The government of Japan extended grant assistance of up to one billion and one hundred four million Japanese Yen (¥1,104,000,000) equivalent to one billion and fourteen million Nepalese Rupees (NRs.1,014,000,000) 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 to initiate this grant assistance, Masashi Ogawa, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Shanta Raj Subedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, have signed and exchanged two separate sets of notes today on behalf of their respective governments.

Hiroyasu Tonokawa, Senior 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, also signed and exchanged a separate set of grant agreements, on behalf of their respective organizations, for the smooth implementation of the Project for Improvement of Medical Equipment in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH).

Under the first set of signed notes, the government of Japan intends to extend a total of up to three hundred and fifty million Japanese Yen (¥350,000,000),  equivalent to three hundred and twenty one million Nepalese Rupees (NRs.321,000,000) to the government of Nepal for the implementation of the Food Assistance Program. Last year, Nepal was hit by a tragic earthquake which was followed by natural calamities including landslides and heavy rain. Many agro products washed away or withered to death. As a result, a huge number of Nepali people are still facing difficulties in securing. The aim of the grant assistance is to help the government of Nepal procure rice and supply it to people living in the districts of Nepal where the food deficits occur.

According to a press release issued by Japanese Embassy, the second set of notes indicate that the government of Japan will extend up to seven hundred fifty four million Japanese Yen (¥754,000,000), equivalent to six hundred and ninety three million Nepalese Rupees (NRs.693,000,000) for the implementation of the Project for Improvement of Medical Equipment in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). The major objective of this project is to improve the quality and quantity of medical services, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs). The project will replace a part of old medical equipment of TUTH and procure new medical equipment. The project will contribute to enhancing TUTH’s seamless provision of health services as the top referral hospital and to improve the preparedness for possible future disasters.

Japanese ambassador Ogawa expressed his firm confidence that the objectives being envisaged by these projects will be achieved, thereby further strengthening the friendly and cooperative relationship between the people of Japan and Nepal.