Recognizing the significance of NGO activities, the Government of Japan inaugurated "NGO Project Subsidy System" in FY 1989 to encourage Japan's NGO activities through financial support. In April 1996, the NGOs-MOFA Quartery Meeting was established for the purpose of exchanging views on ways to promote government-NGOs collaboration. Through such an exchange of opinions with NGOs, the Ministry is ready to further improve its NGO support mechanisms.

International cooperation activities by local governments are unique reflecting their different characteristics and historical and cultural background. In FY 1995, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs inaugurated a local government subsidy system to financially support activities by local governments. In addition, the Ministry has encouraged local governments to send their officials overseas as JICA experts and participate in a policy dialogue with a recipient country, e.g. the Japan-China Comprehensive Forum on Environmental Cooperation (see p. 17).

Under the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program being promoted by JICA, young Japanese people, between 20 and 39 years old, are recruited widely from all over the country. In developing countries, they work closely with local residents for economic and social development. The JOCV project is highly appreciated, both at home and abroad, as the Volunteers have been extensively instrumental in technology transfer to and promotion of friendly relations with developing countries. The JOCV also contributes to educating the Japanese young generation on a wide range of international affairs.