Annual Report on Japan's ODA Evaluation 2021

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(2) Effectiveness of Results● Development Viewpoints(1) Relevance of PoliciesBackground, Objectives, and Scope of the EvaluationSummary of Evaluation Results(3) Appropriateness of Processes● Diplomatic Viewpoints(1) Diplomatic Importance(2) Diplomatic ImpactChief EvaluatorAdvisorConsultantEvaluation PeriodPeriod of the Evaluation StudyField Survey CountryMongolia is a geopolitically important country located between two superpowers—China and Russia. Its stable growth and development are important not only in contributing to the stability and prosperity of the region, but also in enhancing relations with Japan.This evaluation assesses Japan’s ODA policies toward Mongolia over the past ten years (FY2010-2019) with the main objectives of obtaining recommendations and learning lessons for the formulation and implementation of future Japanese ODA policies toward Mongolia, as well as ensuring public accountability by publishing the evaluation results.The evaluation team confirmed that Japan’s ODA policies toward Mongolia are consistent with development policies and needs in Mongolia, Japan’s high-level policies, and international priority issues, and that they mutually complement the assistance policies of other donors. It also confirmed that while there were examples of Japan making effective use of its comparative advantages, such as its support for air-pollution control, Japan’s assistance to Mongolia was determined with comprehensive consideration of differentiation from other donors and development needs and implementation structures in Mongolia. (Evaluation Result: Highly Satisfactory = A)Japan’s ODA accounted for 47.7% of the total bilateral assistance to Mongolia over the nine-year period from 2010 to 2018. Japan has therefore contributed significantly to development in Mongolia as a top donor.The evaluation team confirmed that results were produced with regard to improvement of Mongolia’s fiscal capabilities, establishment of a foundation for industrial diversification, efforts to address urban environmental issues, and promotion of the social participation of individuals with disabilities through Prof. HAYASHI KaoruFaculty of International Studies, Bunkyo UniversityProf. MINATO KunioFaculty of Regional Collaboration, Kochi UniversityFoundation for Advanced Studies on International DevelopmentFY2010 to FY2019August 2020 to March 2021Mongolia (remote survey conducted online)* Ratings: Highly Satisfactory = A; Satisfactory = B; Partially Unsatisfactory = C; Unsatisfactory = Dassistance targeting each development issue in Japan’s Country Development Cooperation Policy for Mongolia. Although some of the initial objectives have not yet been achieved, overall, Japan’s assistance to Mongolia had a large impact. (Evaluation Result: Satisfactory = B)Japan’s ODA policies toward Mongolia are formulated appropriately by MOFA with adequate reflection of Mongolia’s development needs and in conformity with the prescribed procedure. In terms of the implementation of assistance, the evaluation team confirmed that there was close communication with Mongolian government agencies and international organizations on a regular basis and that approaches were adopted that enhanced the effectiveness of assistance, such as coordination with other donors on technical cooperation projects and coordination among multiple projects or between schemes. Furthermore, the Embassy of Japan in Mongolia and the JICA Mongolia Office followed through swiftly and attentively when any problems arose during project implementation. (Evaluation Result: Highly Satisfactory = A)Japan’s ODA to Mongolia has the potential to contribute to the improvement of the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, the strengthening of an international order based on universal values and rules, the improvement of global security, and therefore the construction of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous international community. Maintaining a long-term, stable cooperative relationship with Mongolia is also important from the perspective of Japan’s resource security. Thus, ODA to Mongolia is of great significance.At nearly all past bilateral summit meetings and foreign ministerial conferences, the government of Mongolia has expressed gratitude for Japan’s ODA. This shows that Japan’s ODA to Mongolia is an important tool for strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.It is fair to say that Japan’s ODA to Mongolia has had Evaluation of Japan’s ODA to Mongolia11Annual Report on Japanʼs ODA Evaluation 2021