UP & Yamanashi Ink 4 MoUs, Launch ₹600 Cr MSME Fund

Uttar Pradesh and Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture formally established a new partnership, signing four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation across several critical sectors. This collaboration includes the creation of a substantial fund aimed at attracting Japanese micro, small, and medium enterprises to invest in Uttar Pradesh.

The agreements were officially announced on August 21, 2026, during the Japan–India Business Networking Event held in Lucknow.

Key Financial Commitment

• A ₹600-crore fund has been specifically allocated to support Yamanashi-based Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• This fund is designed to facilitate investment by these Japanese businesses into Uttar Pradesh.

Expanding Cooperation Across Sectors

The signed MoUs outline specific areas for joint initiatives, connecting Japanese expertise with Uttar Pradesh’s economic and workforce development goals.

• Technical Training: Invest UP will collaborate with the Technical Training & Research Centre in Kanpur on workforce development and job placement.
• Tourism Promotion: The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and Yamanashi will promote Buddhist and cultural tourism, targeting Japanese visitors.
• Global Capability Centres: Invest UP and Yamanashi will encourage establishing Japanese Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Noida and Greater Noida.
• Skilled Workforce: The Labour Department and Yamanashi will develop Japanese-language-proficient workers for employment opportunities in Japan.

Beyond these, an additional agreement was forged between the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and the Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly to enhance legislative ties through mutual visits and information exchange.

Strategic Investment and Oversight

Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki revealed the ₹600-crore fund, emphasizing its role in boosting technology, investment, and employment links between the regions. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath underscored the importance of structured, long-term cooperation beyond initial investment discussions.

Chief Minister Adityanath also announced the creation of a dedicated Yamanashi Desk at Invest UP, designed to serve as a direct communication channel for Japanese investors and businesses. This initiative aims to streamline interactions and support for potential investments.

The state government further plans to coordinate regularly with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A 90-day review mechanism will also be implemented to monitor project progress, land allocation, and investment-related issues, ensuring accountability and timely execution.