Chandigarh, June 30 -- Japan's Fukuoka Prefectural government has sought Haryana's co-operation in developing skilled manpower for employment in Japan's manufacturing, semiconductors, automobiles and information technology sectors. A Prefecture is an administrative division, much like a state, in Japan. A Haryana government spokesperson said about 80% of companies in Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture, including those operating in semiconductors, automobiles and information technology, are facing a severe shortage of technically skilled manpower. Seeking to address its skilled labour requirements, the Fukuoka Prefectural government has sought Haryana's cooperation. About 50,000 youngsters from Haryana can be given employment opportunities in Fukuoka over the next five years, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said a high-level meeting under the banner of 'Haryana-Fukuoka Connect 2026' was held in Chandigarh on Monday to strengthen cooperation between the two provincial governments in the area of industrial investment, skill development, technical education and human resource development. Representatives from the Fukuoka Prefectural Government, Fukuoka Institute of Technology and industry leaders held extensive discussions with Haryana government officials, universities and various departments, the spokesperson said. During the meeting, both sides deliberated on industrial ecosystems, investment opportunities, technical manpower needs and educational cooperation. They agreed to expand employment, internship and skill development opportunities in Japan for Indian youth, particularly 50,000 students and technical professionals from Haryana, over the next five years. Commissioner and secretary, foreign cooperation, Amneet P Kumar, briefed the delegation on Haryana government's industrial policies, investment promotion initiatives and special industrial ecosystem being developed for Japanese firms. She reiterated state government's commitment to providing speedy approvals, a single-window system and an industry-friendly environment to investors. Kumar said during his visit to Japan last year, CM Nayab Singh Saini expressed commitment towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in various sectors. Commissioner and secretary, industries and commerce department, Amit Kumar Agrawal said to institutionalise cooperation between Haryana and Fukuoka, a Haryana Sakura Working Group has been formed. Director general, foreign cooperation, Ashok Kumar Meena, said the department is working to support foreign firms and will collaborate with Fukuoka to provide technically proficient manpower....