Tehran – December 9, 2024
Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Iran Office Mr. Tanaka Osamu visited ECO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Silapberdi Nurberdiyev to explore areas of collaboration and potential joint projects.
During the meeting, Ambassador Nurberdiyev emphasized the importance of enhancing regional connectivity through development of North-South and West-East transport corridors, while also highlighting the role of the Human Resource and Sustainable Development, as well as Information and Communications sectors in boosting trade and economic growth. He also briefed on ongoing projects of the ECO Secretariat.
Emphasizing ECO’s strategic role in regional connectivity and expressing JICA’s readiness to support ECO initiatives, Mr. Tanaka described the meeting as a foundation for future cooperation. He also stressed JICA’s presence in ECO member states and its expertise in capacity building, disaster risk reduction, and participatory water management projects.
Both sides identified key areas for collaboration, including transport, disaster risk reduction, health, education, and tourism, agriculture, and water management. They agreed to draft a joint program of action, organize capacity-building workshops, and leverage Tehran as a hub for regional training programs.
The meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening ties between ECO and JICA, with both parties committed to advancing sustainable development and regional cooperation.
