The Government of Japan has extended a grant assistance of Rs. 178,470,000 to the Government of Nepal for Food Aid (KR) in Japan’s fiscal year 2005.

A press release issued by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu said, Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Tsutomu Hiraoka and Secretary of the Ministry of Finance of the Nepal Government Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire signed and exchanged notes to this effect today on behalf of their respective Governments.

The Assistance has been provided with the basic objective of enabling the Government of Nepal to procure rice and supply it to the needy population living in food deficit districts of Nepal, the statement adds.

Hiraoka expressed wishes that the Food Aid will be of assistance to the Government of Nepal and ease the difficulties faced by the people in the affected area. He also stated that it is the intention and the wish of the Government of Japan that today’s Food Aid will be of support to the endeavor of Nepal towards the consolidation of democracy.