Project News

On October 1, 2008, JBIC's (Japan Bank for International Cooperation) Overseas Economic Cooperation Operations and part of the Non-Refundable Financial Cooperation Program of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs were transferred to JICA transforming JICA into an integrated assistance agency.  JICA now executes in a unified manner the three areas of Official Development Assistance (ODA), that is, "technical cooperation", "refundable financial cooperation" and "non-refundable financial cooperation".  Therefore, 2008 was a historical year for JICA as a whole, and also a commemorative year for JICA Panama in celebrating 20 years since opening its office in Panama.

On November 27, 2008, JICA Panama held a "Ceremony for the New JICA and for the 20th Anniversary of the Opening of JICA Panama Office" in the National Library. Approximately 170 people, including the Japanese Ambassador to Panama, Mr. Misawa, governmental officials of Panama, and related persons from NGO's participated in the ceremony.  Also the Alhajuela Project Director, Mr. Carlos Melgarejo, (Director of Integrated Watershed Management of ANAM), Project Coordinator, Mr. Eric Rodriguez, and Coordinator, Ms. Saito, also participated in the event representing our Project.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Misawa and a representative of the Ministry of Economy and Finance gave words of congratulation, and the Resident Representative of JICA, Mr. Noguchi, explained the vision of the new JICA.  The event was covered by national television, newspaper and magazine media informing the Panamanian public of the establishment of the new JICA.  Alhajuela Project put its best foot forward by setting up our banner and distributing our leaflets to inform the numerous participants of our activities.

(Photo 1: left) Resident Representative of JICA, Mr. Noguchi, being interviewed by a television station.
(Photo 2: right) In front of Alhajuela Project banner. (From the left) Ms. Saito, Japanese Expert, Mr. Melgarejo Project Director, Mr. Eric, Project Coordinator, and Ms. Goto, JICA Panama staff.

(Ms. Yoko Goto, JICA Panama Office)