A delegation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) called on Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur Losii Dikho at the Civil Secretariat in Mantripukhri on Tuesday.
The delegation, comprising Eiji Wakamatsu, Senior Representative, JICA; Nishihara Ryosuke, Representative, JICA; and Nishtha Vengurlekar, Development Specialist, JICA, apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of the proposed EAP (JICA) project, “Enhancing Livelihoods through Community-Based Watershed Development in Manipur,” which is under formulation and is to be funded by JICA.
Similar projects in NE states
Speaking at the meeting, Wakamatsu highlighted the objective of the project, noting that similar projects have been implemented in Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya, while a project in Mizoram is under appraisal. He also mentioned the long-standing ties between Japan and Manipur.
Japan-Manipur partnership stressed
Wakamatsu expressed the desire to share Japan’s experience with Manipur and emphasised the importance of mutual partnership for shared benefits. He also sought necessary support and cooperation for the implementation of the project.
Cooperation assured
Addressing the gathering, Dikho acknowledged the objectives, vision and benefits of the project, which is planned to cover all districts of the state. He noted that many youths from the state are presently employed and undergoing training in Japan.
Dikho also highlighted the cordial relations between Japan and Manipur, and further assured support and necessary assistance from the state government for the implementation of the proposed project.
Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary (TCI) and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (HoFF); Arun Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary, Forest & Environment and Climate Change/Works, Manipur; and other senior officials of the department attended the meeting.