JICA Bhutan Office

Bhutan is a small kingdom of no more than seven hundred thousand people located at the foot of the Himalayas between the major powers India and China. It is one of the most unique countries in the world: devoutly Buddhist, isolationist and dedicated to preserving its natural and cultural heritage, but also greatly concerned about its gross national happiness (GNH). Although there is a strict prohibition against smoking and mandatory wearing of traditional dress, one also finds fluent English, free education and free medical services. Not to forget, Bhutan supposedly also has the most spicy food in the world.

JICA’s relationship with Bhutan has a long history, dating back to the arrival of famed agricultural specialist Keiji Nishioka in 1964. Since that time, JICA’s presence and reputation have increased greatly thanks to the devoted and well-respected efforts of the many people associated with JICA. Volunteers have been especially valuable. On December 20, 2008, a ceremony was held with the government of Bhutan to recognize the 20 years since the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) first arrived in the country.

In pursuit of a higher GNH, the essence of which is equal happiness for all its citizens, Bhutan is implementing a variety of projects. To ensure a livable environment for its people, particularly those in rural communities, the government is making rural roads a priority, after which are providing electricity and improving access to education and medical services. JICA is supporting these efforts by concentrating on the four fields of agriculture, infrastructure, social services and local administration. Social service projects, for example, will address medical services, education and occupational training according to the Bhutanese government’s national plan. The number of JICA projects either underway or scheduled to begin is considerable for such a small country. As of January 2009, these projects include:

• Technical Cooperation - seven projects
  1. Agricultural development,
  2. Agricultural mechanization,
  3. Local administration,
  4. Government broadcasting,
  5. Rural electrification,
  6. Infectious disease control, and
  7. Occupational training
• ODA Loans - one project
  1. Rural electrification
• Grant Aids - five projects
  1. Grant Assistance for Underprivileged Farmers (2KR) – two projects,
  2. School construction,
  3. Bridge construction, and
  4. Government broadcasting equipment

Volunteer projects are also contributing greatly to Japan’s and Bhutan’s continuing friendship. Since the signing of an Exchange of Notes to send volunteers in 1987, a total of three hundred JOCVs have come to Bhutan since the first arrivals in the following year, plus a total of one hundred senior volunteers since 2001. Their diligent efforts, together with that of Bhutanese citizens, have greatly benefited every corner of the country.

The manner in which these projects progress greatly distinguishes them from those in other countries. As the reputations of Japan, JICA and JOCV have spread across Bhutan, JICA associates find they receive a warm reception wherever they go. The Bhutanese people have earnest attitude in discussions and take a peaceful approach. Their kind words of praise and the complete absence of any public safety issues make Bhutan a particularly pleasant country to work in.

Bhutan has recently become a popular tourist destination, now attracting over two thousand visitors from Japan annually, double the number of just a few years past. Because many aspects of Bhutanese culture resemble Japanese traditions, Bhutan is truly a wonderful place to visit, particularly for Japanese people. I hope that everyone will take the time to learn more about Bhutan.

Tomoki Nitta, Resident Representative
JICA Bhutan Office