December 22: The second Bhutan-Japan Consultation meeting concluded yesterday. The meeting reviewed Japanese assisted projects in the 9th five-year plan and discussed major pipeline projects for future cooperation.

In the 9th five-year plan, Japanese assistance focused on construction of educational facilities, procurement of farm machineries, technical cooperation, strengthening of local governance and decentralization.

Bhutanese officials informed the meeting that the first stage of the construction of educational facilities has been completed and handed over to the government.

Under the Grant assistance for unprivileged farmers, 179 power tillers along with spare parts will arrive towards the end of January 2008. They will be distributed to farmers in all the Dzongkhags.

Officials informed the meeting that Japanese assistance to Bhutan Broadcasting Service has contributed immensely to the dissemination of information. It has also helped document the historical events taking place in the country.

With the equipment donated by Japan, the first parliamentary election will be reported live from some of the key constituencies.

The meeting noted that Japanese assistance in construction of mini and macro Hydro projects has helped provide rural electrification.