Japan International Cooperation Agency

Why in news?

• The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has sanctioned a soft loan to the Gujarat forest department for a project — Ecosystem Restoration in Gujarat — worth Rs 905 crore.

About JICA:

• The Japan International Cooperation Agency is a governmental agency that coordinates Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the government of Japan.
•  It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and the promotion of international cooperation.
• According to the OECD, in 2019 official development assistance from Japan increased 7.5% to USD 15.5 billion.
• Apart from financial assistance JICA also provides technical training for participants from the developing countries in a wide range of fields, including medical, industrial, and agricultural training.

Major Projects in India:

• Western Dedicated Freight Corridor Project
• New and Renewable Energy Development Project
• Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad metro projects
• Ganga, Yamuna Action Plan Projects

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding “Japan International Cooperation Agency”:
1.It provides financial assistance to Dedicated Freight corridor Project.
2.It is an agency of government of Japan.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question