Kathmandu, Mar 1: The 51st Annual Function of the JICA Alumni Association of Nepal (JAAN) was inaugurated by Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav.
In his address, he highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nepal and Japan and appreciated Japan’s significant contributions to Nepal’s development. He acknowledged Japan as a key development partner of Nepal, emphasizing its support in technical human resource development, education, communication, roads, and the agriculture sector. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, and JICA Nepal for their continuous support and hoped for the continuation of such cooperation in the future.
The Vice President also recognized JAAN’s role in strengthening Nepal-Japan relations and utilizing Japanese knowledge, skills, and technology for Nepal’s progress. He encouraged JAAN to expand its community development activities in rural areas and appreciated its efforts and achievements over the past five decades.
Recognizing JAAN’s significant contribution to strengthening Nepal-Japan friendship, JAAN was to honored with the Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award in 2023. Expressing happiness on this achievement, Vice President Mr. Ramsahay Prasad Yadav emphasized the need to further extend the friendship between Nepal and Japan. He acknowledged that JAAN’s President and members play a crucial role in ensuring that Nepal maximizes the benefits of Japan’s support, and assured that the Government of Nepal will continue to appreciate and recognize such commendable efforts.
Minister for Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Mr. Sharat Singh Bhandari, appreciated Japan’s support to Nepal and JAAN’s positive contributions. He emphasized that JAAN should take a leading role in policy formulation, fostering a progressive work culture, and promoting the use of advanced development and innovative technologies by learning from Japan.
Highlighting the Government of Nepal’s efforts in drafting a National Migration Policy, he emphasized the need to analyze opportunities and challenges in utilizing the workforce through foreign employment. He further underscored the importance of collaboration between JAAN, the Government of Nepal, and the Government of Japan in advancing labor, employment, and social development.
At the event, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Mr. Eak Narayan Aryal, who was honored by JAAN, expressed his commitment to further strengthening the close relations between Nepal and Japan. He conveyed his best wishes for JAAN’s continued dedication to Nepal’s development and its role in deepening the harmonious partnership between the two nations.
Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Mr. Toru Maeda, recalled that the upcoming year marks the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations. He expressed gratitude for JAAN’s significant contributions in enhancing bilateral ties and emphasized the need to consider future strategies for sustaining and strengthening this relationship.
He further highlighted that as Nepal transitions from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, it is essential to plan how acquired skills and knowledge can be effectively utilized. Additionally, he discussed the growing Nepalese community in Japan and its potential contribution to Japan’s economic growth. He stressed the importance of exploring new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal, Mr. Mizuki Matsuzaki, appreciated JAAN’s contributions to Nepal-Japan relations and shared her insights on the importance of continued collaboration.
During the event, Vice President of Nepal, Mr. Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, officially released the “Milan” magazine, an annual publication by JAAN. Additionally, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Mr. Eak Narayan Aryal, a lifetime member of JAAN, was felicitated by the Vice President. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to the authors for their contributions to the publication.
The program witnessed the presence of JAAN members, officials from the Government of Nepal, the Embassy of Japan, JICA Nepal representatives, and distinguished social personalities from various organizations. Dr. Ram Chandra Bhusal, President of JAAN, who chaired the event, emphasized the vital role of Japan in Nepal’s sustainable development. He highlighted Japan’s unwavering and selfless support in fostering reliable and long-term development, which remains essential in the current global context. He also extended his gratitude to the chief guest, special guests, the Embassy of Japan, JICA Nepal, the Government of Nepal, and all those who contributed to the success of the annual ceremony.
The program was moderated by Vice President of JAAN, Dr. Kiran Rupakhetee, while JAAN General Secretary, Ms. Shanti Laxmi Shakya, delivered the welcome speech and provided brief insights into JAAN’s activities.
This event was organized on the occasion of JAAN’s 51st Annual Celebration. JAAN was established in 1972 A.D. (B.S. 2029) with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to unite Nepalese professionals who have studied, trained, or visited Japan and to further strengthen friendship and cooperation between Nepal and Japan. #nepal #JAAN #JICA #Japan
