JICA Nepal Office Quarterly Newsletter Vol 71 December 2016 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Nepal epal and Japan have built an excellent cordial relationship Never since its establishment in September 1956 through exchanges in various fields mainly economy, culture and tourism. This year marks the 60th anniversary year of the long established diplomatic relations between the two countries. Nepal is well known to Japanese people for the beautiful and glorious Himalayas. Many Japanese tourists visit Nepal, and they are impressed by the magnificent nature, beautiful cities and villages as well as the warm hospitality of the people of Nepal. Japanese people have shown great solidarity by visiting Nepal resulting in increased credibility for various other potential travellers to tour and Nepal. The logo designed by Mr. rich in art, culture and cultural heritage the country. The friendship between Hiromitsu Kono has been used by the and both countries have taken care to the two countries has been nurtured in governments of Japan and Nepal and preserve and maintain these areas. This histories of the relations among people, also by organizations of events endorsed commonality contributes to the depth and the tie is strengthened every year. by the governments to celebrate the and interest of collaboration between establishment of diplomatic relations the two cultures. Embassy of Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan between Japan and Nepal throughout organized numerous events to celebrate unveiled a new logo to commemorate this year. the occasion that exhibits the rich the 60th anniversary in consultation traditional culture and arts of Japan. It is with the Government of Nepal. The logo It is expected that the friendly ties hoped that the exhibition have allowed unites Japan’s national flower, Sakura, between the people of the two countries viewers to experience the freshness and and Nepal’s national flower, Laligurans, would be further strengthened by variety of current Japanese art and at with mountain from each country to commemorating various events in both the same time provide an opportunity for represent the friendship between Japan the countries. Like Nepal, Japan is very understanding the fundamental appeal THREE FOUR FIVE SEVEN Construction of Roads Tribhuvan International Peaceful and JICA’s Quick Impact Access to Development: Airport (TIA) Harmonious Society Projects incorporating Preliminary Impacts Modernization Project BBB (Build Back Better) December 2016 NEWSLETTER 1 concept 2015 Cover Story 60th Anniversary of the... ...contd from pg 1 and its significance. program and emergency relief. early reconstruction as possible, with The support coverage ranges from an aim to “Build Back Better” from the Japan attaches great importance to transport, energy, water and sanitation, earthquake disaster. the role Nepal can play in the stability education, health, peace building, and development in the region. Japan governance and agriculture that solely State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Nobuo is committed to develop and broaden aims to enhance Nepal’s development Kishi visited Nepal from 30th August to its bilateral relations with Nepal and in a comprehensive manner for 1st September, 2016 to attend a special pledges to continue its support to sustainable and balanced economic ceremony organized by the Government Nepal’s development. Japan’s support is growth. of Nepal to mark the 60th anniversary of highly visible in the field of infrastructure the establishment of diplomatic relations which provides the foundation for Both Nepal and Japan have a history between Japan and Nepal. During his stay stronger relationships in future and of helping each other, as we both live in Kathmandu, State Minister Kishi met recently has been investing to focus its in countries with earthquake disasters. high-ranking officials of the Government cooperation and support in the field of After the Great East Japan Earthquake, of Nepal and attended the ceremony socio-economic development. Japan received blankets from the people organized by the Government of Nepal. of Nepal, and Nepalese residents Japanese Government have been in Japan provided curry dishes to Japan has a tradition of celebrating supporting Nepal through its Official people living in disaster-stricken areas. 60th birthday as “Kanreki,” which Development Assistance (ODA) Following the Nepal earthquake in signifies the turning point in life where through JICA (Japan International April 2015, Japan seamlessly have a new beginning is celebrated after Cooperation Agency) as an been providing assistance, extending the completion of first cycle. Likewise implementing agency in various from emergency and humanitarian both Japan and Nepal is determined forms such as technical cooperation, assistance to that of recovery and to work towards another 60 years ODA loans, grant aid, public private reconstruction. Since then Japan has of glorious bilateral relations with partnership, citizen participation- continued to cooperate closely with added accomplishments in terms of Volunteer program, JICA partnership the Government of Nepal to achieve as camaraderie and development. JICA’s ConTRIbuTIons In nepAL JICA’s 4 PIllARs of CUMULATIVE COOPERATION UP TO 2014 COOPERATION NPR 71 NPR 79 BILLION BILLION FOR TECHNICAL COOPERATION FOR YEN LOAN NPR 198 5,520 BILLION GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FOR GRANT AID TRAINING IN JAPAN Infrastructure Promotion of Rural Poverty Recovery and & Institution Democracy & Reduction Reconstruction Development Federalization from 2,585 1,327 Earthquake JICA EXPERTS VOLUNTEERS 2 NEWSLETTER December 2016 Major Achievements CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS Access to Development: Preliminary Impacts Other benefits include the expansion sphere of market for agricultural and dairy products of neighboring farmers; secured supply of essential commodities and to enhance the welfare of rural people improving the access to schools, hospitals, government offices and so on. With the construction of Sindhuli Road the regional economy also has made major progress since the road was built as the number of people residing in the area increased with the increment of commercial and industrial activities giving boost to households, shops and small factories. This shift promoted sustainable income generating activities Banepa-Sindhuli BP Highway which subsequently lessened the dependency on regular employment and foreign nation migration of youths mainly, alongside the benefit of BANEPA-SINDHULI (BP HIGHWAY) AND uplifting the living standard of the local people. KATHMANDU- BHAKTAPUR ROAD. Access to viable road system is one of the key factors for the Local farmers in Sindhuli districts are now able to sell their products development of a nation like Nepal which is naturally possessing easily in capital or markets of Terai. Sindhuli district alone produced challenging topography. Better road facility seems more like a luxury 9,500 tons of sweet orange last year in comparison to 24,000 due to limited number of highways and other commutable regular metric tons, produced in total all over Nepal. Mr. Ram Bahadur pathways. Roads and bridges are not only basic infrastructures Thapa, a local resident of the Jalakanya VDC proudly informs for transportation of people and goods from one place to another earning NPR 500 thousand annually through farming of sweet but also the means for development and stimulation of the oranges (Junar). He also built a house for his family through regular socio-economic activity that contributes to stability, safety and savings from his income and is happy that both his children have strengthening the integration process of Nepal. better education as they now go to boarding school. Government of Japan has been assisting Nepal in building roads and Hotel business in the highway has increased, thanks to better access bridges since 1980’s. Two major road projects supported by JICA of roads which has resulted in increased number of local visitors Nepal are the Sindhuli Road, i.e. the BP Highway and Kathmandu- visiting the area. Also it has generated better employment opportunity Bhaktapur road. Sindhuli Road was constructed at the cost of 25 to people due to the number of new hotels operating there. billion Japanese Yen or about 22 billion Nepali Rupees and is one of the largest Japanese Grant Aid Projects. On 3rd July 2015, Japan Mr. Santosh Kumar Bam owner of a Hotel in the Sindhuli area states handed over the road to the Government of Nepal which took nearly that hotel business of his has managed to reap better benefits and two decades to complete the construction which began in 1995. The good returns to him in comparison to his other hotels ventures total length of Sindhuli road is about 160 km. which stretches between in other areas. The highway also has paved way for providing Bardibas in the terai to Dhulikhel near Kathmandu and covers districts home stay facilities to the tourist and visitors, which has facilitated like Sindhuli, Ramechhap and Kavrepalanchowk. Likewise, 9.1 km additional income generating activities for the local villagers. stretch of the Kathmandu-Bhaktapur Road widened from the existing 2 to 4 lanes from Tinkune in Kathmandu to Surya Binayak in Bhaktapur. Kathmandu valley now has an important alternative access to the JICA’s focus AREAs foR Terai plain via the Sindhuli road that significantly reduces the travel EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY distance and time to the eastern region. The Kathmandu-Bhaktapur road constructed