50 Japanese firms might set up projects at Mandal.

The upcoming Japanese cluster at Mandal, about 100 km from Ahmedabad, is likely to see around 50 Japanese companies set up projects there. According to state government sources, some have already sought land. Leading companies allotted land in the industrial park include a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Aluminium, TS Tech, and a car seat maker, Roki Minda (a joint venture between NK Minda Group and Roki Co Ltd. of Japan). Since big Japanese companies such as Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India and Indo-Japanese joint venture Maruti Suzuki India were setting up manufacturing facilities in the area, there would be a host of Japanese ancillary firms following them, a senior official in the know said.

The Japan External Trade Organisation is playing a crucial role in attracting investment into the cluster.

BS