The Government of Japan has decided to extend  grant assistance up to a total of one billion, seven hundred and fifty-two million Japanese Yen (¥1,752,000,000), equivalent to one billion, eight hundred and thirty-two million Nepalese Rupees (NRs.1,832,000,000) to the Government of Nepal for the implementation of two different ODA Projects in Japan’s Fiscal Year 2016.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal, and with the gracious presence of Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of the Government of Nepal,  Krishna Bahadur Mahara, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Japan,  Nobuo KISHI at the Signing Ceremony,  Masashi OGAWA, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and  Lok Darshan Regmi, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, have signed and exchanged two separate sets of Notes today on behalf of their respective Governments.

Similarly,  Jun SAKUMA, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal and Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, Joint Secretary of the International Economic Cooperation and Coordination Division of the Ministry of Finance of Nepal signed and exchanges two separate sets of Grant Agreements (G/A) on behalf of their respective organizations for the smooth implementation of the Projects.

Under the first Notes, the Government of Japan intends to extend a total of up to one billion, four hundred and fifty-two million Japanese Yen (¥1,452,000,000),  equivalent to one billion, five hundred and eighteen million Nepalese Rupees (NRs.1,518,000,000) to the Government of Nepal for the implementation of the Project for Improvement of Aviation Safety Facilities in Major Airports with the purpose of improving the safety and efficiency of air transport in Nepal.

According to a press release issued by Japanese Embassy, for the improvement of aviation safety facilities in Nepal, the Project will install a Localizer (LOC) with Terminal Distance Measuring Equipment (T-DME) at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA); install VHF Omni-directional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) at Chadragadhi and Dhangadhi Airports; install VOR/DME Test Rack at the Navigation Aid Maintenance Section at Sinamangal, Kathmandu; supply and replace equipment to enhance capacity at the Civil Aviation Academy, Sanothimi, and install other necessary equipment, such as Runway Threshold Identification Lights, Runway Threshold and End Lights, Runway Edge Lights, and Solar Power Supply Systems at Lukla, Jomsom, Jumla, Rara and Simikot Airports, based on the plan/design envisage by this Project.

After the completion of this Project, it is expected that the number of flights that can land with precision by using the LOC at TIA will be increased; the number of flights that can fly to the designated airports by utilizing VOR/DME will be increased, and the runway usability factor for big aircrafts at TIA will be improved. As a result of this project, aviation safety will be significantly enhanced at the eight selected airports.

Under the second Notes, the Government of Japan will extend a total up to three hundred million Japanese Yen (¥300,000,000), equivalent to three hundred and thirteen million Nepalese Rupees (NRs.313,000,000) for the implementation of the School Sector Development Program (SSDP).

Education is an investment in human capital and the foundation for a nation’s sustainable social and economic development that eradicates the cycle of poverty and enables nation building. Thus the budgetary support extended today is also intended to support Poverty Reduction Efforts by the Government of Nepal, through exclusively executing the School Sector Development Program (SSDP). Japan is well aware of the strong commitment Nepal has to the implementation of SSDP. This support will also enable Nepal’s Government  to realize its  global commitments such as for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in education.

On the occasion, ambassador OGAWA noted that the Government of Nepal has been strongly focusing on improving basic education. As a result, over the past two decades Nepal has made significant progress on the provision of and access to basic education. However, many challenges still remain to be tackled, especially improving  the quality of learning for all children in the classroom.

Reiterating the history of Japan’s ODA to Nepal, ambassador OGAWA noted that the Government of Japan has been extending Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Nepal since 1969 for the improvement of the socio-economic status of the Nepalese people. This year, Japan and Nepal have been working hand-in-hand to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relation between the two countries. In this context, several programs and events have been launched and many others are due to take place. 

Finally, ambassador OGAWA expressed his firm confidence that the objectives being envisaged by these Projects will be achieved, thereby further strengthening the existing cordial relationship of friendship and cooperation between the people of Japan and Nepal.