The Japanese government has committed to donate more than US$40 million for development programs: Health: US$8.6 million for vaccination program. Education: US$7.5 million primary schooling in rural areas and low income barrios. US$5.3 million for the expansion of the Instituto de Formación Técnico-Profesional (Infotep). Natural resources: US$5 million for the improvement of forests and irrigation in Arroyo-Cercado, Jarabacoa zone. Potable water: US$10 million for construction of water treatment plants in Jarabacoa, Constanza, Piedra Blanca, Baní, Salcedo, Sánchez, Maimón, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Peravia and Samaná. Agriculture: US$4 million to increase farm production. Yesterday the Japanese government announced commitments to finance the installation of Japanese companies in the Santo Domingo Cyberpark. The Japanese assistance will be channelled through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Organization. Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi promised to fund farming projects for Japanese immigrants to the DR. The Fernández administration donated 750 hectares to 250 Japanese immigrants and their descendants that came in 1956-57 following an offer for farming land made by then Dictator Trujillo. Despite the unfilfillment of original promises, many of the settlers stayed on and have roots today in the DR. The today Prime Minister of Japan visited in 1975 when he was a member of that nation’s parliament. President Fernández invited Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi to return to the DR to see the nation’s progress. In his tight schedule, President Fernandez found time to meditate at the Meiji-Jingu Buddhist temple and to visit the Maruzen bookstore. On his schedule was also a visit to the Fujitsu Corporation in Kawasaki. On Thursday, President departs to Singapore for more investment promotion meetings. He will give a talk on the Dominican economic model and perspectives for development in the 21st century. His trip to the Far East finalizes with a visit to Bangkok, Thailand where he will participate in the Xth UNCTAD Conference on trade and development. Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi thanked President Fernandez for his offer to receive in Santo Domingo the guerilla takers of the Japanese Embassy in Lima, Peru, if that would contribute to resolve the crisis. The group had taken over the Embassy on 17 December 1996.
