YEREVAN. – Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Japan has implemented many projects, Japan’s Ambassador to Armenia Jun Yamada said in an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am.
He noted that the projects are mostly implemented through ODA (official development assistance), which includes loans, grant aid, and technical assistance. As of FY 2016, Japan provided 436.76 million USD in total through these schemes. One such example is the Yerevan Combined Co-Generation Power Plant which was financed by Japan’s loan.
“As you know, this power plant is now a very essential part of national economy, greatly contributing to the energy security of Armenia. Also, we support the development of local production and promote such local brands for Armenian small and medium sized companies. This has been two conducted through technical assistance (“the Project for Development of Local Production and Promotion of Local Brands Phase 2”, or so called OVOP - One Village One Product), implemented by JICA,” he said.
The Ambassador recalled that important pillar of cooperation between the countries is disaster prevention. Both countries have periodically suffered from natural disasters and the Japanese side has very close cooperation with the Ministry of Emergency Situation of Armenia.
“We provided 28 fire-engines for Yerevan City in 2008, and another 39 fire fire-engines will be provided to Lori, Shirak and Syunik regions this year. Another project to improve Crisis Communication and Public Awareness will be implemented this year. On December 7th last year I visited Spitak to participate the commemorative ceremony dedicated to the victims of 1988 Spitak earthquake. We are so deeply touched and grateful for the warm support from Armenian people during the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 The Spitak branch staff of MES, who visited Japan for JICA’s training in the past, took initiative and built a beautiful Khachkar dedicated to the victims in Japan, side by side with the monument in the memory of victims of Spitak earthquake,” Jun Yamada said.
