Gifu University Center for Collaborative Study with Community, Juroku Bank, Ltd. and Central Nippon Expressway Company (NEXCO) Nagoya Branch signed the Memorandum of Understanding for Next-Generation Regional Leader Fostering Program on July 27, 2018.

Gifu University is currently offering the Next-Generation Regional Leader Fostering Program - Business Leader Course to students with a special emphasis on internship programs. The main purposes of this program are:

- To deepen mutual understanding between students and business

- To promote students' employment and taking-root in local communities, and

- By doing the two above, the university seeks to contribute to regional revitalization

Gifu University, NEXCO Nagoya Branch and Juroku Bank have jointly carried out Regional Brand Discovery Project since 2016 with the participation of university students. This project is designed to explore a new marketing channel for unique commercial items, and support the development of new products for local business and industry. The three signed the MOU in hopes of nurturing human resources capable of exerting strong leadership in communities.

In a signing ceremony, Mr. Nakamura, Director of Corporate Business Division, Juroku Bank stated that everyone realizes the significance of the trilateral partnership and feels the importance of regional invigoration by way of joint human resource development rooted in local communities. His statement was followed by a message from Mr. Taniue of NEXCO Nagoya Branch, "We would like to join hands in building unique service areas and parking lots where visitors can fully enjoy attractions of each region. We would also like to make a contribution to growth and prosperity of local communities by taking advantage of each strength and characteristics." Dr. Koichi Masukawa, Director of the Center for Collaborative Study with Community then expressed his strong hope for regional revitalization or rebirth by combining individual strengths, reinforcing the partnership and cultivating regional leaders.

By signing the MOU, the Center for Collaborative Study with Community, Juroku Bank and NEXCO Nagoya Branch will continue to endeavor for a powerful partnership and fostering talented personnel for regional dynamics.