[Title] Memorandum of Cooperation on Low Carbon Growth Partnership between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

1. The Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (hereinafter referred to as "both governments"), in pursuit of the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (hereinafter referred to as the "Convention") as stated in its Article 2 and of achieving sustainable development, and in order to continue to address climate change in cooperation, promote the Low Carbon Growth Partnership as follows.

2. Both governments hold close policy consultations at various levels for cooperation toward low carbon growth under the United Nations, at the regional and bilateral frameworks.

3. Both governments, in order to promote investment and deployment of low carbon technologies, products, systems, services and infrastructure to achieve low carbon growth in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, establish a Joint Crediting Mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the "JCM") and implement it in accordance with the principles of the Convention and the relevant domestic laws and regulations in force in respective countries.

4. Both governments establish the Joint Committee to operate the JCM.

(1) The Joint Committee consists of representatives from both governments.

(2) Rules of procedures of the Joint Committee, including its membership, are formulated through consultations between both governments.

(3) The Joint Committee develops rules and guidelines regarding the JCM, methodologies to quantify the amount of greenhouse gases emission reductions or removals, requirements for the designation of third-party entities, and other matters relating to the implementation and administration of the JCM as necessary.

(4) The Joint Committee convenes meetings on a regular basis for the implementation of the JCM.

5. Both governments mutually recognize that verified emission reductions or removals from the mitigation projects under the JCM can be used as a part of their own internationally pledged greenhouse gases mitigation efforts.

6. Both governments ensure the robust methodologies, transparency and the environmental integrity of the JCM and maintain the JCM simple and practical, to promote concrete actions for global greenhouse gases emissions reductions or removals.

7. Neither government uses any mitigation projects registered under the JCM for the purpose of any other international climate mitigation mechanisms to avoid double counting on greenhouse gases emission reductions or removals.

8. Both governments work in close cooperation to facilitate financial, technological and capacity building support necessary for the implementation of the JCM. Particularly, the Government of Japan will support the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for the implementation of the JCM in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

9. The JCM starts its operation as a non-tradable credit type mechanism. Both governments continue consultation for the transition to a tradable credit type mechanism and reach a conclusion of such consultation at the earliest possible timing, taking account of implementation of the JCM.

10. Both governments aim for concrete contributions to assisting adaptation efforts of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, through the JCM after the JCM is converted to the tradable credit type mechanism.

11. This MoC commences on the date of its signature and remains effective until a new international framework under the Convention comes into effect. Both governments consider possible extension of this MoC and reach a conclusion before its termination, taking into account, inter alia, the progress made in the United Nations negotiations on climate change.

12. Any differences or disputes which may arise from an interpretation and/or application and/or implementation of this MoC are resolved through consultations between both governments.

13. Any content of this MoC is modified only by mutual written consent between both governments.

This MoC is signed by Ambassador for Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Union Myanmar on behalf of the Government of Japan and Deputy Minister for Environmental Conservation and Forestry of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Nay Pyi Taw on September 16, 2015, in two originals in the English language.

Tateshi HIGUCHI
Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Japan to
the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Dr. Thet Thet Zin
Deputy Minister
Ministry of Environmental Conservation
and Forestry
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar