To make more strategic use of official development assistance (ODA), the government plans to emphasize a proactive approach of proposing aid to developing countries, rather than waiting for requests from these nations, Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

Photo Insert: The Foreign Ministry expects it will give Japan more opportunities to provide assistance efficiently in areas in which it excels and to focus on assistance that is in line with diplomatic objectives.
The launching of this “offer-type” cooperation is outlined in a draft revision to the Development Cooperation Charter, which sets guidelines for ODA.
In the draft revision, the government also plans to state its policy of promoting the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific through providing assistance to developing countries in order to strengthen cooperation with like-minded nations.
The revision to the charter will be the first since 2015, a span of eight years. Behind this strategic use of ODA is the idea of rebuilding the international order, shaken by factors including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to build a peaceful and stable global society.
The government will make an announcement on the draft revision as soon as this week, with Cabinet approval expected in May. “Offer-type” cooperation is the centerpiece of the draft.
The Foreign Ministry expects it will give Japan more opportunities to provide assistance efficiently in areas in which it excels and to focus on assistance that is in line with diplomatic objectives.
Comments