The handover ceremony of two garbage trucks in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region took place on 29th November 2014. H.E. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Htay Oo, Vice Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), U Nyunt Hlaing, Amyotha Hluttaw Representative, U Than Htun, Deputy Chairman of Satchuparlardeet foundation which is the recipient organization of this support and local residents, Mr. Mitsunobu NAKAO, Program Advisor and Ms. Kyoko TERADA, General Director of Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy (SPJD) attended the ceremony.

In the ceremony, Ambassador HIGUCHI stated, “We hope the garbage trucks granted by Kita-Kyushu City and Osaka City, will play a role in improving the living standards of local residents with a clean environment and healthy lives. We appreciate U Htay Oo, local residents and the people concerned for the implementation.” He concluded the speech wishing for a long-lasting Japan-Myanmar friendly relations.

Following that speech, Mr. Mitsunobu NAKAO stated, “The two used and reconditioned garbage trucks had performed their tasks well in Japan, and will perform more tasks in Myanmar. We are grateful to see the trucks to be effective in improving the health of local residents.” He concluded the speech stating that SPJD is planning for more assistance of recycled garbage trucks in the future.

Then, U Htay Oo expressed his sincere gratitude to Japanese Government and its people. He stated, “In this 60th anniversary of Myanmar-Japan diplomatic relations, the Japanese Government under its GGP scheme supported for Nyaung Wing Village Bridge and garbage trucks in Hinthada Township. I wish to further develop Myanmar-Japan relations.”

Lastly, U Than Htun gave the speech of gratitude stating, “We are pleased to receive the necessary two garbage trucks from the Japanese Government and its people through SPJD and GGP scheme. We promise to use the garbage trucks effectively and maintain well for the long-term maintenance and sustainability.”

The Japanese Government provided USD $53,348 for the maintenance and transportation of two garbage trucks under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, while SPJD donated these two garbage trucks. The Government of Japan, under its GGP Scheme, is planning to continue various assistances in the future. The Japanese Government anticipates that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar, which marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Handing over of two garbage trucks to Satchuparlardeet Foundation	Ms. Kyoko TERADA (SPJD) delivering present to U Htay Oo (USDP)	Group photo