The Government of Japan,under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) Scheme,granted US$102,350 for the construction of the road between Kaw War Suu and ShwePyayTaung Village and US$102,597for construction of three Sub Rural Health Centers (SRHC)in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State.Hand-Over ceremonies for each project were held at the project sites on 12 and 14 March, 2013 respectively.

The hand-over ceremony was attended by Mr.Go NAKAYA, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, H.E. U Zaw Min, Chief Minister of Kayin State, U Saw Aung Kyaw Min, Kayin StateHluttaw Representative, U Saw Htan Law, Secretary of Kayin USDP Party, Dr.Win Naing,Kayin State Health Directorand local residents.

At the ceremony, Mr. NAKAYA said “In addition tothe construction ofRoad and SRHs in Hpa-an Township this time, GGP projects are being implemented in Hlaingbwe and Myawaddy townshipsas well. Japan hopes that this assistance will provide better environment for the people in Hpa-an townshipwith proper maintenance.”

In reply, H.E. U Zaw Minsaid “On behalf of the Kayin people, I would like to express sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for these GGP projects. We will try our best to develop our Kayin state in cooperation with the Government of Japan in the future as well.”

The Government of Japan will continue to provide support through its GGPscheme, and hopes that such assistance will strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.