Key Takeaways:
- Dr Tanaka Akihiko visited Nepal July 26–29, his first trip since 2015
- Attended Nagdhunga Tunnel inauguration and signed JPY 410m JDS grant
- Met ministers to review projects in infrastructure, energy and governance
- JICA praised for aviation safety support and decades-long partnership
Japan has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Nepal's development, with JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko concluding a four-day visit focused on infrastructure, human resource development and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Dr Tanaka visited Nepal from July 26 to 29, marking his first trip since 2015, when he came in the aftermath of the Gorkha earthquake. His latest visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations and comes as Nepal pursues infrastructure expansion and sustainable growth.
During the visit, Dr Tanaka held meetings with Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, and Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal to review ongoing development projects and discuss future cooperation aligned with Nepal's priorities.
A key highlight was his participation in the Nagdhunga Tunnel inauguration on July 27, Nepal's first road tunnel, expected to improve connectivity between Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, western Nepal and the Indian border.
Dr Tanaka also attended the signing of a JPY 410 million grant agreement for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), aimed at strengthening Nepal's civil service through higher education and leadership training.
His itinerary included visits to Patan Secondary School, reconstructed with Japanese assistance after the 2015 earthquake, and inspections of JICA-supported aviation safety facilities at Tribhuvan International Airport. The Civil Aviation Authority praised JICA's role in installing radar systems and enhancing aviation personnel capacity.
Reflecting on Nepal's progress, Dr Tanaka said he was encouraged by the country's resilience and reaffirmed JICA's commitment to supporting Nepal's long-term development priorities.
JICA has been one of Nepal's longstanding partners, supporting projects in infrastructure, education, health, disaster resilience and public sector capacity building for decades.