Tokyo: In a bid to strengthen bilateral cooperation and boost development initiatives, the Nepal-Japan Development Forum was officially inaugurated in Tokyo, Japan, on September 1, 2023. The forum aims to deepen the collaboration between Nepal and Japan across various sectors, including social, economic, and technical development.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Tani Kouichi, Japan's Minister of State for Disaster Management and Ocean Policy, and Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, the Nepali ambassador to Japan. The Forum is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing economic and development ties between the two nations.

Leadership and Objectives

The Nepal-Japan Development Forum is spearheaded by Motoyuki Odachi, Japan's former Deputy Minister of Finance. It boasts a prominent leadership team, with co-chairs including Sarbashree Yoshiharu, Hiroyuki Fukuyama, Dr. Toru Utsumi, Takatoshi Nakamura, Tomohiko Kawamoto, and Yosuke Kikuma. Ambassador Dr. Subedi serves as the honorary patron of the Forum.

The Forum's primary objectives are to facilitate Japan's collaboration in Nepal's key sectors, including tourism, energy, agriculture, education, health, and employment. By encouraging greater involvement of Japan's private sector, the Forum aims to create a more conducive industrial environment in Nepal and enhance investment opportunities.

Statements from Dignitaries

During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Tani Kouichi underscored the deep-rooted ties between Nepal and Japan, which extend beyond official relations to people-to-people connections. He emphasized the importance of consolidating these relations while promoting economic cooperation.

Ambassador Dr. Subedi acknowledged Japan's significant contributions to Nepal's socio-economic development in various areas. He reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment through liberal economic policies.

Private Sector Engagement

Motoyuki Odachi, the newly appointed Chairperson of the Forum, highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized trade, investment, and employment promotion as key focus areas for the Forum's initiatives.

Prominent Attendees

The event witnessed the participation of high-ranking officials from the Japanese government, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), as well as industrialists, businessmen, and representatives of companies actively engaged in Nepal's trade, business, and investment landscape.

The Nepal-Japan Development Forum marks a significant milestone in the continuing partnership between Nepal and Japan. It aims to foster mutual growth, deepen economic ties, and unlock new avenues for collaboration, building on the enduring friendship and shared interests between the two nations.