Japan to provide 472m Japanese Yen, deal signed

The government of Japan will provide an amount of 472 million Japanese Yen (equivalent to approximately $3.38 million) for the project titled 'The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).'

In this regard, Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement were signed on Monday between the Governments of Bangladesh and Japan.

Sharifa Khan, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD) signed the Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh.

IWAMA Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan in Bangladesh signed the 'Exchange of Notes' and ICHIGUCHI Tomohide, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office, signed the 'Grant Agreement' on behalf of the Government of Japan, reads an ERD press release.

The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) is being implemented during the period of 2001 to 2025 by the Economic Relations Division under the Ministry of Finance.

This grant will be utilized to provide scholarships for BCS Cadre Officers, Bangladesh Judicial Service Officers, First Class Officers of Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division and Bangladesh Bank to study Masters and PhD courses at various universities in Japan.

Under this project, some 414 officials have completed Master's degree and 05 officials have achieved PhD degree from different Japanese Universities. After their return, officials are utilizing their acquired knowledge and skills in their work places and contributing towards the development of the country.

Japan is the largest bilateral development partner of Bangladesh. Since independence, Japan has committed $30.12 billion and has contributed significantly towards the overall development of the country.

In addition to soft loans, Japan is also providing significant amounts of Grant and Technical Assistance for different projects, including support to human resource development, socio-economic development and environment protection.

/KN/