September 13, 2006
 Japanese Assistance for Radio Nepal
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The Government of Japan has decided to extend a grant assistance up to nine hundred and thirty-seven million Japanese Yen ( 937,000,000), equivalent to five hundred eighty-eight million four hundred and thirty-six thousand Nepalese Rupees (NRs.588,436,000), or approximately seven million nine hundred and sixty-four thousand US Dollars (US$7,964,000), to the Government of Nepal for the Project for the Improvement of Short Wave and Medium Wave Radio Broadcasting Stations in Japan's Fiscal Year 2006.
His Excellency Mr. Tsutomu HIRAOKA, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal and Mr. Vidyadhar Mallik, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, signed and exchanged a set of Notes today on behalf of their respective governments.
The Grant being extended to the Government of Nepal is intended to procure the products and services necessary for the improvement of radio transmission stations.
The radio broadcasting stations have been facing an acute shortage of equipment and spare-parts for maintaining existing transmission services. Reconstruction of damaged station buildings and renovation of existing buildings are equally important in order that the stations may cover and extend the present covering areas.
At present, it is said that about 60% of the total population enjoys listening to the national broadcasting programs of Radio Nepal. Since radio broadcasting is the quickest and convenient means to disseminate information necessary for daily life, it should be strengthened, expanded and modified according to requirements so that a large section of the poorer population benefit from the information, educational programs, news and views broadcasted by Radio Nepal.
In light of this, the Government of Japan has decided to extend the Grant Assistance to the Government of Nepal. Under this Grant, necessary equipment, such as radio transmitters and studio equipment will be supplied or replaced, some spare-parts will be supplied and some existing buildings will be renovated in order to enhance the transmission capacity and reliability of the Radio.
On this occasion, His Excellency Mr. HIRAOKA reiterated that the Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Yasuhisa SHIOZAKI, pronounced this Grant Assistance on his recent official visit to Nepal, which took place on July 28 and 29, 2006.
His Excellency Mr. HIRAOKA also noted that this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Japan-Nepal Diplomatic Relations. H.E. Mr. HIRAOKA further said, Japan and Nepal have enjoyed a very cordial and friendly relationship throughout these 50 years. Continuing to strengthen the Diplomatic Relations between the two nations, and considering the aspirations of the people of Nepal, the Government of Japan is responding to Nepal's request for sustainable socio-economic development for poverty alleviation. Ultimately this will ensure peace building and human security in Nepal. Thus, Japan is looking forward to the coming 50 years of significant relationship between the two nations based on the past 50 years of experience. H.E. Mr. HIRAOKA continued by saying he is delighted to be a part of today's signing ceremony.
On the occasion, HE Mr. HIRAOKA also expressed his sincere hope that this Project will prove to be yet another milestone in strengthening the existing friendly relationship between Japan and Nepal.
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