The Government of Japan has decided to extend to His Majesty's Government of Nepal a grant of thirty one million three hundred thousand yen (31,300,000), equivalent to twenty million three hundred seventy-six thousand rupees (NRs.20,376,000), under the cultural grant-in-aid scheme for the supply of microfilm and book binding equipment to the Central Library of Tribhuvan University.

Exchange of Notes to this effect has been signed today by Mr. Kazumi Suzuki, Charge d' Affaires a.i. of Japan to Nepal and Mr. Bhanu Prasad Acharya, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance of His Majesty's Government of Nepal on behalf of the respective governments.

The main objective of the cultural grant is aimed at promoting cultural, educational, and research activities, preservation of cultural assets and relics as well as preserving historically valuable books and old documents. The grant will cover the cost for procurement, transportation and installation of the necessary equipment.

The microfilm and book binding equipment being provided to the Central Library of Tribhuvan University under the grant is expected to preserve the historic and valuable literature and records, including Sanskrit manuscripts in possession of the library as well as repair them.

Since 1978, the Government of Japan has been providing equipment to Nepal under this scheme, including Paleo-magnetic Equipment to the Central Department of Geology of Tribhuvan University, Display Equipment to the National Museum, Offset Printing Machine to the Royal Nepal Academy, Sports Equipment to the National Sports Council, Educational TV Programmes to Nepal Television etc.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Suzuki expressed his hope that the grant will be utilized properly and effectively to preserve the historic and valuable literature and records which are the invaluable assets for future generation.