President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov today received President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Akihiko Tanaka.
During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on the current cooperation of the Kyrgyz Republic with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the prospects for its further expansion.
The head of state expressed gratitude to the Japanese people and JICA for the support provided to the Kyrgyz side. Japan is a close friend and long-term partner of Kyrgyzstan on the path of democratic development. Over the 30 years of diplomatic relations, rich experience in political, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation has been accumulated. Kyrgyzstan highly appreciates the activities of the Agency, which makes a great contribution to the sustainable economic development of our country.
Speaking about joint projects with JICA, Sadyr Zhaparov focused on such areas of cooperation as the transport network, the introduction of new technologies, including green and renewable energy sources, agriculture, efficient use of water resources, modernization of infrastructure and hydropower.
The President noted the successful joint project “One village – one product” in the Issyk-Kul region, launched by the JICA 12 years ago in Kyrgyzstan. This project has been given the status of “national” in order to expand its implementation throughout the country. The goal of expanding the project is to promote a sustainable small business model, increase the production of profitable products “One village – one product”, improve its quality and create a sustainable ecosystem.
In addition, Sadyr Zhaparov mentioned the current grant program of the Government of Japan for the training of civil servants of the country in Japanese higher education institutions (JDS). Many of its graduates are now successfully working in state and municipal bodies of Kyrgyzstan. Given the long-term cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and JICA, the President proposed to upgrade the status of the JICA office in Bishkek to the level of a regional representation.
In turn, Akihiko Tanaka thanked for the warm welcome and the opportunity to meet in person.
He also noted the successful project “One village – one product”, which will become even more successful and productive, emphasizing with satisfaction its national status.
The JICA President added that within the framework of this project, which demonstrates positive results in the form of creating new jobs and profiting from the export of manufactured products, there is great potential for further cooperation.
Along with this, Akihiko Tanaka focused on the JDS program, after which the civil servants of Kyrgyzstan take leading positions in the civil service, thereby laying a solid foundation for cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Japan.
In conclusion, the parties agreed to strengthen bilateral economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Japan.
Source: Kyrgyz National News Agency