May 29, 2006
 Japan Hands Over Rice to Nepal
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His Excellency Mr. Tsutomu HIRAOKA, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, has handed over to the Government of Nepal the rice provided under Japan's Food Aid (KR) to Nepal in Japan's Fiscal Year 2004, at a function organized today at the premises of Nepal Food Corporation.
The Government of Japan extended a Grant Assistance of three hundred and fifty million Yen ( 350,000,000), equivalent to two hundred and thirty-three million, one hundred thousand Nepalese Rupees (NRs. 233,100,000), or approximately three million, three hundred and twenty-three thousands US dollars (US$3,323,000), to the Government of Nepal to procure rice in Japan's Fiscal Year 2004.
The assistance was provided with a basic objective of enabling the Government of Nepal to procure rice and supply it to the needy population living in food deficit districts of Nepal. A total of approximately 8,300 metric tons (MT) of rice procured under the said aid, safely arrived from Japan and has already been transported to the food storage centers of Nepal Food Corporation located in Nepalgunj, Surkhet, Birgunj and Kathmandu. Nepal Food Corporation will be responsible for the transportation of rice from these places to the food deficit areas in the hilly and mountainous regions of Nepal.
As a dedicated development partner and close friend, Japan has been providing Food Aid to Nepal since 1970. As of Japan's Fiscal Year 2004, the Government of Japan has extended its Food Aid to Nepal 17 times, which means more than 73,800 MT of rice and more than 24,000 MT of wheat.
Speaking on the occasion, HE Mr. HIRAOKA informed those present that 2006 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Nepal. He further stated that Japan has been cooperating with Nepal during these decades in its efforts to alleviate poverty and achieve sustainable economic development.
HE Mr. HIRAOKA also expressed his belief that the rice handed over to the Government of Nepal today will help Nepal to ease the problem of food shortages in the country; ultimately benefiting the needy population living in the mountains and remote areas of the country.
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