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Prime Minister Lotay (right) and President Kitaoka

On Sept. 4, JICA President KITAOKA Shinichi had an online meeting with Dr. Lotay Tshering, prime minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Kitaoka complimented the Bhutanese government for suppressing the COVID-19 pandemic through its sweeping border control measures and its response towards people infected, which resulted in no loss of life so far. Dr. Lotay expressed his gratitude for the long-standing cooperation extended by the Government of Japan and JICA, and explained the Bhutanese government's response to COVID-19, its impact on the economy, and its efforts for future reconstruction.

Dr. Kitaoka stated that JICA would like to launch a new initiative tentatively titled “Global Initiative for Health and Medicine,” which is designed to strengthen health care systems in developing countries. The core of this initiative would be to establish or upgrade medical facilities. It also encompasses human resource development and testing system enhancement. He expressed his desire to make further efforts in conjunction with the strengthening of prevention, including the successful efforts thus far, such as handwashing, maternal and child health, and nutrition improvement. Dr. Lotay expressed his anticipation for cooperation, stating that such assistance is exactly what the world needs right now.

JICA will continue its cooperation to contribute to the development and stabilization of the economy and social infrastructure of Bhutan.