http://www.jica.go.jp/english/ - en Copyright 2012 Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0900 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification On May 31, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an investment agreement with the GEF LatAm Climate Solutions Fund III in the Federative Republic of Brazil, managed by GEF Capital Partners, LLC (GEF Capital) and, on June 12, a ceremony was held to commemorate the signing. JICA's investment will be used to fund companies that pursue climate change solutions in Brazil. This project is a co-investment between JICA and other development finance institutions such as PROPARCO (a subsidiary of the French Development Agency), the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Brazil has the largest GDP in Central and South America and the 12th largest in the world. Regarding Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, the country ranks fifth largest globally, which equates to a 3.9% (2.4Gt) share of world emissions (2019). In 2022, Brazil updated its National Determined Contribution, and has committed to Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050. Businesses related to the climate change sector have high potential for future growth in Brazil, as well as huge financing needs. However, due to uncertainty about the economic outlook in regards to the recent rise in dollar interest rates and international developments, unlisted companies in the Private Equity (PE) market still face major difficulties in raising capital. The GEF LatAm Fund III—a pioneer PE fund in the climate solution sector of Brazil with a high level of expertise—targets the renewable energy, agriculture, and urban solution sectors as its primary form of investment in the country. Through JICA’s cooperation in this fund, in collaboration with other development finance institutions, the project aims to promote climate solution investment in Brazil, and to stimulate private sector financing for climate solution businesses. This project will therefore contribute to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 13 (Climate action) and 17 (Partnership for the goals). http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230613_30.html Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0900 The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) contributes to the promotion of the Japanese government's vision for a “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure” through its investment in the “Leading Asia's Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP)” (*1), which is managed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB recently signed a $44.2 million Blue Loan (*2) with PT ALBA Tridi Plastics Recycling Indonesia (ATPRI), a joint venture by ALBA Group Asia Limited (AGA) (*3) and PT Dhara Daya Sustainea (DDS) (*4), to build and operate a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling facility in Central Java utilizing the fund. The total investment through LEAP was $22.1 million. The project aims to be fully operational by 2025 and will recycle up to 48,000 tons of PET bottles annually, diverting them from landfills and the ocean, as well as preventing their use in open burning. The project is expected to reduce not only cross-border marine plastic pollution, but also greenhouse gas emissions by curtailing the need for virgin PET production, contributing to the fight against climate change. Indonesia is the second largest source of marine plastic pollution globally, but has recently undertaken several policy initiatives that target a 70% reduction in marine plastic waste leakage by 2025 and near-zero plastic pollution by 2040. The project will contribute to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 13 (Climate action), 14 (Life below water), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals). (*1) Leading Asia's Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP) is a part of the follow-up measures for the “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure,” which was announced by the Japanese government on November 21, 2015. Targeting high-quality private infrastructure projects in the Asia-Oceania region, the fund provides assistance for such projects organized under various arrangements, including public-private partnerships. In March 2016, JICA approved a $1.5 billion investment in private sector investment financing for LEAP. Providing support for a wide range of sustainable infrastructure projects undertaken by the private sector in ADB member countries of the Asia-Pacific region, LEAP is directed at projects with aims such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, and the provision of medical services at reasonable prices. (*2) Blue Loan: A loan provided to projects that support the blue economy. It is certified under the Green Loan Principles and Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility’s Blue Bond Guidelines. (*3) The AGA is the Asian platform of the ALBA Group, a leading integrated waste management and recycling group founded in 1968, which operates more than 250 facilities in Europe and Asia. (*4) The DDS is a women-owned and women-led plastics recycling company in Indonesia with an operating plant near Jakarta. http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230612_30.html Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On June 9, 2023, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA; President: Tanaka Akihiko) launched Fiscal Investment and Loan Program (FILP) Agency bonds (non-government guaranteed domestic bonds): JPY 15 billion with a 10-year maturity and JPY 10 billion with a 20-year maturity. Bonds issue details: Issue #: No.73 Issue amount: JPY 15 bn Maturity period: 10 years Issue date: June 23, 2023 Maturity date: March 18, 2033 Coupon: 0.681% (s.a.) Issue price: JPY100.00 (per JPY100.00) Collateral: General collateral Rating: A+ (S&P), AA+ (R&I) Listing: TOKYO PRO-BOND Market Lead manager: Nomura Securities Co., Ltd., Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd., SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. and Tokai Tokyo Securities Co., Ltd. Issue #: No.74 Issue amount: JPY 10 bn Maturity period: 20 years Issue date: June 23, 2023 Maturity date: March 20, 2043 Coupon: 1.110% (s.a.) Issue price: JPY100.00 (per JPY100.00) Collateral: General collateral Rating: A+ (S&P), AA+ (R&I) Listing: TOKYO PRO-BOND Market Lead manager: Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd., Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd., Shinkin Securities Co., Ltd. and SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. Use of Proceeds: JICA released its new “JICA Social/Sustainability Bond Framework” on April 7, 2023, and it has obtained a second party opinion from Moody’s. JICA will use the net proceeds from the sale of the bonds to finance newly committed or ongoing Eligible Projects of Sustainability Bonds as defined under the Framework. JICA will not knowingly allocate the net proceeds of the bonds to activities related to coal-fired thermal power projects. Contact Budget for Finance and Investment Account, and Capital Markets Division, Treasury, Finance and Accounting Department, JICA Tel: +81-3-5226-9279 http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230609_31.html Fri, 09 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On May 30, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the Royal Government of Bhutan in Thimphu to provide a Japanese ODA loan of up to 6,550 million yen for the Development Policy Loan for Economic Recovery and Resilience Enhancement. The objective of the loan is to promote economic recovery and growth in Bhutan, which suffered significant adverse impacts due to COVID-19. It will do so by extending budget support to Bhutan, which in turn will be used to strengthen fiscal policies that enhance private sector-led growth, promote policies for green growth that are focused on renewable natural resources, and also promote those related to the building of a self-reliant and sustainable nation, with a good balance between rural and urban areas. This loan will thereby contribute to the fiscal, social, and economic stabilization of Bhutan, and to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health and well-being), 5 (Gender equality), 8 (Decent work and economic growth), 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), 10 (Reduced inequalities), 13 (Climate action), and 15 (Life on land). Details for the loan are provided below. 1. Terms and Amount of Loan http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20250531_31.html Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On May 26, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines in the capital, Manila, to provide a Japanese ODA loan of up to 17,399.9 million yen for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Rehabilitation Project (II). The objective of the project is to improve the safety and service level of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3), which has suffered successive operational suspensions, among other issues. It will do so by rehabilitating MRT3, thereby promoting increased use of the line and contributing to the alleviation of serious traffic congestion, as well as to the mitigation of air pollution and climate change in Metro Manila. The project will also contribute to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), and 13 (Climate action). Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP)* will apply to the Japanese ODA loan for this project, and Japanese technology will be used for the maintenance and management of the railway system, including underground tunnel excavation, construction in narrow areas, signal systems, and vehicle construction. Details for the project are provided below. 1. Terms and Amount of Loan http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230530_10e.html Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On May 25, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement with the Government of the Republic of Djibouti in Djibouti City to provide grant aid of up to 590 million yen for the Project for the Improvement of Medical Equipment at Tertiary Hospitals in Djibouti City. In Djibouti City, where more than half of the nation’s population is concentrated (national population: approximately 1 million people) and rapid urbanization is progressing, the tertiary hospitals that provide high-level medical services to residents are of great importance. While the four hospitals targeted by this project play a key role in each of their respective fields, they are unable to provide the public with accurate and rapid diagnosis and treatment due to their outdated and deteriorating equipment. This project aims to reinforce the system of diagnosis and treatment in Djibouti City by providing medical equipment and guidance on comprehensive medical equipment management methods at four tertiary hospitals (the General Hospital of Peltier, the Hospital of Balbala, the Hospital of Dar Al Hanan, and the Chakib Saad Omar Pneumo-Physiological Hospital). By improving medical services in Djibouti, the project will contribute to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goal 3 (Good health and well-being). Furthermore, the project is also expected to contribute to the promotion of universal health coverage, as well as to the realization of human security and the building of resilient and sustainable economic and social infrastructure. Details for the project are provided below. http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230525_41.html Thu, 25 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On May 22, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) established the Facility for Accelerating Financial Inclusion (FAFI), a debt facility of up to US$1 billion, as part of its private sector investment finance operations. This facility was established as part of Japan's contribution in light of Prime Minister Kishida's statement on May 20, 2023 at the G7 (Group of Seven) Hiroshima Summit—at the side event on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII)—that the G7 would contribute to the sustainable development of partner countries through public and private infrastructure investment. [Background of the Facility] In March 2020, JICA established the Facility for Accelerating Financial Inclusion in Asia (FAIA) to improve access to finance and empower women, low-income people, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the ASEAN region and elsewhere. Since the FAIA has fully utilized its total credit line of US$500 million, JICA has expanded the facility to include developing countries outside of Asia and has established a new facility (FAFI). The funding gap between demand and supply for MSMEs in developing regions is estimated at US$4.5 trillion, and the need for long-term financing remains enormous. In addition, recent compounded crises have increased the need for assistance for vulnerable MSMEs, while support for women's economic empowerment remains a focus of the development agenda, as evidenced by the agreement to further expand the "2X Challenge: Financing for Women" in 2021. [Facility Summary] Loans will be made to local financial institutions in developing countries that are engaged in projects that contribute to improving access to finance for (1) MSMEs, (2) low-income groups, or (3) women, provided that they show a certain level of credit-worthiness and have a certain number of years’ experience in the applicable field. Total amount of facility: up to US$1.5 billion Terms and conditions: normal financing terms and conditions for private sector investment finance are applied. Co-financing: co-financing with international development finance institutions (MDBs), bilateral development finance institutions (DFIs), or commercial banks of G7 countries with strong track records is required. Implementation period: 2022-2024 This facility, which will contribute to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 1 (No poverty), 5 (Gender equality), and 8 (Decent work and economic growth), is an initiative based on JICA’s Global Agenda No. 4, “Private Sector,” and No. 14, “Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Development.” JICA will work with development finance institutions and the private sector through the facility to improve access to finance for women, low-income people, and MSMEs in developing regions, thereby contributing to the agency's mission of human security and quality growth. http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230524_33.html Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On May 22, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) established the Facility for Supporting Agricultural supply chain and Food security Enhancement (SAFE), a debt facility of up to US$1 billion, as part of its private sector investment finance operations. This facility was established as part of Japan's contribution in light of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's statement on May 20, 2023 at the G7 (Group of Seven) Hiroshima Summit—at the side event on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII)—that the G7 would contribute to the sustainable development of partner countries through public and private infrastructure investment. [Background of the Facility] Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, international food prices (especially for wheat, maize, and other grains) have skyrocketed, affecting the lives of people worldwide—including those in Japan. In addition, amid concerns of irregular harvests in various countries due to climate change, there are also concerns that prices will continue to soar in the future as food is stockpiled and exports are restricted around the world. Further, fertilizer prices have remained high—approximately three times higher than they were in 2020. This is due to factors such as price hikes for natural gas, fertilizer’s main raw material. With the product being key to large-scale food production, its persistently high cost is expected to further push up food prices. In light of this situation, the international community has affirmed its commitment to pursuing a coordinated response to food security challenges, including global price increases and shortages of food commodities and fertilizers, and the G7 has also stated the importance of engagement with the private sector to build resilient and sustainable agricultural and food systems. [Facility Summary] The facility aims to provide financing for the following types of projects: (1) Projects that involve food-system strengthening/agriculture-related climate-change actions (adaptation) (2) Projects that support the agricultural sector through financial institutions (3) Projects that support small farmers through agricultural trading companies (4) Projects that offer emergency assistance for the import/export of food, fertilizer, etc. in fragile states Total amount of the facility: up to US$1 billion Financing terms and conditions: normal financing terms and conditions for private sector investment finance are applied. Co-financing: co-financing with international development finance institutions (MDBs), bilateral development finance institutions (DFIs), or commercial banks of G7 countries with strong track records is required. Implementation period: 5 years from the establishment of the facility By supporting climate-change adaptation in the agricultural sector, the facility will contribute to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health and well-being), and 13 (Climate action). The facility is an initiative based on JICA’s Global Agenda No. 5, "Agriculture and Rural Development (Sustainable Food Systems)," which aims to strengthen food systems through the private sector and contribute to increasing the incomes and agricultural productivity of small farmers and other vulnerable groups. In particular, the facility aims to strengthen the resilience of Africa's food and agriculture sector, against multiple threats, through collaboration with donors, private companies, and other partners, as outlined in the JICA Africa Food Security Initiative. JICA, in collaboration with other development finance institutions and the private sector, will support private sector activities for food security in developing countries to achieve the agency's mission of human security and quality growth. http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230524_32.html Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On May 22, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) established the Facility for Accelerating Climate Change rEsilient and Sustainable Society (ACCESS), a debt facility of up to US$1.5 billion, as part of its private sector investment finance operations. This facility was established as part of Japan's contribution in light of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's statement on May 20, 2023 at the G7 (Group of Seven) Hiroshima Summit—at the side event on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII)—that the G7 would contribute to the sustainable development of partner countries through public and private infrastructure investment. [Background of the Facility] In 2015, the international community adopted the Paris Agreement, which states that efforts need to be taken to limit the rise in global temperatures from pre-industrial levels to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C. At the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), it was confirmed that this 1.5°C target will be pursued. Meanwhile, with bilateral public financial support from developed countries having not reached the scale required by developing regions, globally, the private sector is becoming a mainstream source of financing, especially in the renewable energy sector. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the private sector financed 86% of the investment in renewable energy development between 2013 and 2018, and it is expected that it will continue to be responsible for much of the financing required to achieve the 1.5°C target. [Facility Summary] The facility aims to provide financing for the following types of projects: (1) Infrastructure projects that contribute to climate-change mitigation (renewable energy, afforestation, EV projects, etc.) and adaptation (agriculture, water and sewage, etc.) (2) Small- and medium-scale climate-change projects through loans given to financial institutions (3) Projects by private companies promoting climate-change action (including Sustainability-Linked Loans and Green Loans) Total amount of facility: up to US$1.5 billion Financing terms and conditions: normal terms and conditions for private sector investment finance are applied. Co-financing: co-financing with international development finance institutions (MDBs), bilateral development finance institutions (DFIs), or commercial banks of G7 countries with strong track records is required. Period: five years from the establishment of the facility The facility will contribute to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goal 13 (Climate action), among others, through specific activities related to climate-change mitigation and adaptation. The facility, which promotes climate-change action projects through the private sector, is an initiative based on JICA’s Global Agenda No. 16, "Climate Change," and will also contribute around 1 trillion yen annually to climate-change action support as well as doubling the amount of GHG emission reductions, as stated in the JICA Sustainability Report. JICA, in collaboration with other development finance institutions and the private sector, will support climate-change measures by private companies in developing regions to achieve the agency's mission of human security and quality growth. http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230524_31.html Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On May 16, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions with the Government of the Republic of Paraguay in Asuncion for the “Project for Improving Services for Animal Health and Safety of Foods of Animal Origin,” a technical cooperation project. The livestock industry is one of the main industries in Paraguay, and demand for foods of animal origin—such as beef—is growing. On the other hand, the safety inspection system for such foods is weak due to an inadequate capacity for the inspection and data management necessary to ensure food safety. The aim of this project is to improve the capacity of the National Quality and Animal Health Service (SENACSA) to manage animal health and the safety of foods of animal origin. It will do so by first, improving the inspection capabilities for foods of animal origin and the supervisory functions of collaborating laboratories; second, efficiently analyzing, managing, and sharing safety-inspection data; and third, strengthening the functions for guidance on the proper use of veterinary drugs. The project will therefore contribute to improved animal health and food-safety services in Paraguay, as well as to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 2 (Zero hunger) and 3 (Good health and well-being). Details for the project are provided below. http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230524_30.html Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has decided on the following 12 projects to be newly selected for the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program in FY 2023. This decision is based on the selection results by committees of external experts conducted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). SATREPS is a program intended to promote science-and-technology diplomacy and international joint research between Japan and developing countries using advanced Japanese science and technology along with ODA. The program is a collaboration among JICA, the JST, and AMED and is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. SATREPS aims at acquiring new knowledge that may help address global issues, such as the environment and energy, bioresources, disaster prevention and mitigation, and infectious disease control. The program promotes future use of this acquired knowledge in society, and capacity building of researchers and research institutes in developing countries based on their social needs. The following projects have been selected for FY 2023. Projects are listed below in the alphabetical order of their countries, according to the area of research. *[ ]: Counterpart country *( ): Principal investigator in Japan; affiliation ---------------------------------- Environment and Energy: Research contributing to the solution to global-scale environmental issues “The Project for Securing the Sustainability of Oasis Societies Associated with Water and Land Use in the Western Desert” [Arab Republic of Egypt] (Professor IWASAKI Erina; Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of French Studies, Sophia University) “The Project for Utilization Technology of Rubber Seeds for Green Products to Mitigate Global Warming and Plastic Pollution” [Kingdom of Thailand] (Associate Professor KANEHASHI Shinji; Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology) “The Project for Risk-based Participatory WASH Planning and Citizen-data WASH Statistics for African Peri-urban Settlements” [Republic of Zambia] (Associate Professor HARADA Hidenori; Center for African Area Studies, Kyoto University) Environment and Energy: Research on the sustainable use of resources and energy with a view to achieving carbon neutrality “The Project for Development and Social Implementation of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Technologies in Paddy Fields of West Tonle Sap Lake by Establishing a Large Paddy Area Water Management System” [Kingdom of Cambodia] (Project Leader IZUMI Taro; Rural Development Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences) “The Project for Development of Integrated Bio-circular Economy from Food and Energy Estate Waste Fraction to Biofuel and Bio-chemicals” [Republic of Indonesia] (Professor OGINO Chiaki; Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University) “The Project for Development of Innovative Technologies for Efficient Generation of Green/Blue Hydrogen for Realization of a Carbon-neutral Society with Consideration of Industrial and Environmental Characteristics in the Region” [Republic of Uzbekistan] (Professor SUGAI Yuichi; Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University) Bioresources: Research contributing to sustainable production and utilization of bioresources “The Project for Development of Sustainable Seaweed-Based Functional Foods for Achieving Blue Economic Goals” [Republic of Indonesia] (Professor ICHIKAWA Sosaku; Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba) “The Project for Resilient Citrus Cultivation by Integrated Disease Management with Bioactive Compounds for Small Family Farmers in Tropical Mountainous Regions” [Kingdom of Thailand] (Senior Researcher INOUE Haruhiko; Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation: Research on disaster prevention and mitigation towards social sustainability “The Project for Compound Disaster Risk Reduction Associated with Large Earthquakes and Tsunamis” [Republic of El Salvador/United Mexican States] (Assistant professor NAKANO Genta; Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University) “The Project for Joint Research on Disaster Risk Reduction for Widespread Volcanic Hazards in Southwest Pacific Countries” [Kingdom of Tonga/Republic of Vanuatu/Republic of Fiji] (Associate Professor ICHIHARA Mie; Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo) Infectious Disease Control: Research on measures to address infectious disease control attuned to the needs of developing countries “The Project for Implementation of KITASATO-drug Discovery and Development in Schistosomiasis Endemic Areas for its Eradication” [Republic of Ghana] (Professor, TSUJI Naotoshi, the Kitasato Institute, Kitasato University School of Medicine) “The Project for Co-designing Neglected Zoonosis Intervention Through One Health, Education, and Public-private Partnership” [Republic of Tanzania] (Professor MAKITA Kohei, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University) http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230518_41.html Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA; President Tanaka Akihiko) launched its eighth Global-Dollar bonds guaranteed by the Government of Japan on May 16, 2023 (New York time). Issuer: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Amount: 1,250 million USD Issue Date: May 23, 2023 Maturity: 5 years (due on May 23, 2028) Coupon: 4.000%(s.a.) Issue Price: 99.628% (Investor yield: 4.083%(s.a.)) Guarantor: The Government of Japan Rating: A+ (S&P) Format: SEC Registered Listing: Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited Lead Managers: Daiwa Capital Markets Europe Limited Barclays Bank PLC Citigroup Global Markets Limited Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc Use of Proceeds: JICA released its new “JICA Social/Sustainability Bond Framework” on April 7, 2023, and it has obtained a second party opinion from Moody’s. JICA will use the net proceeds from the sale of the bonds to finance newly committed or ongoing Eligible Projects of Sustainability Bonds as defined under the Framework. JICA will not knowingly allocate the net proceeds of Social and Sustainability Bonds to activities related to coal-fired thermal power projects. Contact Budget for Finance and Investment Account, and Capital Markets Division, Treasury, Finance and Accounting Department, JICA Tel: +81-3-5226-9279 http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230517_31.html Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA; President: TANAKA Akihiko) has mandated the following security companies as joint lead Managers. The bonds are denominated in Japanese Yen without government guarantee and are scheduled to be launched in the first half of FY2023. ・Nomura, Daiwa and Tokai Tokyo for 5-year tranche ・Nomura, Daiwa, SMBC Nikko, and Tokai Tokyo for 10-year tranche ・Daiwa, Mizuho, Shinkin and SMBC Nikko for 20-year tranche The expected issuance month and tenors are as below, but subject to change depending on market conditions and JICA’s funding demand. ・10 and 20 year tranches in June (Sustainability Bonds) ・5, 10 and 20 year tranches in September (Sustainability Bonds or Social Bonds) JICA released its new “JICA Social/Sustainability Bond Framework” on April 7, 2023, and has obtained a second party opinion from Moody’s. The bonds to be issued from FY2023 and onwards will be issued as Social Bonds or Sustainability Bonds as defined under the Framework. The proceeds from the bonds will be allocated to eligible projects under JICA's Finance and Investment Account. JICA will not knowingly allocate the proceeds to activities related to coal-fired power generation. For the bonds to be issued in September, JICA intends to issue the bonds as “theme bonds”, and the theme will be determined later. The proceeds of the theme bonds will be allocated to eligible projects related to the theme addressing specific development agenda(s) in developing regions within JICA’s Social/Sustainability Bond Framework. Contact Budget for Finance and Investment Account, and Capital Markets Division, Treasury, Finance and Accounting Department, JICA Tel: +81-3-5226-9279 http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230516_30.html Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On April 25, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide a Japanese ODA loan of up to 44,100 million yen for the Eighth Private Sector Assistance Loan under the Joint Initiative Titled the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA). The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Deputy Vice Minister for International Affairs Ogata Kentaro of the Ministry of Finance of Japan, and was carried out by AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina and JICA President Tanaka Akihiko. The two presidents confirmed that their organizations will further strengthen their cooperation in order to support Africa as it faces the challenge of navigating multiple compounded crises. This is the eighth loan from JICA to the AfDB under the EPSA initiative, which was conceived in 2005 as a partnership between the AfDB and the Government of Japan. The AfDB will utilize the loan provided by JICA to finance private companies through the bank’s Non-Sovereign Operations (NSOs). Through this loan, and through the NSOs of the AfDB, JICA aims to contribute to private sector-led economic growth and poverty reduction in Africa, as well as to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and 17 (Partnerships for the goals). Details for the project are provided below. 1. Terms and Amount of Loan http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230516_42.html Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900 On April 30, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Cairo to provide a Japanese ODA loan of up to 100,000 million yen for the Greater Cairo Metro Line No. 4 Phase 1 Project (III). The signing ceremony was held at the presidential palace and was attended by Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, who was visiting the country at the time. As a continuation of the first and second tranche of Greater Cairo Metro Line No. 4 Phase 1 Project, signed in 2012 and 2022 respectively, the objective of this third tranche is to meet transportation demand, mitigate traffic congestion, and improve air pollution in the Greater Cairo area. It will do so by constructing a new metro (approximately 19 km in length) in the southwest of Greater Cairo and in the city center of Cairo. This project will contribute to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goals 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), and 13 (Climate action). The Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP)* scheme apply to the Japanese ODA loan for this project, and Japanese systems and trains will be installed at the metro being constructed under the project. *STEP refers to special assistance terms for promoting the visibility of Japanese aid through a transfer of outstanding Japanese technology and expertise to developing nations. The main contract is Japan tied and subcontracting is general untied. The main agreement partner must generally be a Japanese company, an overseas subsidiary of a Japanese company, or a joint venture between a Japanese company and the borrowing country where the Japanese company is the lead partner, although under certain conditions a joint venture between a Japanese company (which is the lead partner of the joint venture) and an affiliated company (as accounted under the equity method) of a Japanese company may be the main agreement partner. Details for the project are provided below. 1. Terms and Amount of Loan http://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230516_41.html Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 +0900