Kathmandu, July 28: Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), met with the Executive Committee of the Japan International Cooperation Agency Alumni Association of Nepal (JAAN) in Kathmandu on Tuesday, reaffirming the importance of strengthening Nepal-Japan relations through both infrastructure development and human resource cooperation.
The courtesy meeting was hosted by JAAN during Dr. Tanaka’s visit to Nepal to attend the inauguration of the Nagdhunga–Naubise Tunnel Road, the country’s first road tunnel, constructed with Japanese assistance.
The JICA delegation was welcomed by Dr. Ram Chandra Bhusal, President of JAAN, who briefed the visiting team on the association’s activities and the work of the JICA Alumni Association Forum of South Asia (JAAFSC). He highlighted JAAN’s role in supporting the governments of Nepal and Japan in promoting closer bilateral ties and expanding regional cooperation among JICA alumni associations.
During the meeting, both sides discussed issues of mutual interest and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between Nepal and Japan.
Expressing his appreciation for the warm reception, Dr. Tanaka said he was honoured to visit Nepal for the historic inauguration of the Nagdhunga–Naubise Tunnel Road. He commended JAAN and its leadership for making significant contributions to fostering people-to-people relations between the two countries.
While acknowledging the importance of physical infrastructure projects for Nepal’s development, Dr. Tanaka stressed that investment in “human infrastructure”—through education, training and capacity building—is even more vital for the long-term development of a country. He praised JAAN for its continued efforts to promote human resource development and professional collaboration.
Dr. Tanaka also lauded JAAN’s leadership of the JICA Alumni Association Forum of South Asia (JAAFSC), saying its initiatives have broadened regional cooperation and strengthened the network of JICA alumni across South Asia.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Nepal and Japan and underscored the importance of continued collaboration in infrastructure development, human resource capacity building and regional cooperation. #nepal #JICA
