The Government of Japan, in its 2018 Autumn Imperial Decorations, conferred upon Mr. Onkar S. Kanwar, Chairman, Apollo Tyres, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. Mr. Kanwar received the recognition for his contributions towards strengthening the economic relations between Japan and India, and for promoting Japanese companies’ entry into the Indian market.
Order of Decoration: ‘Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star’.
Service: Strengthening the economic relations between Japan and India, and promoting Japanese companies’ entry into the Indian market.
Major positions held by Mr. Kanwar:
- Chairman of India-Japan Business Cooperation Committee, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), 2005 – Present
- Chairman of FICCI, 2004-2005
- Chairman of Apollo Tyres Ltd., 2002 – Present
Commenting on receiving the honour, Mr. Onkar Kanwar said: “I would like to thank the Government of Japan for bestowing me with this Order. I am truly honoured to receive it. I would also like to thank the Indian Government, especially, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for giving me this opportunity to work towards boosting trade ties between India and Japan.”
Mr. Kanwar has served as the Chairman of FICCI India – Japan Business Cooperation Committee since 2005. The tyre industry veteran actively participated in the discussions that led to the conclusion of the Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Through the convening of regular joint meetings on business cooperation with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), he has contributed tremendously to strengthening economic relations between Japan and India, and towards Japanese private investments into India.
As Chairman of Apollo Tyres, Mr. Kanwar has supported the entry of Japanese automotive industries into the Indian market, and their market expansion by supplying compatible quality tyres to Japanese manufacturers. Under his leadership, Apollo Tyres has also introduced Total Quality Management (TQM) and other Japanese philosophies within the organization.
Mr. Kanwar has also been awarded the Officers Cross (Civilian Division) of the ‘Order of Merit’ of Hungary. This Award was conferred upon him in recognition of his work towards strengthening Hungarian-Indian economic relations through the company’s investment in Hungary, thereby helping create new jobs in Hungary.
The decoration was first awarded by the President of the Republic of Hungary, Mr. Janos Ader, on the recommendation of the Hungarian Prime Minister. H. E. Gyula Petho, Ambassador of Hungary to India, officially handed over the ‘Order of Merit’ to Mr. Kanwar in Delhi at a specially hosted reception.