Japan-Malaysia Summit Meeting and Other Events
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, June 12, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On June 12, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, followed by a summit meeting. Thereafter, the leaders held a joint press announcement and exchanged commemorative gifts.
Japan-Laos Summit Meeting and Other Events
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, June 12, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On June 12, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, followed by a summit meeting. Thereafter, the leaders held a signing and exchange of documents ceremony as well as a joint press announcement.
Press Conference on the Summit Telephone Talk with President Trump of the United States
Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, June 11, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On June 11, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office.
With respect to the summit telephone talk with the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, the Prime Minister said,
“Ahead of the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting tomorrow, I received a phone call from President Trump saying that he wanted to have a discussion with me based on the latest situation and we held a Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk.
President Trump said that the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting would take place tomorrow from 9 a.m. local time and that he intended to have thorough discussions at the meeting. President Trump explained the latest situation, as arrangements continue to be made among working-level officials. We also engaged in detailed coordination on how to approach the summit meeting tomorrow. I believe that Japan and the United States, as well as Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea, fully share and are in agreement on the basic approach to the meeting.
I hope tomorrow’s summit meeting will be a historic meeting and a major step towards peace and stability in Northeast Asia. We also reaffirmed that President Trump would raise the abduction issue at the meeting. I strongly hope that the summit meeting will serve as an opportunity to make progress on the outstanding issues of concern, including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abduction issue, and that it will be a success.”
Council on National Strategic Special Zones
Cabinet Secretariat, Thursday, June 14, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On June 14, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 35th meeting of the Council on National Strategic Special Zones at the Prime Minister's Office.
During the meeting, discussions took place on the certification of special zone plans, newly-realized regulatory reform items, evaluation of the designated zones, matters pertaining to national strategic special zones contained in the Investments for the Future Strategy 2018 (provisional), the fourth designation of national strategic special zones, and additional regulatory reform items, among other matters.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“Today, we firstly decided on the Government’s response to the proposal at the previous meeting by the Governor of Osaka Prefecture to reduce the number of children on childcare waiting lists.
This will enable local governments to flexibly and appropriately allocate childcare workers based on their ideas and efforts, which was not possible under the existing framework of approved childcare centers.
We are achieving bold regulatory reforms that were not possible for many years, one after another, in the national strategic special zones.
Furthermore, Mayor Kumagai of Chiba City today proposed the next special zone, aimed at achieving a comprehensive and streamlined online healthcare system, even in urban areas, using smartphones or tablet devices.
In addition, we also received a proposal on a new regulatory reform to achieve a cashless society, which is a growing trend around the world.
We will swiftly harness these new ideas into actual reforms, using the framework of national strategic special zones. In that sense, national strategic special zones offer a breakthrough in reforming bedrock regulations.
Please give due consideration to ‘virtual special zones,’ which are allowed to apply certain reform items, as proposed from private sector members today.
Regulatory reforms are the main driver of Abenomics. The Government is committed to working as one on regulatory reforms, and I ask the relevant ministers to actively work on various proposals from the standpoint of finding out how we can materialize them, rather than finding reasons for why we cannot.”
Council for Science, Technology and Innovation
Cabinet Secretariat, Thursday, June 14, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On June 14, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 39th meeting of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation at the Prime Minister’s Office.
During the meeting, there was a discussion on the planning of the integrated innovation strategy.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“Today, we finalized the compilation of the Integrated Innovation Strategy.
We will boldly reform the management subsidies scheme for universities.
This will involve the introduction of a new mechanism where subsidies are granted with priority given to universities that are implementing management reforms with a sense of urgency and those that are actively attempting to raise funds from the private sector.
By creating incentives for reform, we will strongly encourage reforms at universities, which are a hub for generating innovation.
We will allocate a greater portion of research budgets to young researchers, who will define the future.
By expanding the annual salary system, we will also thoroughly ensure that salary levels are determined based on performance evaluations and change the current system so that one’s compensation is not determined by the length of one’s employment.
We will increase the allocation of research grants to young researches in an effort to greatly expand opportunities for them to play more active roles.
In an era where the world is experiencing dynamic and transformative change that can be called the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution.’ We must create a new ecosystem of innovation in Japan, so that we become the country that is best positioned to generate innovation in the world.
From this standpoint, this strategy includes initiatives aimed at supporting so-called ‘Moonshot’ research and development, whereby the wisdom of the private sector is brought together in pursuit of ambitious targets.
I ask that the relevant ministers work as one and swiftly and steadily implement bold policies that are not constrained by conventional thinking, firmly looking ahead to the future and positioning this strategy in the center of the Cabinet’s Growth Strategy.”
Headquarters for Creating a Society in which All Women Shine
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, June 12, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On June 12, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the seventh meeting of the Headquarters for Creating a Society in which All Women Shine, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
At the meeting, the Intensive Policy to Accelerate the Empowerment of Women 2018, as well as the strengthening of sexual harassment countermeasures were approved, and a discussion took place on the status of the implementation of the Act on Promotion of Women's Participation and Advancement in the Workplace.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“For more than five years till now, the Abe Cabinet has hoisted the flag high for the active participation of women, and carried out various policies including measures to reduce the number of children on day care waiting lists.
As a result, the number of female employees has increased by 2 million, and our female employment rate for all age groups of women age 25 and above exceeds that of the United States. The number of female executives has also increased by more than 2 times.
We will continue our efforts to eliminate various difficulties faced by women and further increase this momentum. To that end, we approved the Intensive Policy 2018 today.
We will change the mindset among men, with the aim of moving toward a society where the involvement of men in child-rearing is taken for granted. The first step toward the active participation of women is that the men must first change their mindsets.
‘Practice what you preach’; we will introduce a new system that links whether or not a subordinate is allowed to take maternity or childcare leave, with the supervisor’s personnel evaluation to improve the rate for taking childcare leave, and the 100% use of maternity leave, among male civil servants.
A uniquely female perspective, as well as female leadership, are indispensable amidst the growing diversification of the world and the changes occurring rapidly across the world.
Alongside with the enhancement of recurrent education (continuing education), we will increase the appointment of female executives by actively seeking explanations from publicly listed companies through corporate governance reforms.
I would like all Ministers to boldly execute these policies based on the 2018 Priority Policy.
Moving forward, the Abe Cabinet will continue to take bold steps in reforming the male-dominant system that has been in place till now, across the whole of the economy and society, toward the realization of active participation by women.
The Act on Promotion of Women's Participation and Advancement in the Workplace is the main engine for that. I would like Minister Noda and Minister Kato to carry out a review three years after the enforcement of this act, taking into account the current situation of the enforcement of the existing act.
Today, we also decided to strengthen the measures against sexual harassment. It is a regrettable situation. Meanwhile, these measure are what I had instructed Minister Noda to compile as emergency measures in response to the occurrence of recent sexual harassment cases.
Sexual harassment is clearly an infringement of human rights, and cannot be tolerated. I would like all the Ministers to swiftly implement these emergency countermeasures and exert all efforts to prevent damage, provide help to victims, and prevent recurrence.”
Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, June 12, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On June 12, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting of the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters at the Prime Minister’s Office.
At the meeting, the Intellectual Property Strategy Vision and the Intellectual Property Strategic Program 2018 was approved.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“Today, we approved the new Intellectual Property Strategy Vision as well as the Intellectual Property Strategic Program 2018.
Through revolutionary innovations, the world is now undergoing phenomenal transformation towards Society 5.0; the importance of intellectual property is becoming more significant. At the same time, intellectual property itself is also gradually changing, incorporating diverse values.
In anticipation of such changes in the times, we will envision and design new values and promote them to the world. With the determination of that, Japan will lead the world as a cutting-edge intellectual property-based nation going forward. I would like the relevant ministries and agencies to work as one and move resolutely toward the execution of bold and concrete policies, including strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, developing highly-creative human resources, providing support for the overseas expansion of Japan’s high-quality agricultural produce and contents, and further spread the Cool Japan strategy across the world.”
Foreign Minister Taro Kono Receives a Courtesy Call from the Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor of Myanmar Kyaw Tint Swe
Foreign Affairs, Monday, June 11, 2018
On June 11, commencing at 5:20 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, had a meeting with Mr. Kyaw Tint Swe, Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, during his visit to Japan. The overview of themeeting is as follows.
1. At the beginning, Minister Kono explained that Japan will continue to provide full-fledged support for democratic nation building in Myanmar. Minister Kono expressed expectation for further progress of peace process with ethnic minorities, and stated that together with Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, Japan will continue to fully support the Myanmar government’s efforts.
2. With regard to the situation in Rakhine State, Minister Kono stated that the message encouraging Myanmar’s efforts was included in the Joint Communique of G7 Summit, that he wishes Myanmar will respond to the expectation of the international community by moving towards early repatriation of the displaced persons, and that the Government of Japan will also provide solid support.
In addition, Minister Kono highly appreciated the recent conclusion of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) on repatriation and resettlement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He requested Myanmar to enable the UN agencies to commence their on-site activities promptly and accelerate creating environment for receiving the returnees, including construction of houses. Furthermore, Minister Kono welcomed the decision by the Government of Myanmar to establish an Independent Commission of Enquiry that will include an international personality, and urged Myanmar to work for prompt commencement of a credible and transparent investigation.
3. In response, Minister Kyaw Tint Swe expressed his gratitude to Japan’s longstanding and consistent support for progress of democratization and peace process, and stated that the Government of Myanmar places importance on the issue of Rakhine State and is making efforts for early implementation of “safe, voluntary and dignified” return of the displaced persons. He also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s efforts for releasing positive message in the G7 Summit.
4. In addition, regarding the peace process, Minister Kono stated that the Government of Japan welcomes progress in the Southeastern area of Myanmar, will continue to provide reconstruction and development assistance, expects early ceasefire agreement with Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and put importance on ensuring humanitarian access in the area under ethnic armed groups’ control. In response, Minister Kyaw Tint Swe replied that the Government of Myanmar also recognizes the importance of promptly realizing ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian access in the northern part of Myanmar.
Japan-Albania Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, June 5, 2018
On June 5, commencing at 7:15 p.m. for approximately 70 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting over dinner with H.E. Mr. Ditmir Bushati, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Beginning
Minister Kono stated that he was pleased to meet with Minister Bushati again in Tokyo following the meeting held on the sideline of the Munich Security Conference in February this year. He also expressed his hope to further advance the cordial bilateral relations with the momentum of Minister Bushati’s visit to Japan. In response, Minister Bushati welcomed the opening of the Embassy of Japan in Albania last yearOpen a New Window, and extended an invitation to Minister Kono to Albania. In addition, Minister Bushati stated that he hopes to advance the cooperation between the two countries together with Minister Kono.
2. Bilateral relations
Minister Kono explained that Japan attaches importance on Albania, which is a key to the peace and stability of the Western Balkan region, and will continue to support Albania’s economic and social development under the “Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative.” He also expressed hope for promoting the economic relationship. Furthermore, he announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has recently reviewed its travel and warning information and the threat level of Albania is now set at “level 0.”
In response, Minister Bushati expressed deep gratitude for Japan’s assistance. He also stated that he hopes to promote investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges through the “Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative.”
3. Regional and international affairs
The two ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans as well as various challenges facing the international community, including North Korea. They agreed that Japan and Albania will work closely together to deal with these challenges.
Emergency Assistance to the Republic of Guatemala in response to the Eruption of Volcano
Foreign Affairs, Friday, June 8, 2018
1. Today, June 8, the Government of Japan decided to provide emergency relief goods (tents, blankets, etc.) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Republic of Guatemala, in response to the request from the Government of the Republic of Guatemala following serious damage caused by the eruption of Fuego volcano.
2. The Government of Japan decided to provide emergency assistance to the Republic of Guatemala to respond to the humanitarian needs of the people affected by the disaster as well as in light of the friendly relationship between Japan and the Republic of Guatemala.
(Note)
On June 4, the eruption of the Fuego volcano caused serious damages in the republic of Guatemala. According to the Guatemalan authorities, more than 12,000 people have evacuated.
JICA Dispatches JDR Infectious Diseases Response Team to the DRC, in Response to Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak
JICA, Friday, June 8, 2018
On May 8, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) declared an Ebola virus disease outbreak. As of June 6, a total of 60 suspected cases of Ebola virus disease, including 27 deaths, has been reported. In response to this outbreak, on May 29, Japan dispatched a team to assess the situation for consideration of possible assistance. WHO, UNICEF, USCDC, MSF and other international organizations have started providing assistance in the DRC.
Based on the assessment, on June 5, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Taro Kono, decided the dispatch of the JDR Infectious Diseases Response Team to the DRC. JICA is now preparing for the dispatch of the Team. The team will depart from Japan on June 11.
The team consists of specialists on epidemiology and medical laboratory. Their main activities are 1) to support laboratory confirmation 2) to strengthen surveillance system at Kinshasa.
Statement on Monetary Policy
Bank of Japan, Friday, June 15, 2018
1. At the Monetary Policy Meeting held today, the Policy Board of the Bank of Japan decided upon the following.
(1) Yield curve control
The Bank decided, by an 8-1 majority vote, to set the following guideline for market operations for the intermeeting period. [Note 1]
The short-term policy interest rate:
The Bank will apply a negative interest rate of minus 0.1 percent to the Policy-Rate
Balances in current accounts held by financial institutions at the Bank.
The long-term interest rate:
The Bank will purchase Japanese government bonds (JGBs) so that 10-year JGB
yields will remain at around zero percent. With regard to the amount of JGBs to be purchased, the Bank will conduct purchases at more or less the current pace -- an annual pace of increase in the amount outstanding of its JGB holdings of about 80 trillion yen -- aiming to achieve the target level of the long-term interest rate specified by the guideline.
(2) Guidelines for asset purchases
With regard to asset purchases other than JGB purchases, the Bank decided, by a unanimous vote, to set the following guidelines.
a) The Bank will purchase exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and Japan real estate investment trusts (J-REITs) so that their amounts outstanding will increase at annual paces of about 6 trillion yen and about 90 billion yen, respectively.
b) As for CP and corporate bonds, the Bank will maintain their amounts outstanding at about 2.2 trillion yen and about 3.2 trillion yen, respectively.
2. Japan's economy is expanding moderately, with a virtuous cycle from income to spending operating. Overseas economies have continued to grow firmly on the whole. In this situation, exports have been on an increasing trend. On the domestic demand side, business fixed investment has continued on an increasing trend with corporate profits and business sentiment maintaining their improving trend. Private consumption has been increasing moderately, albeit with fluctuations, against the background of steady improvement in the employment and income situation. Housing investment has been weakening somewhat. Meanwhile, public investment has been more or less flat, remaining at a relatively high level. Reflecting these increases in demand both at home and abroad, industrial production has been on an increasing trend, and labor market conditions have continued to tighten steadily. Financial conditions are highly accommodative. On the price front, the year-on-year rate of change in the consumer price index (CPI, all items less fresh food) is in the range of 0.5-1.0 percent. Inflation expectations have been more or less unchanged.
3. With regard to the outlook, Japan's economy is likely to continue its moderate expansion. Domestic demand is likely to follow an uptrend, with a virtuous cycle from income to spending being maintained in both the corporate and household sectors, mainly against the background of highly accommodative financial conditions and the underpinnings through government spending. Exports are expected to continue their moderate increasing trend on the back of the firm growth in overseas economies. The year-on-year rate of change in the CPI is likely to continue on an uptrend and increase toward 2 percent, mainly on the back of an improvement in the output gap and a rise in medium- to long-term inflation expectations. [Note 2]
4. Risks to the outlook include the following: the U.S. economic policies and their impact on global financial markets; developments in emerging and commodity-exporting economies; negotiations on the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union (EU) and their effects; and geopolitical risks.
5. The Bank will continue with "Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing (QQE) with Yield Curve Control," aiming to achieve the price stability target of 2 percent, as long as it is necessary for maintaining that target in a stable manner. It will continue expanding the monetary base until the year-on-year rate of increase in the observed CPI (all items less fresh food) exceeds 2 percent and stays above the target in a stable manner. The Bank will make policy adjustments as appropriate, taking account of developments in economic activity and prices as well as financial conditions, with a view to maintaining the momentum toward achieving the price stability target. [Note 3]
Japan Makes Presentation before the 163rd General Assembly of the BIE
METI, Wednesday, June 13, 2018
The Government of Japan and the 2025 Japan World Expo Committee jointly made their third presentation before member countries of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) attending the BIE General Assembly held in Paris on June 13, 2018, as a part of the bid to host the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai Region.
Background and purpose
Three countries, i.e., Russia, Azerbaijan and Japan, have declared candidature to host the World Expo163rd 2025 (France dropped its bid to host the exposition in February 2018). Taking the opportunity of the BIE General Assembly held in Paris on June 13, 2018, these countries made their third presentation before the BIE member countries, following on from the first and second presentations before the assembly in June and November 2017.
Outline of the presentation
Through delivering a video message from Prime Minister Abe and a speech by Mr. Seko, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan attracted the attention of the member countries to Japan’s potential to host a new concept of exposition focusing on the theme of “Human Lives,” an attempt unique to Japan backed by its rich experience in hosting expositions in the past.
In addition, Japan explained the attractiveness of the exposition under its plan, including provision of meticulous support measures for participating countries, e.g., the Assistance Programme for Developing Countries,* and its ongoing efforts involving the co-creation platform by industrial players in Japan to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations, while interweaving video clips with Pokemon mascot, special envoys to host the exposition, to explain the scheduled exposition sites.
*Note: The programs are support measures targeting participating developing countries in expositions that candidatures to host an exposition are required to submit to the BIE along with a bid dossier. The plan should include estimation of expenditures for constructing pavilions, travel and accommodations.
Future schedule
November 23, 2018: BIE General Assembly (host country will be determined by a vote after the final presentation)
Release date
June 13, 2018
Division in Charge
International Exhibitions Promotion Office, Commerce and Service Industry Policy Group
Launching ' the G7 2X Challenge: Financing for Women' with Development Finance Institutions from G7 countriesv
JICA, Monday, June 11, 2018
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) made a joint announcement to launch the initiative “the G7 2X Challenge: Financing for Women” (the ‘2X Challenge’) with development finance institutions (DFIs) from the G7 countries, namely Canada (FinDev Canada), the United Kingdom (Commonwealth Development Corporation - CDC), the United States (Overseas Private Investment Corporation - OPIC), France (Proparco), Italy (Cassa depositi e presiti - Cdp) and Japan (Japan Bank for International Cooperation - JBIC), with support from Germany (DEG), on June 9 in Quebec City, Canada, on the occasion of the G7 Leaders’ Summit.
The ‘2X Challenge’ is a major new commitment to mobilize US$3 billion by 2020 for investment in women’s economic empowerment initiatives. It has set an ambitious target that calls on DFIs to mobilize their own funds, as well as private capital, to unlock resources that will help advance women as entrepreneurs, as business leaders, as employees and as consumers.
Upon participation in this initiative, Mr. Kitaoka, the president of JICA, said, “Promotion of women’s business and entrepreneurship is the key to sustaining and to maximizing social and economic development. JICA is committed to further investing in women’s economic empowerment by exploring innovative approaches in partnership with our diverse stakeholders, while we enhance our support to achieve women’s health and education, and the elimination of gender-based violence.”
JICA will strengthen its cooperation to support women’s economic empowerment in developing countries with other participating DFIs.
Signing of Japanese ODA Loan Agreements with Bangladesh: Contributing to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh
JICA, Thursday, June 14, 2018
On June 14, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed loan agreements with the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Dhaka, the capital city, to provide Japanese ODA loans of up to a total of 200.371 billion yen for six projects.
A summary of the six Japanese ODA projects provided by the loan agreements is as follows:
(1) Matarbari Port Development Project (E/S) (loan amount: 2.655 billion yen)
(2) Jamuna Railway Bridge Construction Project (I) (loan amount: 37.217 billion yen)
(3) Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line 5) (E/S) (loan amount: 7.358 billion yen)
(4) Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (III) (loan amount: 79.271 billion yen)
(5) Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project (IV) (loan amount: 67.311 billion yen)
(6) Health Services Strengthening Project (loan amount: 6.559 billion yen)
Details for the projects are provided below.
(1) Matarbari Port Development Project (E/S)
(a) Objective and Summary
The project will strengthen the cargo handling capacity of Bangladesh by constructing a multipurpose deep-sea port for containers, general cargo and the like in the Matarbari area of Cox’s Bazar District, Chittagong Division, in southeastern Bangladesh, thereby contributing to an acceleration of the flow of goods domestically and with neighboring countries.
(b) Executing Agencies
1. Chittagong Port Authority
Address: Bandar Bhaban, Chittagong-4100, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-3-12510870, fax: +880-3-12510889
2. Roads and Highways Department, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges
Address: Sarak Bhaban, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-8879299, fax: +880-2-8879199
(c) Planned Implementation Schedule
1. Completion of project: May 2024 – when the facilities are put into service
2. Issuing of letters of invitation for consulting services (including detailed design work): June 2018
(2) Jamuna Railway Bridge Construction Project (I)
(a) Objective and Summary
The project will meet the demand for rail transportation and improve the road capacity and safety of an existing bridge by constructing a new dedicated railway bridge, parallel to the existing Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge, in the basin of the Jamuna River, which flows through central Bangladesh. This measure will contribute to efficiency in the transportation network within the country and with neighboring countries.
(b) Executing Agency
Bangladesh Railway
Address: Railbhaban, 16 Abdul Gani Road Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-9561200, fax: +880-2-9565734
(c) Planned Implementation Schedule
1. Completion of project: November 2023 – when the facilities are put into service
2. Issuing of letters of invitation for consulting services (including detailed design work): Already hired
3. Tender announcement of initial procurement package for international competitive bidding on project construction:
Procurement package title: Construction Works
Release date: September 2018
(3) Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line 5) (E/S)
(a) Objective and Summary
The project will construct a mass rapid transit system (MRT Line 5) connecting the east and west portions of Dhaka and strengthen the public transportation network, thereby contributing to economic development and an improved urban environment through alleviated traffic congestion.
(b) Executing Agency
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited
Address: 71-72 Old Elephant Road, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-55138099, fax: +880-2-9358589
(c) Planned Implementation Schedule
1. Completion of project: December 2028 – when the facilities are put into service
2. Issuing of letters of invitation for consulting services (including detailed design work): October 2018
(4) Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (III)
(a) Objective and Summary
The project will construct a mass rapid transit system (MRT Line 6) in Dhaka, thereby meeting the urban transportation demand in Dhaka, contributing to economic development and an improved urban environment with alleviated traffic congestion.
(b) Executing Agency
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited
Address: 71-72 Old Elephant Road, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-55138099, fax: +880-2-9358589
(c) Planned Implementation Schedule
1. Completion of project: June 2022 – when the facilities are put into service
2. Issuing of letters of invitation for consulting services (including detailed design work): Already hired
3. Tender announcement of initial procurement package for international competitive bidding on project construction: Already contracted
(5) Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project (IV)
(a) Objective and Summary
The project will construct an ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant with a rated output of 1,200 megawatts (600 megawatts×two units) in the Matarbari area of Cox’s Bazar District, Chittagong Division, in southeastern Bangladesh, thereby meeting the rapidly rising demand for power in Bangladesh while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. These measures will contribute to economic development and to the alleviation of climate change.
(b) Executing Agencies
1. Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited
Address: CPCBL, Uniqne Heights Level 17, 117 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Eskaton Garden Road, Dhaka-1217, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-9180788, fax: +880-2-9348306
2. Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited
Address: IEB Bhaban 3rd Floor & 4th Floor, 8/A Ramna, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-9338529, fax: +880-2-9348306
3. Roads and Highways Department, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges
Address: Sarak Bhaban, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-8879299, fax: +880-2-8879199
(c) Planned Implementation Schedule
1. Completion of project: July 2024 – when the facilities are put into service
2. Issuing of letters of invitation for consulting services (including detailed design work): Already hired
3. Tender announcement of initial procurement package for international competitive bidding on project construction: Already contracted
(6) Health Services Strengthening Project
(a) Objective and Summary
The project will strengthen non-communicable disease control and the access of the urban poor in Dhaka to health services through improvements to primary- and secondary-level health facilities in Bangladesh, thereby contributing to the health promotion of the people in Bangladesh.
(b) Executing Agency
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Address: Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-8113088, fax: +880-2-8113088
(c) Planned Implementation Schedule
1. Completion of project: June 2022 – when the facilities are put into service
2. Issuing of letters of invitation for consulting services: No hiring of consultants is planned for this project
3. Tender announcement of initial procurement package for international competitive bidding on project construction:
Procurement package title: Procurement of Suppliers for NCDs Screening Equipment
Release date: October 2018
‘Viva Latin America! Deepening Ties With Japan' Vol.1: Nikkei Emigrants Pioneered Japan's International Cooperation a Century Ago
JICA, Friday, June 15, 2018
About a century ago, ships carrying Japanese emigrants crossed the ocean one after another. People who dreamed of success overseas had their eyes on such places as Hawaii, North America and Latin America. And today, more than 2 million Japanese Emigrants and their descendants live in Latin America. 2018 is a landmark year. It marks 150 years of Japanese emigration overseas, as well as the 110th anniversary of emigration to Brazil, the 130th anniversary of Japanese diplomatic relations with Mexico, and the 110th of its diplomatic relations with Colombia. This is Part 1 of a four-part series tracing Japan's ties with Latin America.
Pioneers who overcame hardship and earned trust
As anti-Japanese sentiment grew in North America at the start of the 20th century, the number of emigrants bound for Latin America grew. Many difficulties stood in their way, including a relentless tropical climate, demanding labor and malaria. Their property was seized and they were put in internment camps during World War II. After the war, some 2nd generation family members of Japanese emigrants were forcibly sent to Japan. Even so, those who remained grew cotton, vegetables and flowers, opened restaurants, beauty salons, dry cleaners and traveling movie theaters in cities. They blended into their local communities and earned great trust. They also established Japanese language schools and maintained their identities as Japanese people.
Oversea emigration was emphasized as a government policy starting before WWII, because it can be expected to lead to the acquisition of foreign currency through remittances to emigrants' hometowns. Not long after the war, emigration was restarted, and the Japan Emigration Service (JEMIS, the predecessor organization of JICA), which was responsible for assisting with emigration, was established. The number of emigrants declined dramatically, however, when Japan entered a period of high economic growth, and in 1973 the sending of large numbers of emigrants overseas by ship ended. The Overseas Development Youth Program, which supported overseas Nikkei communities, began in 1985. In 1996, its name was changed to Youth Volunteers for Nikkei Communities, and its areas of assistance expanded to include agricultural extension, medical care and other areas. Today its assistance continues mainly in the fields of elder care and Japanese-language education.
"You could say the emigrants were pioneers of Japan's international cooperation," said Yumiko Asakuma, head of JICA's Japan Overseas Migration Museum (and of the JICA Yokohama International Center). "It is because of their hard work that JICA is now able to send many people to work in developing countries."
Bringing the advanced medical care of their ancestral country to their homeland
In November, eight Nikkei doctors, public health nurses and registered nurses from Brazil went to Saku, Nagano prefecture, which is known for its advanced community-based health care. They were participants in the Nikkei Training JICA carries out. Nikkei Training began in 1971, and 4,489 participants have been accepted from 15 countries so far. For about three weeks, the eight Brazilians toured welfare facilities, observed home visit nursing care and learned about how to promote the health of the elderly and prevent senility.
"It's just like they're caring for a family member," said nurse Yurika Hakeru Tanaka, who was impressed by the way Japanese doctors and nurses interact with patients.
After her training, she wants to help put in place a structure for home medical examinations in Brazil and deepen the younger generation's understanding of elder care, she said.
"I have heard that in Brazil, some elderly first-generation Japanese emigrants need assistance," said Yoshiko Tsukada, a professor in international nursing in the Saku University School of Nursing who was involved in the training. "It would be nice to see Japanese initiatives and examples put to use in Brazil."
The home communities of participants in Nikkei Training value their work. Hospital Nipo-Brasileiro was certified by a specialized agency as providing "high-level medical care in Brazil" in 2016. It is run by Beneficência Nipo-Brasileira de São Paulo (ENKYO), which was formed by Japanese emigrants and their descendants in 1959. The reasons given for the certification included the large number of people who receive emergency care there and the low mortality rate of its intensive care unit. The association manages multiple hospitals and welfare facilities, and many of its Nikkei doctors, nurses and nutritionists have participated in JICA's Nikkei Training. Ms. Tanaka is one of them.
In Brazil, there is even an expression — "japonês garantido” — that means "trustworthy Japanese."
When asked his thoughts on this landmark year, Yoshiharu Kikuchi, who emigrated to Brazil in 1959 and served as the chairman of the association, said, "Japanese emigrants and their descendants make up a little less than one percent of the population of Brazil, but they have shown the good qualities of Japanese people through their active roles in a wide range of fields including agriculture, business and industry, and they have contributed to Brazilian society. We Nikkei must continue more than ever to build bridges between Japan and Brazil and make Nikkei communities grow."
From recipient country to true partner
With the growth of Japan's economy, Latin America, which was the destination for Japanese emigrants, has become a beneficiary of Japanese international cooperation. In the 1970s, efforts to improve the soil succeeded in Cerrado, a tropical savanna region of Brazil that had been considered barren. It became a major producing area for soybeans, corn and other crops, and it made Brazil into one of the world's leading grain exporting nations. The new industry of salmon farming was also created in Chile, and together with Cerrado's farms, it has promoted employment and helped reduce poverty.
Latin America has grown a lot in recent years, and Brazil and other countries have become partners of Japan's in South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation, in which Japan and another country jointly provide cooperation to a third country. Japanese emigrants and their descendants with high level expertise are working actively as third-country experts in Latin America and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.
