Press Release

Mr KARASAWA Masayuki, Chief Representative of JICA Myanmar office who has been assigned since April 2017 returns to the position back in Japan, and Mr SAKAKURA Noriji is assigned as the successor as New Chief Representative. So far, under Mr Karasawa, JICA has put its efforts for expanding logistic network in Myanmar by starting various projects such as Yangon-Mandalay Railway, Construction of bridges for East-West Corridor, and Construction of Bago Bridge. JICA and Myanmar have testified together the completion of a few pieces of such initiatives; Openings of Dawbon (New Tharketa) Bridge in Yangon City, access roads towards Thilawa Industrial Zone and the Control Centre of Yangon Central Railway Station. JICA believes that JICA could show the image of fruits of development to the peoples of Myanmar little by little. Additionally, not only the urban development of Yangon, JICA approached to the works, which are quite close to people's livelihood such as education, vocational training, hospital and rural development incl. rural water.

Under Mr Sakakura, new Chief Representative, JICA continues assisting Myanmar as one of the most reliable partners for the country. Of course, JICA is to work for realizing one by one further expansion of economic connectivity and/or strategies to expanding, which JICA has worked so far, whilst JICA is also to work for putting a focus on each individual in Myanmar, particularly for those who are failed to be in a vulnerable situation. JICA hopes that each individual can deepen the potentiality, and JICA is to suggest the way of life to expanding liberty and capability of each individuals under the enjoyment of all kinds of rights.

Mr Karasawa, who is to return to Tokyo looks back the latest 3 years and says; "it was the period that many things, which were discussed with Myanmar peoples during the transitory times from military regime to democratic government, can be implemented as actual projects. I expect that the improvement of livelihood of Myanmar peoples can be seen through various projects such as infrastructure network all over the country or various system reforms – a new educational curriculum for instance. I am really looking forward to visiting Myanmar again by passing through the East-West Corridor someday."

Mr Sakakura express his hope as the New Representative of JICA Myanmar office as follows;

I arrived in Myanmar in the circumstances that the country faces various serious challenges such as National Reconciliation and Rakhine issues incl. the action based upon the final report of the Independent Commission of Enquiries (ICOE), the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Meanwhile, this year Myanmar will have the General Election, and I understand that it is the chance to push further the works for democratic nation-buildings. With various stakeholders, I am happy to work on diverse challenges of Myanmar.

Mr. SAKAKURA Noriji ( Left side) and Mr. KARASAWA Masayuki (Right side)

The new Chief – Mr. Sakakura says; "with various stakeholders, I am happy to work on diverse challenges of Myanmar."