Japan can help India with green technology: Abe

Amid deep concerns about increasing pollution levels in the Delhi National Capital Region, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday said its environment friendly coal-fire power generator technology can help in meeting the challenge.

Abe also said the Delhi metro has helped in reducing the number of vehicles.

The metro, which was started in the capital with aid from Japan, has now expanded to major cities of India and is considered a convenient mode of commuting.

"I believe it will result in lesser cars and cleaner air for Delhi ... if the highly efficient environment friendly coal fire power generator technology of Japan spreads in India, it will result in reduction of pollution and make life healthier and more comfortable," he said while addressing Indian industry in Delhi.

Abe, who is in Delhi on a three-day visit, said Japan has created business opportunities worth $1.5 trillion yen in India.

Japan is providing both technical and financial assistance in several infrastructure projects in India including the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project.

"We have also made available a special financial framework for easier business of Japanese companies making new investments in India," he said.

Abe said, "I want representatives of Indian industry to come and see the rejuvenated Japan for themselves and invest in Japan. Borrowing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's words I would say to all of you - come invest in Japan."

Mentioning the different initiatives of India, including 'Make in India', 'Digital India' and 'Skill India', he said what is common to all these programmes is the philosophy of thought of advancement of Indian economy and to take care of people.

He also said that the cooperation in the area of science and technology between the countries will contribute to reducing problems not only of India but also of the world.

"Economic growth often hits wall. These are things like malice of developed countries and the trap of mid-income countries. The key to conquering both is increase in productivity by way of innovation. India and Japan must sow more seeds of innovation and nurture them and make it bloom," he added.

Abe said that Japanese industries in the process of growth have experienced pollution and industrial accidents.

With blood stains, Japanese companies have developed environment friendly and reliable economic products over the last so many years.

"Strong India is good for Japan and strong Japan is in the best interest of India. Strong Indo-Japan relationship will contribute to peace and prosperity of Asia and the world," he added.

Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at$16.29 billion in 2014-15 as against $15.51 billion in 2013-14.

India has received USD 19.16 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan during April 2000 and September 2015.