AID: The Exchange of Notes for the USD 8.5 million Japanese grant aid project for improvement of machinery and equipment for construction of rural agricultural roads (Phase III) was signed in New Delhi, yesterday.

Ambassador V Namgyel of Bhutan to Japan, and Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu of Japan to Bhutan signed the Exchange of Notes.

The two ambassadors also signed three grant contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects. The three grant projects include: provision of police cars to community police centres in Paro, Wangdue, and Trashigang amounting to a little more than USD 135,300, installation of a safe water supply system in Samthang, Wangdue (around USD 24,700), and construction of an RNR centre for subtropical horticulture development in Panbang, Zhemgang (USD 61,900).

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Japanese embassy, Ambassador V Namgyel conveyed the government’s appreciation for Japan’s continued support which has improved the quality of life for the Bhutanese people. He said that the four grant projects would further reinforce the security, hygiene and sanitation, and agricultural development of Bhutan.

Bhutan and Japan celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations this year.