The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) revealed its total loans provided for the reconstruction of Iraq.
The JICA’s Executive Vice President / Junji Yamada / said in a press statement that the total loans of the Agency for the reconstruction of infrastructure for Iraq amounted to about 10 billion US dollars since the Japanese government announced its support for Iraq.
He added: Iraq ranks seventh in the world in JICA’s loan file, while no country has received this large number of loans in such a short period of 15 years.
Yamada explained: The Japanese government and JICA have supported Iraq so far with about 11.5 billion dollars, including grants, which is more than double the amount that was pledged at that time, in addition to more than 10,000 Iraqis receiving training, mainly in Japan, in order to help in develop capabilities and implement technical cooperation projects in all fields, including agriculture, worker safety, urban planning, port planning and health, in a way that enhances stability and growth, as Iraq occupies an important position in the Middle East.
He pointed out: JICA is currently playing an important role in economic and social development in Iraq, beyond the concept of post-war reconstruction, as many important projects have been completed during the past few years after achieving security and political stability in Iraq.
Yamada continued: Iraq needs more renewable energy projects, promoting solar energy generation and energy stability by combining solar energy with current energy generation in addition to large-scale development through private investment, expecting: the implementation of two projects will be signed soon with the government on Samawah water and the fifth phase of the development of the Basra refinery.
He stressed: Our companies are interested in the durability of technology, hard work and a spirit of responsibility, as the Iraqis consider it a virtue in their society, and JICA plays an important role in conveying these facts to Japan and enhancing understanding of Iraq, which leads to the development of cooperation between the public and private sectors./ End
Source: National Iraqi News Agency