It is natural to feel excited about Japan's intentions over moving towards India but there is no need to go ga-ga over it. In the past also, Japan has made such overtures only to disppoint in actually implementing the promises. Japan preferred other south east asian countires like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines and then China over India. They always believe in absolute control and are wary of giving their technology. They did not get the expected promises from India and hence held back. Besides, apart from Honda and later Toyota, Japanese companies did not exactly won over Indian consumer. Sony and Matsushita failed against Samsung and LG. Suzuki succeeded initially only because of Government protection and now that has gone, Hyundai and Tata are eating away its share. In the Light Commercial Vehciles, Tata and Eicher literally banged door on them. Hence Japan's experience with India has not been so good. They are once again interested only because of India's growing clout and China's rising costs. So we should not show any preferential treatment to them. Afterall, we should not forget that though Japan continues to be a rich nation, China and India will overtake it eventually. It is the era of BRIC nations and we should deal with Japan on equal's terms
RE:Do not go ga-ga over Japan
by bipin kumar on Aug 24, 2007 12:27 AM Permalink
I can't disagree more. We *should* whole heartedly show preferential treatment to the Japanese. What we need is their investment which is much broader in aspects than success/failure of few of their companies. India's place in BRIC is due to healthy economic growth. And this growth can't continue without significant improvement in our infrastructure. For this to happen India requires money/knowhow/technology to achieve it as fast as she can. The Japanese have all three of the above which would help us. That they eschewed coming to us in past is no reason to hold it against them. They are coming now and we must facilitate their smooth transition to our country.
RE:Do not go ga-ga over Japan
by Pradip Parekh on Aug 24, 2007 02:51 AM Permalink
it is not smart to play favorites in economics of free market, which india should be if it already isn't. besides, japan is a freedom loving country and is interested in indian market; so let it be. i do not know what you mean by giving japan a "preferential treatment". according a warm welcome is a hindu tradition. heck india gives "preferetial treatment" to the pope of the vatican, and what good is he to india if not causing troubles and heartaches?
