Western Balkans
Publisher: Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA
Volume: 2 pages, pdf
Description:
Formally established October 2006 in Belgrade, the JICA Balkan offi ce now covers Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia. It is important to note, however, that JICA had already started to support this region since 1970s for human resources development. After the collapse of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the middle of 1990s, JICA mainly focused on emergency humanitarian assistance, while taking into consideration Japanese Diplomatic Policies. Once this initial emergency stage was completed, JICA then gradually shifted their support towards projects that involved the development of the region. In April 2004, the Government of Japan organised the Ministerial Conference on Peace Consolidation and Economic Development of the Western Balkans. This conference would be the starting point that would bring key support to the region. Taking into account the recommendations of the Ministerial Conference, JICA began its assistance by promoting ethnic reconciliation, supporting the social-political capitals, nurturing economic growth and encouraging environmental conservation, all towards the objective of attaining human security and sustainable economic development. JICA’s steadfast aim is to act as a bridge between the people of Japan and its partner countries by sharing a common pool of knowledge and experience. In its unyielding pursuit towards the consolidation of peace and contributing to economic development, JICA intends to keep its commitment by providing active assistance to the region/