ASEAN and PH are showcase models of development cooperation - JICA

MANILA, Aug. 8 (PIA) – In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) acknowledged that the ASEAN and the Philippines are showcase models of solid development cooperation between JICA and the region.

“JICA’s ties with ASEAN are deep and will continue to deepen. Our bilateral ties are not purely economic, rather they are founded on friendship and shared aspirations for generations,” said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito.  

JICA noted that the Philippines, along with other ASEAN member countries like Indonesia and Vietnam were among the first recipients of Japan’s assistance to Southeast Asia since the 1960s. Data from JICA showed that as of 2015, Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to ASEAN totaled 16 trillion yen.

Ito added that JICA’s development cooperation in Northern Luzon showed the agency’s commitment to support the region’s connectivity and economic growth.

“As the world becomes more globalized and ASEAN as a region becomes more integrated, we’re optimistic that opportunities abound for all of us. As one community, it goes without saying that we will need each other more to maximize and reap the benefits of cooperation and integration,” said Ito.

To date, JICA has actively supported human resource development in the region, with about 192, 668 trainees from ASEAN accepted in Japan as of March 2016. Likewise, nearly 65,000 Japanese experts have been dispatched in the region to share Japan’s know-how and expertise in various development sectors. (JICA/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)