Press Release

Varanasi, June 27th, 2022: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organized the Procurement and Disbursement Seminar under Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan 2022 on June 23rd and June 24th at the Rudraksh International Cooperation & Convention Center (RICCC), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which has been constructed by Japan's Grant Aid through JICA.

The seminar was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India Office; Mr. MIYAMOTO Shingo, Minister (Economic and Development) Embassy of Japan in India; Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India; Mr. Manoj Bisht, Senior Accountant Officer, CAAA, DEA, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India; and Mr. Deepak Agarwal, Divisional Commissioner, Varanasi.

The first day of the seminar included discussions around topics such as ODA Loan Outlook and Overview on Disbursement; and Disbursement Management, Procedure and Common Discrepancies. On day two of the seminar discussions were held on the Specific Issues in Disbursement and Brief Recapitulation by Each Group; the Promotion of RICCC and its utilization; Public Relations in JICA India Office; presentation on ODA projects by JICA India, presentation on procurement procedures by JICA headquarters; and Efficient Project Management & Project Execution (Case Study).

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India Office, said, "It is indeed a great pleasure to address you all at this seminar "JICA's Procurement and Disbursement Seminar 2022". I would like to extend my congratulations on the 75th anniversary of India's independence. Also, happy to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Japan-India relations. This RICCC is an iconic symbol of close Japan-India relations, which got constructed by Japan's Grant Aid through JICA. The opening ceremony held on 15th July 2021 was witnessed by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the then Hon'ble Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga. I encourage everyone to utilize this Facility to organize meetings/seminar/conventions. I hope that this Centre will be widely recognized as new symbol of international cooperation between Japan and India. India continues to be JICA's largest partner in the world. This shows the expectations of India as Japan and JICA. The critical thing is the smooth implementation of projects and the speedy delivery of development benefits to the people. Last year, a relatively high pipeline execution rate of 15% was achieved. This is a reflection of the efforts of all concerned, and JICA will continue to strive for further improvement.

The objective of this seminar on 23rd and 24th is to promote understanding of procurement and disbursement procedures among Executing Agencies, and to ensure smooth supervision of projects under Japanese ODA loans. In particular, we would like to provide an excellent opportunity to deepen mutual understanding at the operational level between your organization and JICA.

About Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre

The Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre (VCC) was conceptualized by the Government of India in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP) as a core base for cultural and artistic activities and the promotion of people-to-people exchange. Japan has supported the project through its Grant Aid as a "symbol of friendship between Japan and India". Prime Minister Modi has named the VCC "Rudraksh" as he wishes to make it a symbol of wisdom.

Despite the high potential of India's tourism sector to drive the country's economic growth in the future, it currently accounts for a lower percentage of the country's GDP than other countries in the Asia Pacific. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world with a history of about 3,000 years, located on the Ganges River. It is a holy city of Hinduism and Jainism and is a centre of culture and history in the country. VCC has a Main Hall with a seating capacity of 1,200 people and the latest stage, lights, and sound equipment, as well as a conference room, artist make-up rooms and other related facilities together with 120 car parking space. In addition to the construction cost of the VCC, the Grant Aid also included the provision of know-how transfer on the operationalization of the Center and general management, including the planning of cultural and other related international events. The construction of the VCC demonstrates technology and experience of Japanese companies: Joint Venture of Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd and Nikken Sekkei Ltd. for the design work and supervision; and Fujita Corporation as the contractor.

It is hoped that the VCC will serve as a base for promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges between India and the rest of the world, and further develop India through the promotion of the tourism sector.

About JICA

Established by a specific law as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to promote international cooperation as the sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in the form of loans, grants and technical cooperation, so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

• JICA India Office Web
• JICA India Brochure
• JICA Facebook Page (external link)

For further information, please contact:

JICA India Office
Shusaku Takada / Aishwarya Mishra
+91 11 49097000
Takada.Shusaku@jica.go.jp
Mishra-Aishwarya@jica.go.jp

Edelman India
Rakhi Aurora
(+91) 9599067185
Rakhi.Aurora@edelman.com