The Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica) and Economic Affairs Division on Friday signed an agreement to provide assistance for development projects being initiated through the co-operation of NGOs and representatives of Local Government.
The agreement, called Jica Partnership Programme (JPP), was signed by Joint Secretary Economic Affairs Division Muhammad Shahzad Arbab and Jica Resident Representative Nobuyuki Yamaura.
The Japanese government has various assistance programs to meet the diverse needs of developing countries through Official Development Assistance and the Jica has introduced a new scheme called "the JPP" to render Jica activities even more effectively and efficiently by fostering collaboration with the NGOs and the LGs.
Under the agreement, the Jica in collaboration with Japanese LG and NGOs will be able to work directly with the civil society in Pakistan. The project "Jica Partnership Program" is being implemented as a Jica project for the period of three years.
This Programme will be introduced in various sectors such as health, education, regional development, agriculture, infrastructure, power devolution, poverty reduction and environment besides focusing on gender and human security.
The JPP will be implemented and managed by partners in Japan and counterpart organisations in Pakistan, and Jica Pakistan office working in partnership with the Economic Affairs Division will be responsible for facilitation as well as monitoring and evaluation of the projects.
Introducing the new programme, Jica Pakistan Resident Representative Nobuyuki Yamaura said it would strengthen people to people contact between the civil society of the two countries and enable the Japanese organisations and citizens to work and share their experiences and expertise for the development of the Pakistani society.