JICA President Tanaka Visited the U.S.: Meetings with the World Bank, IMF, and U.S. Government Agencies
2024.10.11
From September 17 to 21, JICA President Tanaka Akihiko visited the U.S., where he met with representatives from international organizations and U.S. government agencies to discuss development challenges and global issues. He also gave talks at think tanks to highlight Japan’s 70 years of international development cooperation.
1. Meeting with Representatives from Development Cooperation Agencies
JICA and the World Bank Group have been in discussion to strengthen collaboration between headquarters and field level through high-level dialogues called “Deep Dive.” In a meeting with President Ajay Banga of the World Bank Group, the two parties reviewed the results of their partnership in key focus areas of global health and private sector finance. Moreover, they also concurred in enhancing cooperation in Africa and the Pacific region going forward.
Meeting with President Banga of the World Bank Group
In a meeting with Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the two parties welcomed cooperation in enhancing Africa’s debt management capacities. Acknowledging the challenges posed by low growth and significant debt burdens in developing countries, they agreed to continue to work together to support these countries.
Meeting with Managing Director Georgieva of the IMF
President Tanaka also met with President Ilan Goldfajn of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group to discuss strengthening cooperation under the Cooperation for Economic Recovery and Social Inclusion (CORE) partnership framework in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, which was expanded under the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in January 2024. They also exchanged views on topics such as private sector finance cooperation and disaster risk reduction efforts.
Meeting with President Goldfajn of the IDB Group
In a meeting with Administrator Samantha Power of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), both parties acknowledged and praised their cooperation in mobilizing private finance to support agricultural recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine. They also discussed collaboration on agricultural assistance in Africa, partnerships in the Pacific region, and corridor development. USAID also introduced their efforts to reducing and preventing lead poisoning.
Meeting with Administrator Power of the USAID
In addition, President Tanaka also held meetings with representatives from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
2. Highlighting 70 Years of Japan’s International Development Cooperation
President Tanaka delivered the keynote address at “The Future of Development Cooperation in a World of Disruptions” event, held at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). During his speech, he highlighted key points for enhancing the effectiveness of development cooperation in a divided world, referencing examples such as the Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project in India, the SHEP (Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment & Promotion) Approach, and peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao, the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of local ownership, human resource development and empowerment, and long-term commitment. In addition, President Tanaka affirmed JICA’s commitment to sustainable development in collaboration with the U.S. and other partners during these challenging times.
At a roundtable event at the Wilson Center, President Tanaka reflected on the history and characteristics of Japan’s development cooperation. He exchanged views with experts on the role of development cooperation in an era of conflict and division, as well as future engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Delivering the keynote at the CSIS event
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