Japan pledges USD 18 million grant for Nepal

Japan today announced a grant assistance of Rs 1.832 billion (USD 18.32 million) to Nepal for implementation of two projects related to education and enhancing airport safety in the mountainous country.
The grant was announced in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of Japan here.
Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Masashi Ogawa and Nepalese Finance Secretary Lok Darshan Regmi signed the agreements to this effect.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Japanese State Minister for Foregin Affairs Nobuo Kishi, who was on a brief visit to Nepal, were also present on the occasion.

During the function, Jun Sakuma, chief of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nepal and Baikuntha Aryal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Nepal also signed the grant agreements for smooth implementation of the projects.
According to the press statement, Rs 1.518 billion of the grant would be spent for the implementation of the Project for Improvement of Aviation Safety Facilities at major Airports, with the purpose of improving the safety and efficiency of air transport in Nepal.

"As a result of this project, aviation safety will be significantly enhanced at the eight selected airports," said officials.
Nepal has witnessed a number of aircraft accidents in the recent past, claiming the lives of many.

Similarly, Rs 313 million would be spent for the implementation of the School Sector Development Programme (SSDP).