(3) Collaboration with local governments
The various kinds of know-how possessed by the local governments of Japan are needed for the development of the economies and societies of developing countries around the world. For example, against the remarkable growth and urbanization of developing countries in recent years, responses to environmental issues and infrastructure issues have not been keeping up with the pace of growth. Therefore, the cooperation of the local governments of Japan, which have accumulated rich expertise in the fields of water, energy, waste disposal, disaster risk reduction, etc., is becoming increasingly necessary. For this reason, Japan has promoted the participation of local governments in ODA. Moreover, from the viewpoint of the needs of the local governments, Japan is actively promoting the overseas expansion of local governments including their industries in order to stimulate the revitalization and globalization of the local regions of Japan.
Furthermore, JICA established the “Special Category of Local Government Type.” under the JPP in FY2013. Aiming at striking a balance between local governments’ overseas expansions initiated by themselves, leveraging their expertise, experience, and skills and solving developmental issues in developing countries, this new measure is expected to create a win-win relationship, which contributes not only to the developing countries but also to the revitalization of local economies in Japan.