengthening international relations, particularly with India, to promote exports and attract skilled foreign talent. Located on Shikoku Island, one of Japan's four main islands, Tokushima has emerged as the most proactive of the island's four prefectures in advancing global engagement. Governor Gotoda, who took office two years ago after serving 23 years in Japan's House of Representatives, has introduced bold administrative reforms aimed at transforming the prefecture. Among his first initiatives was the establishment of the International Affairs Office, a division he oversees directly. 'Deepening overseas relations is not just a policy--it's a necessity in a rapidly changing Japanese society,' said Governor Gotoda in an exclusive interview with ANI. Tokushima's ties with India are already robust, with several major Japanese firms operating in the country. Otsuka Pharmaceutical and its subsidiaries have set up facilities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, while the well-known LED manufacturer Nichia Corporation operates in Gurgaon. Shikoku Kakoki, another company from the region, exports shelf-stable, paper-packed tofu -- a unique food product that does not require refrigeration, showcasing Tokushima's innovation in food processing. Facing Japan's demographic challenges such as declining population and workforce, Governor Gotoda emphasised the need for innovative governance and international collaboration. A strong advocate of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, he pointed to the success of Kamiyama Marugoto College, where nearly 90 per cent of students come from outside the prefecture. 'This institution is a symbol of our commitment to cultivating future-ready talent,' he said. Governor Gotoda is also championing the acceptance of foreign workers to address labour shortages. Last year, Tokushima recorded Japan's highest increase in both the rate and amount of the minimum wage. He believes this competitive wage growth will help attract high-level professionals and visitors from India. 'We are committed to creating an environment where international talent can thrive,' he said. Tokushima is not only progressive in policy but also rich in tradition and natural beauty. The prefecture is home to Awa Odori, Japan's iconic dance festival, as well as sacred pilgrimage routes and lush landscapes. Governor Gotoda's office reflects his pride in local culture, adorned with Tokushima's specialty products. 'Promoting our cultural assets through global partnerships is a vital part of our strategy,' he added. In his concluding remarks, Governor Gotoda expressed hope that India and Tokushima will forge even stronger ties in the coming years--anchored in shared values of innovation, tradition, and mutual prosperity. (ANI)
India Gazette
29-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Japan: Tokushima Prefecture Governor Masazumi Gotoda eyes stronger ties with India
Tokushima [Japan], May 29 (ANI): Masazumi Gotoda, Governor of Tokushima Prefecture in Japan, shared his vision for strengthening international relations, particularly with India, to promote exports and attract skilled foreign talent. Located on Shikoku Island, one of Japan's four main islands, Tokushima has emerged as the most proactive of the island's four prefectures in advancing global engagement. Governor Gotoda, who took office two years ago after serving 23 years in Japan's House of Representatives, has introduced bold administrative reforms aimed at transforming the prefecture. Among his first initiatives was the establishment of the International Affairs Office, a division he oversees directly. 'Deepening overseas relations is not just a policy--it's a necessity in a rapidly changing Japanese society,' said Governor Gotoda in an exclusive interview with ANI. Tokushima's ties with India are already robust, with several major Japanese firms operating in the country. Otsuka Pharmaceutical and its subsidiaries have set up facilities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, while the well-known LED manufacturer Nichia Corporation operates in Gurgaon. Shikoku Koki, another company from the region, exports shelf-stable, paper-packed tofu -- a unique food product that does not require refrigeration, showcasing Tokushima's innovation in food processing. Facing Japan's demographic challenges such as declining population and workforce, Governor Gotoda emphasised the need for innovative governance and international collaboration. A strong advocate of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, he pointed to the success of Kamiyama Marugoto College, where nearly 90 per cent of students come from outside the prefecture. 'This institution is a symbol of our commitment to cultivating future-ready talent,' he said. Governor Gotoda is also championing the acceptance of foreign workers to address labour shortages. Last year, Tokushima recorded Japan's highest increase in both the rate and amount of the minimum wage. He believes this competitive wage growth will help attract high-level professionals and visitors from India. 'We are committed to creating an environment where international talent can thrive,' he said. Tokushima is not only progressive in policy but also rich in tradition and natural beauty. The prefecture is home to Awa Odori, Japan's iconic dance festival, as well as sacred pilgrimage routes and lush landscapes. Governor Gotoda's office reflects his pride in local culture, adorned with Tokushima's speciality products. 'Promoting our cultural assets through global partnerships is a vital part of our strategy,' he added. In his concluding remarks, Governor Gotoda expressed hope that India and Tokushima will forge even stronger ties in the coming years--anchored in shared values of innovation, tradition, and mutual prosperity. (ANI)
Mid East Info
06-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE's FoodTech Challenge Unveils 42 Trailblazing Semifinalists from Around the World Competing for $2 Million Cash Prize
The third edition of the FoodTech Challenge received more than 1,200 submissions from 113 countries A panel of regional and international judges selected 42 standout startups as this year's semifinalists Four winners will be announced later this year, sharing a $2million cash prize to scale their solutions across the UAE and underserved markets in the Global South (L-to-R) Rima Al Mokarrab, Chair of Tamkeen, and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge, and H.E. Mariam Al Mheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge during the launch of the 3rd iteration of The FoodTech Challenge. Abu Dhabi, UAE: May 2025 – The FoodTech Challenge (FTC) has shortlisted 42 innovative early-stage startups for their tech-driven solutions that have the potential to transform global food systems. Organized by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen and delivered in partnership with the Gates Foundation, ne'ma, the UAE's Food Loss and Waste Initiative, and Silal, a leading UAE agri-food company, the third iteration of FTC offers its biggest cash prize to date. The competition was announced at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in 2024. Later this year, four winners will receive a share of $2 million in cash grants. In addition to funding, each winner will benefit from go-to-market support and access to a global network – empowering them to deploy their solutions in the UAE and scale across the Global South. With its arid desert climate, limited arable land, and scarce freshwater resources, the UAE offers an ideal launchpad for pioneering innovations that can be adapted to similar environments worldwide. FTC's shortlisted candidates were selected by a panel of more than 30 technical and commercial experts spanning agri-tech, venture capital, climate science, food systems, and policy. Judges received more than 1,200 entries from across 113 countries, an 80% increase in applications over the previous edition. Submissions feature groundbreaking solutions, from lab-grown dairy products and regenerative seaweed farming to AI-powered crop monitoring and biodegradable hydrogels. Startups from the UAE accounted for 16% of the semifinalist cohort, underscoring the Emirates' emergence as a global hub for agri-tech innovation, while 40% have at least one female co-founder and 33% are led or co-led by youth entrepreneurs. The cohort includes startups from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, the UAE, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer, Emirates Foundation and ne'ma Committee Secretary General, said: 'The third edition of the Food Tech Challenge continues to spotlight the power of innovation in transforming the future of food systems. This year's shortlist is a testament to the ingenuity of local and global startups working at the intersection of technology and sustainability—45 percent of which are tackling food loss and waste, one of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. From smart packaging and AI-driven analytics to urban agriculture and renewable energy solutions, these finalists reflect the bold, cross-sectoral approaches we need to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. ne'ma is proud to support this platform that accelerates impactful solutions and contributes to building a vibrant community of changemakers.' Salmeen al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer, Silal, said: 'As the UAE emerges as a global leader in agri-tech innovation, we take pride in contributing to its successes by supporting initiatives such as the FoodTech Challenge. Bold and scalable solutions require a launchpad for growth, and this year's cohort is filled with truly innovative solutions that, with the right support, can help make a real impact. We look forward to working closely with the finalists and winners, providing them market access as part of our wider commitment to catalyzing change in the food and agriculture industry.' In the next phase of the competition, selected startups will participate in a series of interviews and pitches, ultimately leading to the selection of a final top 10 shortlist. Finale judges for the third edition of the FTC include HE Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court of the UAE, and Co-Chair of FTC; Rima Al Mokarrab, Chair of Tamkeen and Co-Chair of FTC; HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and CEO of KBW Ventures; Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer, Emirates Foundation and ne'ma Committee Secretary General; Rodger Voorhies, President of Global Growth & Opportunity at the Gates Foundation; Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director at CGIAR; Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and former UN Special Envoy to the Food Systems Summit; and Dr. Shamal Mohammed, CEO, Innovation Oasis at Silal. Launched under the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051, FTC leverages the country's arid, resource-scarce environment as a launchpad for scalable innovations. With an estimated two billion more people to feed by 2050, the competition is anchored in the UAE's broader vision to food security by identifying and supporting solutions related to the food-water-energy nexus, reducing food loss and waste, and accelerating solutions that can be replicated globally. Winners of previous editions have gone on to achieve notable success, securing follow-on funding, forming strategic partnerships, and bringing their innovations to market. Among them are iyris (formerly Red Sea Farms), which has raised over $34 million since its win and scaled its technologies across Silal farms in Abu Dhabi, and Orbisk, which completed a €8.3 million Series A funding round in December 2024. To date, FTC winners have raised a total of $60 million for their solutions following their participation in the challenge. About the Food Tech Challenge FTC: The FoodTech Challenge (FTC) is a global competition that identifies and supports leading early-stage, tech-driven solutions poised to transform food systems in arid, hot, and increasingly challenging environments. These environments, in addition to being among the most food-insecure nations, are also underserved, untapped for innovations, and underinvested in by traditional agricultural practices. Organized by the United Arab Emirates, FTC is on a mission to catalyze innovation to address the unprecedented strain that climate change, changing demographics, and other supply disruptions are placing on the food security of more countries each year. The third edition of the FoodTech Challenge is structured around three key focus areas related to the food-water-energy nexus: Food & Water, Food & Energy, and Food Loss & Waste. The competition will enable four winners to develop their solutions in the UAE and deploy them across underserved markets in the Global South, with each winner benefitting from a shared prize of $2M in cash grants, as well as access to a robust network of partners. FTC empowers innovators to contribute to a world where food security is a reality for all. The competition is delivered by the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court of the UAE and Tamkeen in partnership with ne'ma, the UAE's Food Loss and Waste Initiative; Silal, the UAE's leading agtech company; the Gates Foundation, Clinton Global Initiative, and other key partners. The program is further supported by Ecosystem Enablers, including start-up accelerators such as Hub71, Sheraa, and startAD; organizations like the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, AGRA, and CGIAR A4IP; and companies such as Al Tamimi & Company.
Hi Dubai
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Hi Dubai
UAE Unveils Groundbreaking Model to Combat Digital Violence and Empower Women at UN Commission
The UAE has introduced a pioneering initiative to combat digital violence and protect women and girls globally, revealed during the country's participation in the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The "UAE Regulatory and Preventive Model to Combat Digital Violence and Violence Against Women and Girls" demonstrates the nation's unwavering commitment to women's rights and gender equality on the international stage. This comprehensive model incorporates 35 legislative frameworks and 46 awareness initiatives, developed in collaboration with 22 national institutions. It also integrates global agreements aimed at safeguarding women's rights and promoting gender balance. Recognized as a global reference, the model serves as a blueprint to address digital violence and support sustainable development. Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Ministry of Interior's International Affairs Office, emphasized that the UAE's progressive vision, rooted in justice and equality, has made it a leader in protecting women and girls, especially in the digital realm. These initiatives, designed to empower women, enable them to safely navigate digital spaces and contribute to society's growth. Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, underscored that the UAE's commitment extends beyond legislation, fostering an environment that supports women's ambitions. This has been reflected in the country's top rankings in global competitiveness indicators related to gender equity. The model also highlights the UAE's alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. The UAE's leadership in combating violence and empowering women strengthens its position as a global leader in advancing gender equity and protecting women's rights. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Abdullah bin Zayed, New Zealand counterpart discuss strengthening cooperation, partnership
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Winston Peters, New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, today in Abu Dhabi. The meeting took place on the sidelines of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025. During the meeting, the UAE Top Diplomat extended a warm welcome to Winston Peters and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Sheikh Abdullah underscored the strong and long-standing ties between the UAE and New Zealand, which are built on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests. He also emphasised the commitment to further developing collaboration in key areas, supporting both nations' aspirations for comprehensive development and sustainable economic prosperity. The discussions also covered regional and international developments, with both sides exchanging views on various pressing issues. The meeting was attended by Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability of the UAE and Rashid Matar Al Qemzi, Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of New Zealand. Following the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Winston Peters witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Arrangement for Scientific Cooperation in Antarctica between the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates and the New Zealand Antarctic Institute. Representing the UAE, the memorandum was signed by Abdulla Balalaa while New Zealand was represented by Paula Wilson, Deputy Secretary of Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Australia group.
