Message from the Chief Representative

My name is Kengo AKAMINE, and I assumed the position of Chief Representative of the JICA Ecuador Office in September 2025.

I have had several opportunities to visit Ecuador on business trips in the past, and I was deeply impressed by the beautiful cityscape of Quito, where history and culture are alive, as well as the majestic mountains that stretch across its outskirts. Since then, I have long aspired to work in this country, and I am truly honored to now have the opportunity to serve at an overseas office - the very frontline of cooperation - particularly here in Ecuador.

Ecuador and Japan have maintained a stable relationship for many years, primarily in trade of seafood, agricultural products, and crude oil. Ecuadorian tuna and shrimp occupy an important position in Japan’s seafood market, while bananas and coffee are indispensable on Japanese dining tables. Furthermore, for Japan, which relies heavily on crude oil from the Middle East, Ecuador is one of the largest suppliers outside that region. In August 2025, President Noboa visited Japan, and expectations are high for even closer ties between the two countries.

To further strengthen this friendship, JICA will review priority development issues in light of Ecuador’s national development plan and the Country-Specific Development Cooperation Policy of the Government of Japan, aiming to realize more strategic and effective cooperation. In doing so, we will not only strive to improve the quality of life for the people of Ecuador but also promote economic activities by Japanese companies in Ecuador and ensure that the outcomes of our cooperation are shared with Japanese society.