South Asia is home to about 2 billion people, roughly half of whom are under 25, making it a young region. With continued economic growth and a location linking Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, it attracts the interest of many companies and organizations. JICA has offices across the region and has supported infrastructure development, better trade and investment environments, improvements in health care and education, and stronger connections within and beyond the region.
At this seminar, representatives of JICA's offices and branch offices in India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bangladesh will come together to share what only people on the ground can tell: local conditions, JICA's work, research cooperation, inter-regional partnerships and business opportunities. A panel talk on collaborating with JICA projects, a Q&A session and a networking session afterward are also planned (the head of the Maldives office may join online).
Last year's seminar in Fukuoka drew 180 participants. This year it moves to Osaka. It is aimed at Japanese companies considering business in South Asia, as well as local governments, universities and anyone interested in partnering with JICA.
Key points
- A rare chance to hear from the heads of JICA offices in eight South Asian countries at once
- A wide range of topics, from local conditions to research cooperation and inter-regional partnerships, from an on-the-ground perspective
- Free of charge; in person only for the first 60 registrants, with time for networking
Why We Recommend This Event
South Asia is full of youthful energy, and JICA has long worked there in fields ranging from infrastructure to health care and education. Hearing from people who know the realities of eight countries in one place should make it easier to grasp both the differences between countries and the trends across the region.
The seminar is a useful entry point to international cooperation not only for companies but also for local governments, universities and people in many other roles.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“I was surprised that about 2 billion people live in South Asia and roughly half are under 25. Since office heads from eight countries gather at once, it should be interesting to compare the differences between countries.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“Like Aoba, I sense real potential in such a young population. The seminar also touches on JICA's cooperation in health care and education, not just business, so I hope it reaches people at local governments and universities too.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Listening to you both, I was reminded of the power of words from people on the ground. It is lovely that the texture of daily life, invisible in headlines, will be shared in Osaka. New connections seem likely to grow there.”
Interested in this event?
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“News coverage of South Asia often comes in fragments, so the chance to hear about the region today directly from people who live and work there is very appealing.
Participation is in person only for the first 60 people, and registration closes once capacity is reached, even before the deadline. If you are in the Kansai area and thinking about connections with South Asia, why not sign up early?”