The Government has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to promote collaboration in the areas of disaster risk management, climate change, security and economic development.
Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, and JICA President, Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, signed the agreement at the Ministry’s National Heroes Circle offices in Kingston on Wednesday (July 31).
Dr. Clarke, in his remarks, said that Japan has been a solid and committed supporter of Jamaica and welcomed the assistance being provided, particularly in relation to climate change and disaster risk management.
“Japan, though an industrialised country, shares the sensitivity and vulnerability to climatic events and to adverse geological occurrences and has developed and advanced means and methods of adapting and mitigating to the vulnerabilities that it faces. Jamaica, no doubt, in the aftermath of Beryl, is reminded yet again of the vulnerabilities that we face and the need to plan and prepare in advance for the damage that can be caused by these natural disaster events,” he said.
Minister Clarke noted that a major component of the agreement is an emergency credit facility at concessional terms, which will trigger in the event of a natural disaster.
He noted, however, that Jamaica’s disaster preparations must go beyond disaster risk financing.
“What we need to do is ensure that we adapt to the impact of climate change and the potential impact of natural disasters to limit the financial damage in the first place. We are much better off investing in adaptation upfront, so that the cost of recovery and repair over time can be reduced,” he said.
Dr. Tanaka, in his remarks, said this year marks a significant milestone as Japan and Jamaica celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.
“Japan and Jamaica have developed a strong partnership of trust through our worthwhile cooperation, to date. This MOC will surely yield further cooperation and trust between our countries. In particular, this MOC affirms that we will deepen our work together in six key areas – disaster risk management, climate, change, civil, security, economic development, women, peace, and security, and maritime and oceanic issues,” he shared.
Turning to economic development, Dr. Tanaka said JICA will enhance system ability and resilience in key Jamaican industries such as coffee production and tourism.
He added that JICA will continue to promote cooperation with Jamaica for the benefit of Jamaicans and strive to cultivate even richer partnerships between both countries over the next 60 years.
For his part, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, said JICA has been at the centre of Jamaica and Japan’s relations, with a firm commitment to sustainable growth and development, peace and prosperity.
“We have had the privilege for the past 35 years of hosting a JICA Office right here in Kingston that has allowed us to narrow the distance between our countries, while ensuring that our engagement remains strong,” he said.
Mr. Terrelonge added that over the years Jamaica has been the beneficiary of Japan’s generosity, and the MOC signing ceremony is an important demonstration of the long-lasting bilateral partnership.
