Japan's Official Development Assistance White Paper 2011
(2) Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The dissemination of ICT* contributes to the achievement of sustainable economic growth by upgrading industries and improving productivity. It also contributes to the resolution of issues related to medical care, education, energy, the environment, disaster management, and other societal issues. Utilization of ICT improves their democracy as encouraging information disclosure by the government, enabling the improvement of broadcast media, and improving the mechanisms. It is also extremely important to strengthen the civil society through improvement of the convenience and quality of services.
<Japan's Efforts>
Japan provides active support to eliminate the disparities in ICT between regions and nations in order to enhance the quality of life for all people. Specifically, the main focus of support is on the construction of communication and broadcasting equipment and facilities in developing countries, and on introducing related legislation and fostering human resources. At the same time, Japan aims to provide comprehensive assistance including the infrastructural, human resource, and system aspects, such as the promotion of the Japanese style of digital terrestrial broadcasting abroad, that will also be effective in bringing economic growth to Japan.
A Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer helps nuns learn how to use a computer in Ecuador (Photo: Akihito Takahashi)
Terminology
*Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT is technology that integrates computers and other information technology with digital communication technology, as characterized by the Internet and mobile phones.
[Bhutan]
"Project on Capacity Development of Bhutan Broadcasting Service"
Technical Cooperation Project (September 2007 - September 2010)
Aiming to lessen the widening information gap among regions, the government of Bhutan has made efforts to enhance the functions of the Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation, give accurate information, and raise the educational level of the general public. Responding to such needs, Japan has dispatched television programming specialists to Bhutan since September 2007 to conduct training on creating digital educational video materials, to disseminate education and raise public awareness, and training on digital broadcasting technology. By dispatch of experts and training, Japan has contributed to improving the staff members' ability to create programs and strengthening their management abilities. Thanks to these efforts, nationwide broadcasts of high-quality programs have become possible in Bhutan, providing accurate information widely to the people is actualized, and the information gap among regions has narrowed.
Bhutan Broadcasting Service staff members film in the National Assembly Chamber (Photo: JICA)