---

JICA/JOCV renamed, JICA FSM Office

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): April 18, 2002 - On April 01 2002, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced to the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia a change in name for the agency.

The letter from JICA Resident Representative, Hiroshi Saito, to the Department of Foreign Affairs requested recognition of the official name change from "JICA/JOCV FSM Office" to "JICA FSM Office."

The agency is the Government of Japan's central agency responsible for the implementation of technical cooperation schemes and grand aid activities in Micronesia and more than 165 other developing countries globally.

Through the JICA program numerous development objectives for the FSM were implemented. Among its more visible state projects are:

Chuuk Projects - Artisenal Fisheries, Port Expansion;

Kosrae Projects - Artisenal Fisheries;

Pohnpei Projects - Pohnpei Fisheries Port Expansion and Transhipment Facility, Power Generator Electrical Upgrade;

Yap Projects - Yap State Road Paving improvement project.

Other smaller scale programs are being implemented in the States through the agency's volunteer program, the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV).