DUSHANBE, July 27, 2016, Asia-Plus — The Government of Japan and the Government of Tajikistan have agreed on the “Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship” (JDS).
The Exchange of Notes took place between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tajikistan Mr. Hajime Kitaoka and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Mr. Sirojiddin Aslov here on July 26.
Based on the Exchange of Notes, the Resident Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Tajikistan Mr. ISHII Kiyoshi and Foreign Minister ASLOV signed the Grant Agreement for the project. Under this Project, the Government of Japan extends 170 million Japanese Yen (1,602,661.89 USD at current rate) to the Government of Tajikistan, through JICA, for the implementation of the said project.
According to JICA Office in Dushanbe, the project aims at developing human resources by sending young government officials to Japanese universities to study in master courses, as well as developing and strengthening the relationship between Tajikistan and Japan. The JDS Fellows are expected to acquire expert knowledge and engage in promoting social and economic development in Tajikistan.
The project for Human Resources Development Scholarship in Tajikistan was launched in 2008. Up to now 28 fellows have completed master courses in Japan and are now actively working for the development of Tajikistan. 5 students are currently enrolled at Japanese universities and 5 new Fellows will leave for Japan in August, 2016.
This is worth mentioning that Japan has increased the number of scholarships from 5 to 7 per year. It is also planned to launch a PhD program to help returned Fellows to further continue their academic career and, thus, to contribute to the development of Tajikistan based on in-depth study in Japan.
The Government of Japan acknowledged the sovereignty of Tajikistan in December 1991. Since then, Japan and Tajikistan have developed friendly and tight bilateral relationship. JICA began its capacity building cooperation with Tajikistan in 1993 by offering 21 seats for Tajik officials to study in Japan. Apart from JDS, JICA sends around 100 people to Japan through its knowledge co-creation program. Total number of participants in training Tajik officials in Japan covers more than 1500 people from early 1993 until April 2015. The Government of Japan mainly focuses on health, agriculture, transport, drinking water supply and energy sectors through these training programs.
