JICA Office Japan International Quarterly Newsletter Cooperation Agency October to December 2012 | VOLUME 67

constructed under Japan’s especial Grant A retrospection of JICA’s Aid for Environment and Climate Change is the first and model project to demonstrate how renewable energy implementation contributions in Nepal scheme can add up electric power to the - Bidhya Pokhrel national grid. The project is first of its kind Renewable energy in Nepal that procures and installs 680.4 ll sources of natural energy paced progress in promoting alternative KW grid connected Photovoltaic (PV) Ainexhaustible no matter to what and renewable energy is becoming visible generation system. amount they are used such as solar, wind now. and hydro power, and secondary energy Moreover, Technical Cooperation are collectively called renewable energy. Three Year Interim Plan (2010/11-2012/13) through several schemes reflects JICA’s Modern realization of alternative energy of the country focuses on the promotion contribution in the promotion of renewable started particularly from ‘Oil Shock’ of of alternative energy and expansion of and alternative energy. JICA’s Senior 1970s followed by the spirit of nationalism renewable energy under decentralized Volunteer’s contribution in technical for energy independence; rising concerns energy system. It sets forth conducive assistance in the Nepal Academy of on climate change and global warming environment for technology transfer Science and Technology (NAST) is equally to name a few. The Renewables Global for clean and renewable energy, and noteworthy. Kyoko Shuku in her capacity Status Report 2011 states that 16% of promotion of bioenergy as sustainable as JICA Senior Volunteer is providing global energy consumption comes from technology for rural areas. The Alternative technical inputs on the advancement renewable energy and new renewables Energy Promotion Center (AEPC), founded of solar power backup system of Solar (micro hydro, bio mass, bio fuel, solar, geo in 1996, is a major government agency that Laboratory in the NAST. Her technical thermal) accounts for 3% of final energy promotes development and deployment assistance mainly targets to connect consumption and is increasing rapidly. of renewable energies and alternative existing solar power backup system of energy technologies in Nepal. In line with NAST to the national grid. Topographically rich country like Nepal the government focus towards clean and has high prospect for utilizing natural renewable energy, Japan’s assistance has Continued on page 4 resources to expand renewable energy. also been contributing in the sector in However, despite ample natural energy different forms. resources, the opportunity to tap such a potential has not been adequately grabbed. JICA’s grant assistance and technical According to the Water and Energy cooperation to Nepal in this particular Commission Secretariat (WECS), Nepal’s sector is worth discussing. JICA’s especial Inside n total energy consumption from small scale grant assistance for the recently completed Wrap Therapy Page 2 n renewable energy sources such as biogas, Project for Introduction of Clean Prospects of Japanese investment Page 3 n micro hydro and solar energy contributed Energy by Solar Electricity Generation Observation of volunteers’ activities Page 5 n about 0.7% to the national balance in 2008/09 System contributed to add milestone in Education Caravan Page 6 n altogether. Although the share is small, it government initiatives to promote clean JICA Press Tour Page 7 n has increased by 40 % since 2005. The snail- and renewable energy. The Solar Plant Journalists’ feedback Page 8

Through 3,240 photovoltic solar panels, the JICA-funded solar project at

Sundarighat, Lalitpur, has been generating 680KW solar energy. Photo: Santosh Chhetri Wrap Therapy boon for treating bedsores - Santosh Chhetri

rap Therapy—a new method Wof treating bedsores previously unfamiliar in Nepal—is becoming increasingly popular in Nepali hospitals courtesy of JICA volunteer Osamu Watanabe. This inexpensive and simple method used for the care of pressure ulcers is introduced in Nepal first by the Japanese volunteer starting from Model Hospital.

Compared to basic wound-healing therapies, Wrap Therapy is a rational treatment method of burn and traumatic injuries as well as skin laceration as it helps heal sores faster ensuring a lubricated environment without applying stress on wounds. Under this method, bedsores are cleaned with saline water first then covered by food wrapping sheets, not like the treatment methods in which wounds are dried using gauzes and disinfectant that causes more pain and may sometimes result in full-blown infections.

So far Wrap Therapy has already been Santosh Chhetri applied in six hospitals—Bir Hospital, Kirtipur Hospital, Sushma Koirala Memorial Burn Hospital, Spinal Injury Ikuko Niizeki & & Niizeki Ikuko Rehabilitation Centre, Capital Hospital

and Model Hospital itself. More hospitals Photo: located in several parts of Nepal and health TRAILBLAZER: This inexpensive and simple treatment method used for the care of pressure practitioners are gearing up to introduce ulcers, introduced in Nepal by Osamu Watanabe, is gaining increasing popularity. this wound treatment method. Foundation Rehabilitation Center in the The plastic wrapping sheet, containing Watanabe has received a special mention US after graduating from Chiba Kashiwa a thin fibrin layer applied for bedsores of from doctors of Model Hospital, where he Rehabilitation College, Japan, in 2006. He all stages, protects wounds and ensures worked for two years before his assignment has engaged in physical therapy treatment speedy formation of epidermis. Watanabe came to an end in December 2012, for to scores of hospitalized patients and has is hopeful that this cheap treatment method bringing in this easy-healing therapeutic been organizing study sessions time to will be applied in many health institutions method to Nepal from Japan. A physical time. While he was in Nepal, he organized in a country like Nepal where the number therapist by profession, the JICA volunteer several workshops to inform nurses and of bedsore and burn injury patients is has a rich experience of working in Tsukuba health staff about Wrap Therapy and ways considerably high. If the figure made Central Hospital in Japan and Kaiser to use it, besides imparting training to available by Model Hospital is anything Model Hospital to become more patient to go by, Wrap Therapy will be the key friendly. treatment method to treat bedsores. In More hospitals located in the last one year, the hospital successfully several parts of Nepal and Doctors and nurses at Model Hospital, treated more than 2,000 patients through health practitioners are who earlier treated bedsore patients this method, says Amrita Tumbapo, a gearing up to introduce this mainly through the dressing method that physiotherapist at Model Hospital. wound treatment method can lead to rapid granulation development, have found that the application of Wrap (Mr Chhetri is Public Relations Consultant Therapy results in less wound cavity. of JICA Nepal)

2 Prospects of Japanese investment in Nepal

- Ram Bhandari

epal is promoting private investment, Nboth domestic and foreign direct investment for its economic growth. Enactment of Investment Act 2011, establishment of Investment Board, declaring Nepal Investment Year 2012- 13, working together with the private sector, enacting new industrial policy, the initiative to bring new industrial act to incorporate the provisions of new industrial policy, SEZ (special economic zone) initiatives, among others, are the

latest initiatives. JICA, through its new Photo: Santosh Chhetri country assistance strategy, has introduced private sector development as one of the important program areas for helping JICA Nepal Senior Representative Satoshi Fujii presenting his paper on “Private Sector economic growth of Nepal apart from its Development” at the national seminar on “Importance of Japanese Investment for Economic Development of Nepal“ organized by JICA Alumni Association of Nepal. continued support to develop economic and institutional infrastructures such as roads, hydropower. At the same time, • Investment in hydropower, as the • Cheap labor, abundance of young JAAN (JICA Alumni Association of Nepali stakeholders are concerned population in the population Nepal) while celebrating its 39th annual with the origin of the investment; composition, beautiful Himalayas, function had organized a national seminar Japanese investment would not face water resources, etc. are the on “Importance of Japanese Investment that problem comparative advantages to Nepal for Economic Development of Nepal”. • Investment targeting the aging while considering investments. The seminar was participated by Nepali population of Japan by capitalizing the • Japanese believe more on “realizing” Government officials, private sector and beautiful landscape of Nepal and thus rather than “saying” and the trust academia and also from the Japanese side developing rest homes and resorts building needs understanding their mainly from the Embassy of Japan and • Japanese market is the highest margin sentiments and needs. Some examples JICA. Very intensive and soul searching producing, hence the Japanese of trials made in the past and failed to type of deliberations and discussions investors can invest in Nepal targeting continue could be the representative were the centerpiece of the function. to export in Japan by capitalizing examples of Japanese requirements, In this article, it is intended to account the comparative cost advantages by which are narrated below. the comparative perceptions and made utilizing cheap labor of Nepal o Nepali Pashmina was very much suggestions to realize the investors from • Nepali people have special regards to liked products especially to Japan and utilize the Japanese market to Japanese people that can be another added Japanese ladies and was imported the Nepali products. advantages to the Japanese investors from Nepal. But, the quality which • Japanese investors can invest in IT was originally produced was not How does the Nepali side see the prospects sector in Nepal, capitalizing the Nepali maintained and that failed. for Japanese investors to Nepal and young IT graduates with good English o Nepali Tea, again Japanese Japanese market to Nepali products and • Technology transfer from Japan to awarded import order, but could whether the other side (Japanese) also see agriculture commercialization not continue because of the on the same line or there are gaps holds • Investment to vegetable seeds ‘mixing’ to the original quality important message to look at the prospects. production capitalizing the climatic o Nepali Garments import was How does Nepali side see the prospects? advantages again failed as the supplier could Below are the areas where Japanese not meet the delivery deadlines investors can be attracted or Nepali How the Japanese sides see? Below are the • Lumbini could be good tourist attraction products marketed to Japanese market: representative perceptions of Japanese point to Japanese people, but again investors and importers with respect Nepali side should know much vividly • Investment to Lumbini (Nepal), to investment in Nepal and importing whether Japanese tourists value more Bodhgaya (India) and Takshila Nepali products: on pilgrimages or historical learning (Pakistan) to promote Buddhist circuit based tourism promotion Continued on page 4

3 Continued from page 1 A retrospection of JICA’s... Similarly, retired researcher of Japan Dr. undertaking with NAST. He developed up towards Dhangadi. Hiroyuki Kojima is rendering services as dolomite-based catalyst process. It turned Likewise, the recently completed technical Senior Volunteer in the NAST to streamline out to be more economical and suitable cooperation project on dissemination of bio fuel as a sustainable form of alternative in Nepal than the existing alkali catalyst alternative energy fuel, (bio briquette) energy since April 2011. His research has process. Nepal has abundant deposit of has also contributed to the promotion of been pioneer on exploring and establishing unexploited dolomite and catalyst wastes. renewable energy at the local level. The opportunities to promote bio-diesel fuel In the beginning, he produced BDF from project targets to promote research and (BDF) from Jatropha seeds. He has been waste cooking oil (WCO) in the NAST dissemination of locally viable different supporting NAST to produce bio diesel Research Laboratory. Using dolomite based kinds of briquettes. It has identified and policy and incorporate it in the mainstream catalyst and methanol, he converted waste analyzed several bio mass raw materials energy policy of Nepal, aiming to mitigate cooking oil into BDF that was blended with to use them in production of beehive the nation’s chronic fuel shortage as well diesel to run the Bio Diesel Fed Generator briquettes and designed ‘Sajilo Mold’ of as to vitalize the rural economy. He has during load shedding hours in NAST. briquetting for good compaction and faster developed a project to that effect, exploring Currently, the ratio of the blend is 10% of production. The project was implemented sustainable energy economy for rural BDF and 90% of petroleum diesel. NAST is under JICA partnership project through communities from Jatropha plant. targeting to make it 50/50 ratio. The 2.5 KW New Energy Promotion Association of Bio Fed Generator was handed over by (NEPA) of Hokkaido, Japan and Center for district in the Far-Western JICA to NAST in April 2012 in grant for its Energy and Environment (CEE). Nepal has been selected as the model site, Research Laboratory. where Jatropha is planted in large swaths The diagnosis of the activities carried out of land. In cooperation with other local In retrospection, Dr. Kojima thinks his under different schemes of assistance as NGOs, the NAST along with Dr. Kojima is tenure as NAST expert has been successful discussed above reflect JICA’s continuous proposing a Jatropha processing system in in many aspects, mainly to gain recognition efforts to promote the renewable energy Dhangadhi. He is trying to introduce the of Jatropha, which was merely limited to sector in Nepal. JICA’s assistance, on superheated steam technology (SST) for research studies, from the government and the one hand, is focused to address the the best use of Jatropha seeds to produce NAST for its practical usage nationwide; deepening energy crisis of the country different forms of energy like bio-oil, bio- to aware stakeholders through the first through renewable alternatives and, on the gas and bio-char and to provide energy national conference in bioenergy and local other hand, to meet the need of sustainable products to the community. level workshops; and to forge collaborative clean energy in rural communities of actions among the government, Nepal. Conversion of Jatropha crude oil to BDF was academicians, NGOs and other likeminded the main project that Dr. Kojima has been institutions whose attention have drawn (Ms Pokhrel is Program Officer of JICA Nepal)

Continued from page 3 Looking on the Potentials, the System – operating but struggling with the 18 hours of daily Prospects of Japanese... environment and double checking the product power cuts. The suggested role of the • Hydropower side, Japanese investor – output whether attractive is or not is most key stakeholders to promote Japanese might not be so attracted in the context important at one hand. It needs to be checked investment and open up Japanese market of riparian politics over water resources from the lenses of the target audience (in could be –JAAN (using their network to despite having huge potential this case Japanese Investors and Market). market Nepal in Japan, transferring the Looking from only own perspective might knowledge, skills and the cultural aspects From the comparative perceptions briefly again result the representative failure cases learnt from Japan); Investment Board outlined above, it can be argued that the discussed above. and GoN (making the operating system Nepal has much potential, but much effort efficient and trustworthy to transfer the is needed to translate such potentials to Furthermore, Nepali side should be very Potentials to worthy outputs and sharing “real FDI attractions” level. In a simple cautiously keeping its eyes on the potential the information); FNCCI (marketing Input-System-Output logic the potentials competitors for example the ASEAN Nepal through their own channel); JICA are only the Input conditions – given things countries, Chinese, as well as Sri Lanka (extending cooperation to capacitate the and environment, but the system (physical, and Bangladesh within the SAARC region. Nepali side to make the operating system policy and institutional infrastructure as Otherwise our dreams will remain only really converting the Potentials to Worthy well as the enabling environment) needs to at the level of dreams or the Potentials at Products). be strengthened to transfer the Potentials the level of Potentials like the example as an output that is worthy and usable for of Hydropower Potentials of over 42,000 (Mr Bhandari is Associate Program Manager Investors and Market. MW (technically and financially viable), of JICA Nepal)

4 Government officials observe activities of JICA volunteers Photos: Santosh Chhetri

(Left) JICA expert Dr Kazuo Watanabe presenting a paper on local mushroom varieties. (Right) JOCV Hajime Kihana with government officers.

overnment official s observed activities Aviation, including Chief of Foreign Aid Similarly, at NARC, officials informed the Gof Japanese volunteers on November 28. Division of Ministry of Finance Madhu visiting team that JICA mushroom expert Organized by JICA Nepal, the observation Marasani and Social Welfare Council were Dr Watanabe has been comprehensively visit featured activities of JOCV Hajime in the team. They went to Sano Thimi studying local mushroom available in all Kihana, posted at Sano Thimi Technical Technical School and observed the activities 75 districts of Nepal. It is said that NARC’s School (STTS) and JICA expert Dr Kazuo of Kihana who is popularizing 5S—Sorting, efforts to promote mushroom farming has Watanabe working at Nepal Agriculture Straightening, Sweeping, Standardizing made strides after Dr Watanabe came to Research Centre (NARC). The main objective and Self-discipline. 5S help achieve high Nepal. of this visit was to increase the understanding level of quality, safety and productivity as of JICA volunteers among several ministries well as ensure a conducive environment On the occasion, the JICA volunteer of the Government of Nepal. at workplaces. The mechanical engineer brought some facts to light, saying that informed government officials about Nepal is producing 40,000 metric tons of Officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs; his teaching plans, training schedules, mushroom and the yearly transaction is Ministry of Women, Children and Social teaching methods and his efforts to keep between Rs 400,000 and Rs 500,000. Welfare; Ministry of Tourism and Civil mechanical equipment well-maintained. - Santosh Chhetri GeMSIP holds sixth JCC meeting

he sixth Joint Coordinating Committee Takeshi Kikuchi, JICA Representative T(JCC) meeting of Gender Mainstreaming commented on presentation and and Social Inclusion Project (GeMSIP) was highlighted that the expert team emphasized held on December 21 in co-chairpersonship planning process in their presentation but of Dinesh Hari Adhikari, Secretary, Ministry the importance of GeMSIP approach is In his remarks, Secretary Shrestha said of Women, Children and Social Welfare concerned not only with planning but also this meeting had become a basis for the and Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, Secretary, with implementation and monitoring. He remaining period of GeMSIP and shown Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local stressed the need of aligning with LGCDP how we should go ahead in future. LGCDP- Development at the Ministry of Federal at central and local level. II is planning to go with the SWAP model. Affairs and Local Development. On behalf of the Government of Nepal he The meeting concluded with the thanked JICA and suggested that LGCDP Yoko Komatsubara, expert of GeMSIP, closing remarks by JICA Nepal Senior would coordinate with the Japanese presented the progress of GeMSIP up to the Representative Satoshi Fujii and co-chairs of agency. Similarly, Secretary Adhikari in 3rd year and Norimichi Toyomane, Team the meeting. In his remarks, Fujii said there his closing remarks said this meeting made Leader of GeMSIP, made a presentation was a smooth implementation of GeMSIP important decisions for Year 4 of GeMSIP. about the Plan of Operation of GeMSIP Year ever since it started in 2009. He emphasized He expressed his happiness saying that 4. In his presentation, he focused on the that the most important thing is not to GeMSIP has been working in line with major activities of the fourth year and put achieve the project purpose but to maintain government guidelines and contributing to three agendas for discussion. They were: its achievement. He also requested for the improvement of government guidelines, End-line survey, Counterpart training in the aligning with LGCDP which is very which is the importance and beauty of this Japan and Operational GESI manual. important to maintain its achievement. project. - Nama Raj Adhikari 5 Education Caravan in seven districts

As part of working together with local wherein the children enjoyed exercises and stakeholders based on a ‘Hatemalo’ a relay race together with the volunteers. spirit and keeping them informed, eight education sector JICA volunteers organized The volunteers have realized that education the Education Caravan from December in Nepal means excessive emphasis on 8-16. Starting from , the Caravan rote method of learning. Thus, they are reached Kusma (Parbat), Putalibazaar conducting a Caravan with the purpose (Syangja), Damauli (Tanahu), Gajuri of imparting not only new knowledge (Dhading), Bharabise (Sindhupalchowk), and experience to children, but also and Dhulikhel (Kavre). The Japanese instructing teachers about the necessity volunteers conducted classes on science, of emotional development education and health, peace, history, moral education at suitable education for childhood through primary schools, secondary schools and conducting actual lessons. technical schools. - Ikuko Niizeki

On December 8, the volunteers visited

Photos: Ikuko Niizeki Children’s Day Care Center in Pokhara, where the Caravan team measured children’s’ height and weight, and calculated BMI (Body Mass Index)—an ideal method to know the body weight which can be a reference for preventing diseases. The kids themselves digitized the results of their body measurement and learned how to utilize a computer. Staff of the center acquired information on children’s physical growth like overweight and low weight. After the body measurement, a mini athletic meeting was held as a part of physical education,

news in brief Environment education them explore the initiatives to protect environment by themselves. Teachers Training in Cambodia Training to EPH (Environment, from 34 schools from Boudha and Jorpati, Population and Health) teachers on the As a part of Training of Trainers, Third , participated in the two-day theme “Bagmati and Its Environment Country Training was organized in training. In line with the national efforts Mechanism of Watershed” was conducted Cambodia under the Project for Capacity to protect and preserve the Bagmati river from December 11-14 under the project Development on Water Supply in Semi- and environment surrounding its vicinity, Strengthening Community Action through urban Areas in Nepal. the project, being implemented under JICA Environment Education and Community Partnership Program (JPP) in collaboration Based Environment Protection Activities. A 12-member team comprising of with Japanese the NGO named SOMNEED The program aimed to strengthening government officials from the Ministry of and its local counterpart SOMNEED Nepal capacity of local teachers teaching EPH Urban Development, the Department of has been conducting various awareness curriculum in the schools, and helping Water Supply and Sewerage (DWSS), and activities. the Water Supply and Sanitation Divisions of Jhapa and Morang participated in the JICA expert in MoUD training. The team visited Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority and Siem Reap On the request of the Government of Nepal, JICA dispatched Water Policy Advisor Takashi Water Supply Authority of Cambodia. Honda to the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD). Commencing his tenure from the end of 2012, Honda, an expert of WASH (Water Supply and Hygiene) sector, is facilitating The training was arranged in Cambodia as government’s initiatives in the long term water supply and sanitation sector. He is expected the Southeast Asian country has a similar to provide technical inputs to the government and conduct a feasibility study for the future past that Nepal witnessed. potential projects in WASH.

6 JICA organizes Press Tour 2012

The JICA Nepal Press Tour 2012 was SRCAMP (Sindhuli Road Corridor the local beneficiaries and project staff, organized from December 16 to 18. Agricultural Master Plan); observation and gain a deeper understanding of The Press Tour is designed to provide of JICA volunteers’ activities; and JICA the challenges that JICA is working select journalists with insights into Partnership Program scheme in Sindhuli to address in Nepal. Journalists issues that are of contemporary interest and Kavre districts. representing Nepal Television, within the field of development. This Kantipur Television, Radio Nepal, year’s tour featured 160-km Sindhuli The aim of this program was to raise Gorkhapatra, The Rising Nepal, The Road, two technical cooperation awareness among the media of JICA’s Himalayan Times, The Kathmandu projects, COMCAP (Strengthening activities by giving journalists a chance Post, Republica, Kantipur, Rajdhani, Community Mediation Capacity for to see first-hand how projects are Karobar and Radio Kantipur were the Peace and Harmonious Society) and delivered, interact/interview some of participants of the Tour.

JICA Senior Volunteer Goto (bespectacled) briefing Press Tour participants being informed about the activities A view of Sindhuli Road that was the center of journalists’ journalists about cooperative-based livestock farming at implemented under COMCAP at Ratanchura VDC, attention during the Press Tour. Dhumrebas, Sindhuli. Sindhuli.

A local farmer telling media persons how his livelihood is Nippon Koei engineer Fujisawa and SRMU expert Bindu Shumsher Rana bring interviewed. Nippon Koei is the consultant of being improved through high value commercial agriculture the Sindhuli Road, while JICA is supporting SRMU to complete backlog works of the road. production with the support of SRCAMP.

A press briefing about the Sindhuli Road at Nepalthok-based JOCV Kitazaki informing journalists about the activities he is doing in Kavre. Hazama Camp. Chief of the Sindhuli Road Project of the Department of Roads was also present on the occasion. Photos: Santosh Chhetri At Devitar VDC, Kavre, the participants got an idea of what JPP (JICA Partnership Program) is all about and how JICA, forging partnership between Japanese NGOs and their Nepali counterparts, is trying to increase the involvement of local people in uplifting their living standard. 7 What the journalists say A memorable visit Such press tours will not only help bring Modern SUVs made the trip, which passed several projects to the attention of visiting through river banks, hillsides and plains of mediapersons but also to the larger audience. Tarai, a memorable experience for me. The best way to get the first-hand Apart from getting the much-needed break knowledge about any place and from the hectic assignments, I got the the people living there is to pay Narayan Upadhyay opportunity to get firsthand experience a visit to that particular place. The Rising Nepal of people benefited by JICA’s activities. The JICA Press Tour provided a fitting Construction of first of its type road, support experience to that effect. Hectic, but all fun to local farmers on citrus farming, sharing of knowledge on farming of improved The Press Tour, of which I was a member, breed of goats, and mechanism to settle was the first time I was travelling on the I found the Press Tour an domestic disputes through joint approach beautiful, meandering Banepa-Sindhuli important opportunity to learn in village itself have not only benefited the road, which has proven a vital link to local about various programs and locals but also set an example that not all people. I personally think that several projects being implemented foreign support come with strings attached. members of this tour had also enjoyed the in Nepal by JICA. During my Once again, I would like to express my trip. The tour also enlightened us about interactions with local people, I found gratitude to JICA for making me a part of other programs, conducted under jointly by many of them cherishing JICA projects. such a memorable trip. locals and JICA experts and volunteers. All The farmers, workers, project officials and activities, from livestock to citrus farming government staff whom I met in Sindhuli in the some of the VDCs lying adjacent and Kavre districts were generous. Bipulendra Adhikari to the road, offered a glimpse of Japanese Though the Tour was hectic from the very Republica assistance for the development of various beginning owing to flight cancellation communities of Sindhuli and Kavre. to Janakpur, I had a great time in all the places where we visited, mainly in Successful Tour The community mediation project and Dhulikhel on the third day. It is true that the improved animal husbandry project donor agencies have been Nepal’s partners The Press Tour provided me being implemented in Sindhuli VDCs for development. Nepali people too want a chance to see first-hand how provided an account of the JICA’s efforts to move with the changing times, so the JICA is delivering its projects. in making several poor communities living donors like JICA should apply the needs- I was overwhelmed by seeing in the Sindhuli road corridor self-reliant. based vision of development in Nepal. the Sindhuli road, to which I would like Another beautiful notion of establishing call the road to prosperity. The Japanese close relationship with Nepali NGOs and Binod Ghimire technology used in the construction of the Japanese NGOs was seen in Kavre’s remote The Kathmandu Post road is amazing. My only concern is the villages. A Nepali NGO, Love Green road is little narrow in some of the sections Nepal, is working with Love Green Japan between Nepalthok and Dhulikhel. We saw to equip local farmers with better and low Memorable trip some visible changes brought about by two cost techniques to improve their farming JICA’s projects, COMCAP and SRCAMP, and incomes. Exploring new places has always Japanese volunteers’ activities and JICA remained my hobby; and if its Partnership Program in Sindhuli, Dhulikhel We later found out that it was the idea of road trip, I just can’t resist. JICA’s and Banepa. With this tour, I truly realized JICA to help develop local communities recent tour to Sindhuli was one that Nepal’s major donor agencies are through combined efforts—by building a of them -- an excuse to take a break from doing a good job here. Overall, the Tour main arterial road and launching income- hectic office works and explore the country. was successful. generating activities together. We must, Though the tour kicked off on a sour note therefore, praise the efforts of the Japanese due to cancellation of flight to Janakpur, Devi Sapkota government and JICA. the road trip, though hectic, was fun-filled. Nepal Television

Japan International Cooperation Agency Nepal Office

Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh Building, Hariharbhavan, Lalitpur P.O. Box 450, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 977-1-5010310 Fax: 977-1-5010284 Website: www.jica.go.jp/nepal/english Email: [email protected]

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