"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Japan-EU Cooperation in the Field of Development

[Place]
[Date] September 27, 2019
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

Japan and the EU have been enhancing their cooperation in the field of development through the regular high-level policy dialogue on development cooperation. The Japan- EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and the new Japan-EU Partnership on Sustainable Connectivity and Quality Infrastructure provide an additional momentum to pursue further cooperation in areas of shared interest.

Examples of existing Japan- EU cooperation

In Africa, both Japan and the EU are implementing complementary projects. One example is the West Africa Growth Ring Corridor Master Plan supported by Japan, as well as various ongoing projects by the EU that are conducive to the Master Plan. Through these and other projects underway in Africa, Japan and the EU are promoting cooperation in the following sectors:

Transport: Construction or rehabilitation of roads, bridges, intersections, flyovers, bypasses, port facilities and formulation of a transport master plan

Energy: Development of power generation, transmission and distribution capacity including renewable energy, improving energy efficiency

Market integration and customs: Capacity building in trade facilitation and customs administration

In the Pacific region, paying close attention to the special challenges and vulnerabilities the Pacific island countries are facing, both Japan and the EU contribute to connectivity and sustainable development through development cooperation activities in the following areas:

Maritime affairs: The establishment by the EU of the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC-Pacific) and Japan dispatches a regional advisor for port operation and maintenance

Maritime Resources Management: Technical assistance courses on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and sound management of maritime resources by Japan, the establishment of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) by the EU

Waste Management: Regional programmes on waste management by Japan and the EU

Sustainable Energy: Regional programmes on sustainable energy by Japan and the EU

Deepening cooperation in the future

Japan and the EU will explore further cooperation in other regions and sectors.

Furthermore, Japan and the EU are committed to reinforce their bilateral efforts, recognizing the urgent need to mobilize funding from various stakeholders for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

In addition, the MoU between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and European Investment Bank (EIB), signed in September 2019, is providing an additional dimension for future cooperation, including through project co-financing and co- investment, and coordination of technical cooperation or technical assistance.

Japan and the EU look forward to taking their joint ambitions forward at the next high- level policy dialogue at their earliest convenience in 2020.