DUSHANBE , May 17, Asia-Plus -- The inauguration ceremony of the Project on Supply of Musical Instruments to Tajikistan ’s Opera and Ballet Theatre was held in Dushanbe on April 17.  

According to information from the Japanese Embassy in Dushanbe , with the grant of JPY49,500,000 (equivalent to approximately US$450,000) this project was implemented within the framework of the Cultural Grant Aid of the Government of Japan.  

Tajik Opera and Ballet Theatre was established in 1940, and has widely been known as a leading theatre for classic and modern music, opera and ballet.  The theatre has made significant contribution to promoting culture among the citizens of Tajikistan .  Over the past twenty years, the lack of financial resources has long time prevented the theatre from improving its musical instruments.  The Government of Japan determined to assist the theatre in renewing its existing musical instruments.   

Under the Cultural Grant Aid, the Government of Japan has extended approximately US$1.4 million for the promotion of education and cultural activities in Tajikistan . Since 2003, US$460,000 have been extended Tajikistan ’s National Museum of Antiquities and a grant aid of some US$430,000 for the improvement of musical instrument has been provided to the Tajik National Conservatoire.