JICA assures BD of higher support

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will continue its financial and technical cooperation to Bangladesh, considering the country's importance in the region and in connecting Japan with Europe through different Asian countries.

Dr Takao Toda, chief representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bangladesh office, said the country's importance in Asia is clear. Japan applies new mindset in contextualising Bangladesh in the region and sub-region.

 "We like to contribute to the development of the Spine of Asia. If it happens accordingly, it will be good for Japan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, India … all," he said.

Mr Toda has been in charge of the JICA local office for the last four years.

In an exclusive interview with the FE this week, he highlighted Bangladesh's potentials amid various challenges of political unrest, corruption and irregularities.

He said the country's connectivity with all neighbours is important to explore and utilise its full potentials.

He said JICA has already contributed to other Asian countries including those of ASEAN, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India significantly. The organisation likes to contribute to Bangladesh, considering the country's importance in the region.

Mr Toda said JICA has extended its financial and technical cooperation to the development of infrastructure, energy and human resources in Bangladesh.

The organisation's recent commitment to two projects - mass rapid transit (MRT) and construction of three new bridges and rehabilitation of the old ones on Dhaka-Chittagong highway - has increased its contribution to the tune of about US$ 4.0 billion.

The JICA country chief said their cooperation for the Dhaka-Chittagong highway is centred on the increase in its traffic volume. JICA's support will reduce travel time on the corridor to half from the present time.

 "The Spine of Asia is our dream. I compare Dhaka-Chittagong connectivity with Tokyo-Osaka connectivity. But it is much more important than Tokyo-Osaka, because this connectivity is also important from regional point of view."

JICA, the Japan government's lending arm, has committed to loan assistance along with technical cooperation to improve capacity of the Bangladesh government's agencies concerned for planning and implementation of challenging projects, like - MRT, in February and April this year.

Under the agreement, JICA will provide $ 2.45 billion as loan for MRT line-6 project and $ 1.5 billion for second bridge construction of Kanchpur, Meghna and Meghna-Gumti and rehabilitation of the existing bridges project.

Under these projects, Japanese consultants have been selected, who will work in consortium, comprising members of both local and international firms on November 17 and 18.

"We like to work hand-in-hand with officials of the government and implementing agencies, so that their own capacity of planning can be strengthened."

He said JICA's contribution to transport sector crossed $ 4.0 billion during the last 20 years. The number of bridges, constructed under Japan's assistance, crossed 500, including 70 bridges of Roads and Highways Department, during the period.

It is simultaneously supporting rail-line expansion on the Dhaka-Chittagong corridor.

He said JICA sees the MRT line-6 project as the most challenging one, but expressed his satisfaction at its progress, which is still ahead of the schedule.

The JICA country chief lauded the completion of formalities to establish Dhaka Mass Transport Company and for land acquisition.

He, however, emphasised capacity building of the country for better management and operation of the mass rapid system.

JICA is behind the project and will continue its support, he said, citing his country's expertise in setting up MRTs in many developing countries, which faced lots of challenges like Bangladesh.

"Korea, China, India, Indonesia and Bulgaria - all were like Bangladesh 20 to 30 years ago - where MRTs are operating well. We can hope it will happen here as well," he added.