*This article is part of a series of publications as part of our trip to Japan on the occasion of the Ticad 9
On the sidelines of the Ticad 9 in Yokohama, we had with Ueno Shuhei, Deputy Director General for Planning and Ticad Process in Africa Department, the Japanese official considered the level of “good” cooperation between Tokyo and Tunis.
Asked about the obstacles encountered by Japanese projects in Tunisia, Mr. Ueno insisted on the considerable potential of the country, particularly in matters of youth, and the development prospects which still remain to be exploited. However, he regretted that, during his mission at the head of the JICA section in Tunisia, a single project contract was signed, illustrating the administrative and institutional challenges that Japanese projects must sometimes face.
Despite these constraints, JICA remains determined to strengthen its actions in Tunisia, in particular in strategic sectors such as education, infrastructure and technological innovation, thus confirming the central role of Tunisia in its cooperation with North Africa.
The JICA has led several major projects in strategic sectors in Tunisia. In the field of infrastructure and transport, it supported the modernization of the port of Rades and the strengthening of the rail network to improve logistics and the transport of passengers and goods.
In terms of education and capacity building, the Japanese agency has developed vocational training programs for young people and supported partnerships with Tunisian universities in order to stimulate research and technological innovation. In terms of health and social services, she has contributed to the improvement of hospital services, the promotion of maternal and child health and public health management.
The JICA has also invested in economic and agricultural development by supporting SMEs, entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture projects, in particular the effective water management. Finally, it was involved in the environment and energy by launching initiatives related to renewable energies and environmental protection, with waste management and urban and rural sustainability projects.
Read :: Ticad 9: Tunisia at the heart of Africa-Japan cooperation
