HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has signed Letters of Intent (LoIs) with leading Japanese companies to collaborate on circular economy initiatives and establish an Eco Town in Hyderabad.
On Saturday, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and his delegation, including IT & Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu, took a bullet train from Osaka to Kitakyushu — a global model city for recycling and sustainable urban transformation.
Once one of the world’s most polluted cities, Kitakyushu is now recognised for its pioneering work in environmental restoration and green innovation. The delegation was received by Kitakyushu Mayor Kazuhisa Takeuchi at the historic Kokura Castle amidst performaces by traditional Taiko drummers and Samurai warriors.
Welcoming the delegation, Takeuchi made a detailed presentation on the transformation of Kitakyushu from a heavily industrialised and polluted city to one of the cleanest and most sustainable in the world. He expressed readiness to share the city’s expertise, technology and systems with Telangana to support its journey towards environmental excellence.
Sustainability no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity: CM
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said it was a moment of pride to witness the signing of LoIs with Japanese firms in the fields of circular economy, waste management, recycling and environmental protection. “We are committed to rapid development and job creation, alongside a strong focus on sustainability. It is no longer a luxury or a choice — it is a necessity,” he added.
“Today, as we formalise our partnership with companies like EX Research Institute, P9 LLC, Nippon Steel Engineering, New Chemical Trading and Amita Holdings, we are strengthening not just business ties but also a long-lasting friendship. This is the perfect time to consider Mayor Takeuchi’s proposal for a sister-city agreement between Kitakyushu and Hyderabad,” Revanth said.
He continued, “We share a vision — clean, circular, green and sustainable. Your Eco Town demonstrates what is possible when innovation is driven by commitment. I want to bring that same vision to Hyderabad and build our own Net Zero Future City.”
Meanwhile, Sridhar outlined Telangana’s industrial growth, reforms and investment-friendly policies, inviting Japanese firms to explore opportunities in green innovation.
“When you invest in Telangana, you’ll find a friendly government, world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce and strong alignment with environmental goals,” he said.
During the interaction, several new proposals were discussed. The Japanese side sought a direct flight connecting Hyderabad and Kitakyushu, while the chief minister requested the establishment of a Japanese-language school in Hyderabad. “Japan is facing a demographic challenge and needs young people for a variety of roles. We have the talent, but the key missing link is language,” he said.
Both sides agreed on the need for a structured mechanism to monitor progress, set time-bound targets and hold regular review meetings to advance the collaboration.
The delegation was also taken on a study tour of the Murasaki River restoration project and visited industrial recycling facilities for an on-ground understanding of Kitakyushu’s circular economy practices.
A riverfront walk and a visit to the city’s environmental museum offered further insights into Japan’s success in sustainability and urban renewal.