Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 15: Masahiko Kato, Global CEO of Mizuho Bank, recently highlighted India’s rising significance for Japanese businesses, describing the country as the most promising destination for investment and growth. Speaking to the Economic Times following Mizuho’s acquisition of Avendus Capital in December 2025, Kato outlined the bank’s strategy to deepen India-Japan economic engagement.
“Our strategy is to build the India-Japan corridor — supporting Japanese companies entering India and Indian companies expanding overseas. We aim to bring the full strength of the Mizuho group — commercial banking, investment banking, and global boutique advisory — into a single integrated offering. This model has succeeded for us in the US, and we are confident it will succeed here as well,” Kato said.
Mizuho is combining its commercial banking expertise with investment banking capabilities acquired through Avendus to offer an integrated platform for cross-border business. Japanese corporates entering India, as well as Indian companies exploring international expansion, are expected to benefit from this comprehensive approach.
Kato noted a sharp surge in India-related client inquiries, rising over 50% in FY2024 alone, reflecting growing interest from Japanese businesses. He emphasized that Japan’s largest financial institutions are strategically deploying billions into India, not as isolated transactions, but as part of a long-term investment vision.
Japanese perceptions of India have shifted markedly in recent years. According to Kato, surveys by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation have ranked India as the top investment destination since 2022. Japanese investment in India is projected to reach 1.2 trillion yen by 2025, underlining the country’s centrality in corporate and financial planning.
Kato’s comments signal a robust future for the India-Japan business corridor, with Mizuho Bank positioning itself as a key facilitator of bilateral investment and economic collaboration.