On 16 September 2015, the Ceremony on the Exchange of Notes for three grant aid projects worth a total of 4.182 billion Yen (approx. 33.46 million USD) was held between H.E. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and H.E. Daw Lei Lei Thein, Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

1. Project for Improvement of Road Construction and Maintenance Equipment in Kachin State and Chin State (2.74 billion Yen (approx. 21.9 million USD))
This project will provide equipment needed for tube-well drilling for renewable water resources development in the central dry zone (Mandalay, Magway and Sagaing Regions) so that water could be utilized throughout the year, thus improving the lives of the local community.

2. Project for the Provision of Equipment for Rural Water Supply Project in the Central Dry Zone (Phase 2) (1.242 billion Yen (approx. 9.94 million USD))
This project will support improvement of road situations in underdeveloped Kachin and Chin States by providing road construction equipment so as to upgrade the lives of the local people and to invigorate social and economic development in the two states.

The above two grant aid projects will also support the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the flood affected areas in Myanmar.

3. Project for the Implementation of the Economic and Social Development Programme (200 million Yen (approx. 1.6 million USD))
The improvement of maritime safety in Myanmar as Myanmar relies heavily on international maritime trade. Meanwhile, maritime safety measures in Myanmar are still inadequate. As can be seen through the ferry accident which occurred in Rakhine in March resulting in 64 casualties, improvement in the safety of maritime services is urgently needed. This project will support purchase of equipment needed for improvement of maritime safety such as emergency life-saving equipment and telecommunication equipment.

(Note) Japan’s flood relief assistance to Myanmar so far

Japan has provided 325 million Yen worth of assistance through international organizations and 18 million Yen worth of emergency relief goods through JICA. Furthermore, Japan will continue swift provision of necessary assistance towards rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts through such grant aid projects as announced above, as well as the previously announced assistance of up to 5 billion Yen to be put towards reconstruction of schools and water purification vehicles upon request from the Myanmar Government.