DUSHANBE, June 30, 2016, Asia-Plus -- The governments of Japan and Tajikistan have agreed on this year’s execution of the annually implemented “Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship” (JDS).

The Exchange of Notes took place yesterday between the Charge d''Affaires ad interim of Japan to Tajikistan Mr. Takashi Kamada and Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov.

Based on the Exchange of Notes, the Resident Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Tajikistan Mr. Kiyoshi Ishii and Foreign Minister Aslov signed the Grant Agreement for the project.

JICA Office in Tajikistan says that under this Project, the Government of Japan extends 93 million Japanese Yen (838,000 USD at current rate) to the Government of Tajikistan, through JICA, for the implementation of the said project. 

The project reportedly aims at developing human resources by sending young government officials to Japanese universities to study in master courses, as well as developing and strengthening the relationship between Tajikistan and Japan.  The JDS Fellows are expected to acquire expert knowledge and engage in promoting social and economic development in Tajikistan.

The Project for Human Resources Development Scholarship in Tajikistan was launched in 2008.  Up to now 28 Fellows have reportedly completed master courses in Japan and are now actively working for the development of Tajikistan.

The Government of Japan acknowledged the sovereignty of the Republic of Tajikistan in December 1991.  Since then, Japan and Tajikistan have developed friendly and tight bilateral relationship. JICA began its capacity building cooperation with Tajikistan in 1993 by offering 21 seats for Tajik officials to study in Japan.  Apart from JDS, JICA sends around 100 people to Japan through its knowledge co-creation program.  Total number of participants in training Tajik officials in Japan covers more than 1500 people from early 1993 until April 2015.  The Government of Japan mainly focuses on health, agriculture, transport, drinking water supply and energy sectors through these training programs.