Media FAQ

19 October, 2007

Note: This week, the spokesperson for MOFA received many inquiries, especially from the media of donor countries, on Japan' assistance to Myanmar.
The followings are answers given to some of the frequently asked questions.

Myanmar Issues

Q: Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura has announced that Japan is intending to cut 552 million yen (approximately 4.7 million USD) worth of aid to Myanmar. Could you elaborate on this?

A: Japan has decided to cancel its aid for the Project for Construction of the Myanmar-Japan Center for Human Resources Development *, which entails building a facility in one of the universities in Yangon. The Government of Japan considered it inappropriate to provide this kind of assistance to Myanmar in light of the current situation. Bearing in mind, however, that there is a need to help women and children who are suffering from malnutrition, poor healthcare conditions, Japan will continue humanitarian assistance in urgent need for such vulnerable people.

*On 31 July, 2007, the Government of Japan decided to provide up to 552 million yen worth of assistance to this Project, after which Japan and Myanmar had been negotiating to reach an agreement on the exchanges of notes. The Project was to teach Japanese language, Japanese economy and business studies in one of the universities in Yangon, thereby fostering future leaders of Myanmar who would promote democracy and market economy. The Project was supposed to include constructing facilities and providing such necessary equipments as desks, chairs, monitors, and books.

Q: Is Japan considering any further measures, besides the 552 million yen project, given that European Union Foreign Ministers decided, on 15 October in Luxembourg, to step up their sanctions, banning more timber, gemstones, and precious metals? Is Japan considering anything in the same view, like sanctions?

A: Japan and other players of the international community are currently making diplomatic efforts in relation to the Myanmar issue. Japan will pay close attention to how things will develop by such efforts, and consider ways to improve the situation in Myanmar. Japan also intends to scrutinize proposed projects one by one in terms of recipients and benefits. With regard to the remaining assistance, it is important to recognize that there are aids which directly affect the people of Myanmar such as aid for Polio vaccinations.

It is also worthwhile to bear in mind that in FY2006, Japan has provided to Myanmar 3.08 billion yen (approximately $26.1 million), of which 1.35 billion yen (approximately $11.5 million) has been extended in the form of grant assistance and the remaining 1.73 billion yen (approximately $14.6 million) in technical assistance. The amount of Japan's assistance to Myanmar in FY2006 was reduced by 65% in comparison to that of FY2001.

Furthermore, Japan's grant assistance to Myanmar over the last five years comprises such projects as to reduce infant mortality rate, the bulk of which goes into the hands of grass-roots people through NGOs and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund). Japan still deems it important to directly reach the people of Myanmar to better their day-to-day living conditions.

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