OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR HELD IN YEREVAN

On October 7, 2004 the Official Development Assistance Seminar (ODA) was conducted in Yerevan by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It was headed by the Deputy Resident Representative of JICA UK Office Mr. Toshiuki Iwama. The participants from JICA Armenian Alumni Association were present, as well as Delegation of JICA Georgian Alumni Association headed by its President Mr. Kakha Kalmakhelidze.
Seminar was opened by the welcome letter presented by the Counselor of Asia, Oceania and Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Gagik Ghalachyan.
Then President of JICA Armenian Alumni Association Mr. Levon Movsesyan presented the spheres of Association’s activity, its main directions and results.
In his presentation Mr. Kalmakhelidze provided view of Japan assistance delivered to Georgia, its scope and results.
Mr. Iwama provided his opening presentations on “Restructuring of JICA”, “Japan’s ODA and JICA” and “JICA’s Mid-Term Objectives and Plan”.
One of the most interesting ideas expressed during the round table discussion was Mr. Metreveli’s proposal for exchange of appropriate experts – members of national JICA Alumni Associations – between Armenia and Georgia. This idea recieved active support of the audience.
In his closing speech Mr.Iwama expressed his satisfaction by the fact that the very first ODA Seminar in South Caucasus country exceeded national frames and became an event of regional scale, helping to build and develop real and effective cooperation.