The Japanese government has granted a financial assistance amounting to some USD 430,500 to five Moroccan associations operating in the field of local sustainable development, eastern and central Morocco.

The donation is part of the Japanese non-reimbursable assistance program granted to local micro-projects contributing to human security.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Japan's ambassador to Morocco, Mrs. Haruko Hirose, underlined that through this financial aid, the Japanese government supports ambitious programs, including National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), launched in the North African country in 2005 to reduce poverty, social exclusion and vulnerability. She also asserted that rural development constitutes, more than ever, a requisite for national development.

The Japanese diplomat said the tangible actions to be undertaken in different zones of intervention will contribute to improving living conditions in the rural areas, particularly through supplying drinking water and access to roads.

Japan has, earlier this month, granted Morocco a USD 6.3Mn donation to fund an anti-flood project, including public works engines, funding the construction of small and medium-size dams and carrying out various projects in order to consolidate Morocco’s anti-flood program.

Source