The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects(GGP) Scheme, granted onehumanitarian programfor construction of Road between Moksogyun and Tagukalon Village in Mon State.The hand-over and opening ceremony of theroadwas held on 15 February2013at the project site in Moksogyun Village.

H.E. Mr.Mikio NUMATA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U HtayOo, Vice Chairman of USDP Party, U Toe Toe Aung, Minister for Development Affairs of Mon Stateand local peopleattended the ceremony.

The Japanese Ambassador said in his remark that the construction of this village to village connection roadwill bring the development of health, education and economic sectors of the area and expressed his expection to improve the social life of the local people by this road.Then the Ambassador expressed his sincere wishes for the village people to take care of the road for its long-term durability.

U HtayOo,Vice Chairman of USDP Party, said in his speech that this newly constructed village to village connection road will be useful for the people of Moksogyun and Tagukalon Villages to commute with the town and to carry the local products to the markets throughout the year. He expressed his gratitude to the people of Japan and Japanese Government for their kindness. He also mentioned that the condition of the road will be maintained by the people of the village by raising fund by themselves.

The Government of Japan has providedUS$ 105,191for construction of2.3 m wide and 3.7 km long laterite road between Moksogyun and Tagukalon Village through its GGP Scheme. Japanese Government has plan to support the development of infrastructure sector of Myanmar in the future too. It is expected that this assistancewillfurther strengthen existing friendly relations betweenJapan and Myanmar.