As rapid economic development progresses in developing countries with continued urbanization, there is an escalating need for solutions to urban problems concerning water, energy, waste disposal, urban transportation, anti-pollution, and others. These various problems are not limited to large cities, but are increasing in regional cities as well. Under such circumstances, it would be extremely beneficial for the development of developing countries if local governments in Japan with accumulated expertise in water, energy, waste disposal, disaster prevention, and other fields could respond to the needs of those countries in a highly detailed and attentive manner. For this reason, the Government of Japan has promoted the participation of local governments in ODA. Moreover, Japanese local governments are also actively promoting the overseas expansion of their initiatives, including their local industries, in order to stimulate the revitalization and globalization of the local regions of Japan Note 10 (see “Master Techniques from Japan to the World” for specific examples).

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 developing countries but also to the revitalization of local economies in Japan.

1. Note 10: Support for overseas development of local governments through ODA: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/oda/about/page23_000707.html (in Japanese only)

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