Japanese Ambassador to Uzbekistan Tsutomu Hiraoka signed grant-contracts within the framework of the no-string aid to grass-root projects on November 25.

Twelve grant-contracts worth US$827,800 were signed with the ceremony. The grants are directed to equip schools with modern equipment and furniture.

Mr. Hiraoka said that the grant-contracts signing ceremony is symbol of friendship between Uzbekistan and Japan. He said Japan Government pays special attention to cooperation in education sphere with Uzbekistan. Japan issued US$8.22 million to 147 projects within the framework of the no-string aid to grass-root projects, reported Uzreport.

In line with the grant-contracts in January and March 2008, 24 projects for US$1.64 million were realized in the secondary schools of Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the no-string aid to grass-root projects in education, healthcare spheres and projects on women''s empowerment, Japan Government has allocated US$13.6 million to 243 projects in Uzbekistan since 1995.