(Construction) - Japan International Cooperation Agency is stepping up its efforts to form financial cooperation projects in the infrastructure sector and other areas.
Even as the threat of COVID-19 grew, the amount of loans paid to developing countries in fiscal 2020 reached a record high of 1,438.8 billion yen. As the needs for funds in developing countries remain strong, the agency will promote efforts to improve living conditions and healthcare facilities.
Bangladesh (373.2 billion yen), India (356.3 billion yen), and the Philippines (254.1 billion yen) were the top recipient countries. The total amount of yen loans granted last year was boosted by the emergency assistance projects for COVID-19 for developing countries, mainly in Asia and the Pacific.
144 projects of the 2020 ODA loans, including consulting services, were awarded to Japanese companies, some of which were suspended due to the pandemic. As of the end of January, however, 142 projects had either continued or resumed construction. "Pandemic has not had much of an impact on us, and most of the construction work is being carried out," said Junichi Yamada, Executive Senior Vice President of JICA. As of the end of January, about 60% of the grant aid projects have been continued or resumed.
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| Dhaka MRT Project, Bangladesh. |
As part of the Clean City Initiative, JICA will introduce Japanese technologies such as sewerage facilities and culverts and intermediate waste treatment. In cooperation with Japanese government and international organizations, it aims to create an environment where 500 million people in 50 countries can benefit from a "clean city" by 2030.
The agency will also promote the Global Health Initiative, in which it will build or expand hospitals in about 100 locations around the world, and support the strengthening of research and warning systems for infectious diseases. (2021/05/06)
The Daily Engineering and Construction News of Japan
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