Activities in Pakistan

Grant Aid Program and JICA work

Grant Aid is a program where the Japanese Government provides funds to the governments of developing countries without the obligation of repayment. The aim is to support economic and social development by helping the government of the recipient country to introduce and upgrade its facilities and equipment. It contributes to the nation building of the recipient countries while ensuring wide-ranging linkages with the technical cooperation provided by Japan and other donors in order to increase the effect of aid. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) provides the funds for grant aid projects.

JICA's work can be classified into,

• preliminary examination that check the content of grant aid, the scale of the project, and the approximate costs.
• implementation of the facilitating activities that examines grant aid projects which begin after signing and exchange of intergovernmental agreements (Exchange of Notes (E/N)) and carry out other necessary activities ensure that they are being executed appropriately.
• follow-up of activities that aim to maintain and enhance the effect of an implemented project.

In response to approval notification for prior studies from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JICA embarks upon a Basic Design Study (B/D) involving basic Design and cost estimation. Once the studies are completed, projects are presented to the Cabinet after consultations on practicalities between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance. A final cabinet decision is made once the cabinet has given its definitive approval. Grant Aid projects are initiated with the signing of the E/N by the Govt.of Japan and the recipient country. The project begins with a conclusion of contracts between the recipient government agencies and Japanese consultants and contractors. JICA ensures that projects are implemented smoothly and appropriately by recommending consultants.

Once the Grant Aid projects are completed, the facilities and equipments are handed over to the government of the recipient country.