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The Government of Japan agreed today to extend grant assistance totalling 442 million yen (approximately 4.9 million US dollars) to the Royal Government of Bhutan for the two projects, namely, “the Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers” and “the Project for Reconstruction of Bridges (Phase III) (Detailed Design)”, and a Non Project Grant Aid. The Exchange of Notes to formalize the extension of the grant was concluded at a ceremony held today at the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi. The Notes were signed and exchanged between H.E. Mr. Hideaki Domichi, Ambassador of Japan and H.E. Mr. Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan, on behalf of their respective Governments. The details of the projects are as follows:-
1. The Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers
The Government of Japan has been supporting the Bhutanese agricultural development under the scheme since 1984.
This year, the Government of Japan agreed to extend grant assistance of 180 million yen (approximately 2 million US dollars) to the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Under the project, Two Wheel Tractors and Attachments, Ploughs for Tractors, Spare Parts, etc., will be provided to farmers in Bhutan, especially rural areas, and underprivileged farmers.
2. The Project for Reconstruction of Bridges (Phase III) (Detailed Design)
The Government of Japan has been supporting the reconstruction of bridges on the Bhutanese main roads under the Project for Reconstruction of Bridges Phase I and Phase II. This year, the Government of Japan agreed to extend grant assistance of 62 million yen (approximately 689 thousand US dollars) to the Royal Government of Bhutan to implement the detailed design for the Phase III.
Under Phase III, the Japanese government will support reconstruction of bridges on the National Highway No.5.
3. Non Project Grant Aid
Non-Project Grant Aid is a kind of assistance which supports developing countries by promoting their economic structural adjustment efforts, including poverty reduction. The Government of Japan agreed to extend the grant assistance of 200 million yen (approximately 2.2 million US dollars) to the Royal Government of Bhutan as the first case to Bhutan. Under the scheme, goods to be procured will be selected from the list of goods concluded between the Government of Japan and the Royal Government of Bhutan.
The Government of Japan hopes that these grant assistances would help in the development of Bhutan, and will also contribute to further strengthening the relationship between the respective citizens and governments.
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