JICA head meets Minister Shrestha, pledges continued cooperation on energy, irrigation

KATHMANDU: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Tanaka Akihiko met Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, in Kathmandu on Tuesday and pledged continued cooperation in the country’s energy and irrigation sectors.

The meeting concentrated on bilateral collaboration in energy, water resources and irrigation infrastructure development. Minister Shrestha thanked JICA for its ongoing support and investment in Nepal’s energy and irrigation projects.

The minister highlighted the Kankai and Chandra Nahar canal projects, which are being developed with JICA’s assistance, and expressed hope that such cooperation will continue. He also congratulated JICA on its contribution to the Nagdhunga Tunnel Project; the JICA president travelled to Nepal to attend the tunnel’s inauguration on July 27.

Minister Shrestha urged JICA to support Nepal’s efforts to promote clean, green energy internationally. He noted the use of advanced Japanese technology at the Kulekhani Hydropower Project, saying it had strengthened the project’s resilience to potential risks, and requested JICA’s involvement in the Nalgad Hydropower Project.

President Tanaka asked the minister to resolve outstanding issues related to the Tanahu Hydropower Project. The minister assured him that the government would address those matters.

Recalling JICA’s humanitarian assistance following the 2015 earthquake, Energy Minister Shrestha thanked Japan for its continued support in times of crisis. President Tanaka expressed interest in new projects in Nepal and said JICA stood ready to provide advanced technology, technical expertise and investment for the country’s infrastructure development.