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BALKAN BALKAN BALKAN NEWSNEWSNEWS
JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY
No.11/2016 Summer
CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS
IntroductionIntroductionIntroduction P1P1P1
SerbiaSerbiaSerbia P2P2P2
Serbia, Serbia, Serbia,
Montenegro, Montenegro, Montenegro,
Albania P3 Albania P3 Albania P3
Macedonia P3Macedonia P3Macedonia P3
Bosnia and Bosnia and Bosnia and
Herzegovina P4 Herzegovina P4 Herzegovina P4
Albania P4Albania P4Albania P4
Albania P5Albania P5Albania P5
Senior Volunteers P6Senior Volunteers P6Senior Volunteers P6
For more information, please contact:
or visit:
www.jica.go.jp/balkan/office/
For previous issues:
http://www.jica.go.jp/balkan/office/
others/newsletter/index.html
www.youtube.com/user/JICABalkan
JICA INTRODUCTIONJICA INTRODUCTIONJICA INTRODUCTION
JICA Follow-up Cooperation in Balkan Region
Follow-up cooperation, as program for maintaining and developing effective results of Japa-
nese technical cooperation, has two main purposes.
The first one is to extend project life as hard-type follow-up cooperation by repairing equip-
ment and facilities provided through technical cooperation or grant aid.
The second purpose is to maintain and expand the achievements of technical cooperation
known as soft-type follow-up cooperation. It is accomplished by providing assistance to ex-
participants of training courses in Japan, or counterparts of past technical cooperation, when
they engage in seminars, research, study or creating manuals.
Some of the successful examples of soft-type follow-up cooperation, in Balkan region, are
introduced here.
MACEDONIA
An employee of the Food and Veterinary Agency, who
participated in JICA training course in Japan, applied for
a follow-up cooperation with an aim to improve the level
of people’s awareness for food sanitation in Macedonia.
Although Macedonia has been implementing new legis-
lation in accordance with the EU requirements, there
was no presentation of these standards in the public,
mainly due to lack of finances.
Through this follow-up project, the Food and Veterinary
Agency succeeded in making a good impact on the soci-
ety regarding food sanitation habits and the knowledge
about food safety. Some of the project activities included preparation and publication of pro-
motional material and educational presentations and seminars in 5 municipalities.
KOSOVO
After learning about Japanese export promotion policies
and measures at JICA training course in Japan, an em-
ployee of the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support
Agency (KIESA) applied for a follow-up cooperation with
an aim to improve the role of his institution in effective
and strategic promotion of Kosovo companies and prod-
ucts abroad.
The project enabled KIESA acquire necessary
knowledge on effective export promotion by participating
in FOODEX Fair in Japan in March 2015, where they
presented products of selected companies from Kosovo.
Promotional material for food safetyPromotional material for food safetyPromotional material for food safety
Kosovo booth at FoodEx fairKosovo booth at FoodEx fairKosovo booth at FoodEx fair
2
SERBIASERBIASERBIA
INVESTMENT PROMOTIONINVESTMENT PROMOTIONINVESTMENT PROMOTION
BREAST CANCER CONTROL PROJECTBREAST CANCER CONTROL PROJECTBREAST CANCER CONTROL PROJECT
At the request of Development Agency of Serbia (hereinafter DAS), JICA dispatched an advisor for investment promotion from
May 2015 to June 2016.
After having conducted interviews with the companies which are already operating in Serbia or in the region, the investment pro-
motion advisor analyzed Serbian industrial structure and investment trends. Moreover, he came up with some suggestions and
task analysis regarding the investment promotion and Serbian investment potential.
In June 2016, two officials from DAS were invited to Japan to attend a seminar on Serbian investment climate. More than seven-
ty Japanese companies participated in the seminar and some of them have already expressed interest in Serbia.
JICA will continue discussions related to the cooperation with Serbian government in the above mentioned field.
Compared to the other European countries, in Serbia, breast cancer causes high mortality rate and it urges for an action.
As a response to this, in December 2015, JICA launched a “Project for Improvement of the National Breast Cancer Prevention
Program” which will be implemented for the period of three years. So far, JICA has dispatched experts who conducted verifica-
tion and analysis of the tasks and current situation related to the prevention of breast cancer in Serbia.
In June 2016, counterpart training program was organized in Yokohama. Through the cooperation with Yokohama City and
Yokohama City University, Japanese breast cancer prevention program was presented through the site visits and lectures.
Seminar on investment climate in SerbiaSeminar on investment climate in SerbiaSeminar on investment climate in Serbia Representative of DAS holds a presentationRepresentative of DAS holds a presentationRepresentative of DAS holds a presentation
Site visit Site visit Site visit Lecture for the training participantsLecture for the training participantsLecture for the training participants
3
SERBIA, MONTENEGRO, ALBANIASERBIA, MONTENEGRO, ALBANIASERBIA, MONTENEGRO, ALBANIA
EXPERT FOR TOURISM PROMOTION IN BALKAN REGION (SERBIA, MONTENEGRO, ALBANIA) ARRIVESEXPERT FOR TOURISM PROMOTION IN BALKAN REGION (SERBIA, MONTENEGRO, ALBANIA) ARRIVESEXPERT FOR TOURISM PROMOTION IN BALKAN REGION (SERBIA, MONTENEGRO, ALBANIA) ARRIVES
MACEDONIAMACEDONIAMACEDONIA
STUDY AND SEMINAR ON ECOSYSTEM BASED SOLUTION FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (ECOSTUDY AND SEMINAR ON ECOSYSTEM BASED SOLUTION FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (ECOSTUDY AND SEMINAR ON ECOSYSTEM BASED SOLUTION FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (ECO---DRR)DRR)DRR)
In May 2016, JICA implemented the Study on Ecosystem Based
Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) and organized
the Seminar of Eco-DRR in Macedonia. Recently Japan positively
transmits information of Eco-DRR and attracted attentions in the
world. JICA also strengthen its commitment to Eco-DRR.
For Macedonia, JICA supported the Project on Development of
Integrated System for Prevention and Early Warning of Forest
Fires to establish a system for corresponding disasters from 2011
to 2014. As an outcome of the Project, Macedonia Crisis Manage-
ment Centre (CMC) which was a main counterpart of the Project
maintains a system for disaster risk reduction in collaboration with
Public Enterprise Macedonia Forest (PEMF).
Analysing natural environment and benefit of forests through site
surveys in Macedonia, adaptation and needs of Disaster Risk Re-
duction by utilizing ecosystem was confirmed. Based on the result
of the study, possibility of further cooperation will be considered
with CMC and relating institutions in Macedonia.
Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia are rich in tourism resources, var-
ying from the historic cities, archaeological remains and abandoned
fortresses of different conquerors, to the natural resources of Bal-
kan mountain range, Danube River, different valleys and lakes
spanning across the region.
Although Japanese visitors to Croatia are increasing every year,
those to Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia are less than 10% alto-
gether. Shared current challenges for those three countries include
differentiation of tourism products to earn competitive advantages
against other popular touristic destinations in East or West Europe,
their shortcomings in foreign tourism market information including
Japanese market, and others.
In order to address these challenges, a Regional Tourism Advisor
has been dispatched since May 2016. A series of activities are
planned both nationally and regionally, aiming at establishing ulti-
mately a sustainable tourism promotion mechanism. Planned ac-
tivities include: full participation in Tourism EXPO Japan, organiza-
tion of fam. and media tours for selected private tour companies
and media representatives in Japan, regular exposures to popular
SNS, Japanese web blogs, and cooperation with other medias in
the region, including writing articles for the in-flight magazines, to
name a few.
Regional Tourism Advisor, Mr. Makino, Regional Tourism Advisor, Mr. Makino, Regional Tourism Advisor, Mr. Makino,
at National Tourism Organization of Serbiaat National Tourism Organization of Serbiaat National Tourism Organization of Serbia
Seminar on EcoSeminar on EcoSeminar on Eco---DRR in Macedonia DRR in Macedonia DRR in Macedonia
4
ALBANIAALBANIAALBANIA
BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINABOSNIA and HERZEGOVINABOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA
TERMINAL EVALUATION ON THE PROJECT FOR IMPROVING IT EDUCATION AT MIXED SECONDARY TERMINAL EVALUATION ON THE PROJECT FOR IMPROVING IT EDUCATION AT MIXED SECONDARY TERMINAL EVALUATION ON THE PROJECT FOR IMPROVING IT EDUCATION AT MIXED SECONDARY
SCHOOLSSCHOOLSSCHOOLS
In May and June 2016, a terminal evaluation on the pro-
ject for Improving IT Education at Mixed Secondary
Schools with Gymnasia Course was implemented. The
Project commenced in 2014 and will be finalised in Au-
gust 2016. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, JICA started
providing assistance to improve education of Information
Technology (IT) in 2005 by assisting Mostar Gymnasium
in the City of Mostar where was heavily affected by Bos-
nia Herzegovina conflict in 1990’s. After the cooperation
to the Gymnasium, JICA has implemented and expand-
ed three phases of projects to cover all gymnasiums and
mixed secondary schools with gymnasia course, and
improved standard of IT education throughout the coun-
try.
Furthermore, the projects were engaged in establishing
Common Core Curriculum of Information Technology for
providing standardised education regardless of ethnici-
ties. Finally, the curriculum which was compiled through
the Project activities is authorized and published in the
Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Though establishing common curriculum in Bosnia and Herzegovina which has dif-
ferent curriculums by ethnic groups is big challenge in IT education, the project left a first step for unity.
Three pilot projects are being implemented at three cities
namely Tirana, Cerrik and Vau I Dejes. In Tirana, the
survey on the amount of the recyclable waste has been
conducted by the project team. In accordance with the
result of the survey, the collection rule has been drafted
after the discussion with recyclers. As a next step, a plat-
form for collecting bags is expected to be installed soon.
After the local elections held last year, most of the mu-
nicipalities are still under the process of integration and
merger this situation hinders the smooth operations of
various municipal works including waste management.
Project team is, however, dealing with the situation in a
flexible manner to make the pilot projects successful.
Implementation of pilot projectsImplementation of pilot projectsImplementation of pilot projects
PILOT PROJECTS FOR 3R PROMOTION BEING IMPLEMENTED PILOT PROJECTS FOR 3R PROMOTION BEING IMPLEMENTED PILOT PROJECTS FOR 3R PROMOTION BEING IMPLEMENTED
Gymnasium in the City of MostarGymnasium in the City of MostarGymnasium in the City of Mostar
5
ALBANIAALBANIAALBANIA
ODA SEMINAR HELD IN TIRANAODA SEMINAR HELD IN TIRANAODA SEMINAR HELD IN TIRANA
On 31st May 2016, JICA Balkan Office hosted a seminar on Japanese ODA Co-
operation in Albania. The seminar was a great opportunity to introduce the basic
policy, principles and characteristics of ODA in Albania through the presentations
of past and current projects, implemented by JICA in this country. About 70 par-
ticipants, including the former Ambassador of Albania to Japan, key personnel
from the Ministries cooperating with JICA on projects in Albania, as well as other
representatives of the counterpart organizations, attended the seminar in Tirana.
On behalf of the Government of Albania, H.E. Ms. Milva Ekonomi, Minister of
Economic Cooperation, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship, expressed sincere
gratitude and appreciation for the long-lasting cooperation with the Government of
Japan and JICA. In her opening remarks, Ms. Ekonomi stressed the importance
of the experience, knowledge and skills the specialists from public administration,
gained through participation in JICA training programs, further implementing them
in their daily working process. Moreover, she expressed her utmost appreciation
for the grant aid in the field of agriculture and health care, which are widely recog-
nized among the public in Albania, as well as for the cooperation on the projects
for Tirana sewerage system and Tirana thematic urban planning.
Representatives from the counterpart organizations introduced specific projects
which have been carried out in Albania. The current projects are related to the
environmental conservation, financial inclusion and urban planning.
This ODA Seminar was a timely occasion to reiterate that the opening of the Em-
bassy of Japan in Albania is planned for 1st January 2017. Both, Ms. Ekonomi
and Mr. Abe, Chief Representative of JICA Balkan Office, expressed their hope
that the opening of the Embassy would further strengthen the friendship and co-
operation that ties these two countries.
Minister Ekonomi addresses the attendees on behalf Minister Ekonomi addresses the attendees on behalf Minister Ekonomi addresses the attendees on behalf
of the Governemnt of Albania of the Governemnt of Albania of the Governemnt of Albania
Mr. Abe gives an opening speechMr. Abe gives an opening speechMr. Abe gives an opening speech
The Project for Tirana Thematic Urban Planning was implemented
in 2011 in cooperation with Tirana Municipality as the counterpart.
In this project, following the careful review of the existing urban
plan and the survey on the current situation, various activities i.e.
identification of the challenges, formulation of development strate-
gy, suggestion on priority projects and action plans were conduct-
ed for four different sectors i.e. roads and urban transport, solid
waste management, water supply and sewerage and drainage.
After four years from the completion of the project, the ex-post
evaluation confirmed that quite a lot of priority projects have being
implemented. Especially in the sector of roads and urban
transport, various infrastructure such as ring roads, public car
parks, bicycle paths and pedestrian crossings, have been con-
structed or under construction based on the Mater Plan produced
by the project. Municipality of Tirana will shortly approve this Mas-
ter Plan as the official urban development plan of the City.
Pedestrian crossing installedPedestrian crossing installedPedestrian crossing installed
CURRENT STATUS OF TIRANA THEMATIC URBAN PLANNINGCURRENT STATUS OF TIRANA THEMATIC URBAN PLANNINGCURRENT STATUS OF TIRANA THEMATIC URBAN PLANNING
6
SENIOR VOLUNTEERSSENIOR VOLUNTEERSSENIOR VOLUNTEERS
For the first time, since the Serbian Kendo Federation was established,
the Women’s National Kendo Team won a medal at European Champi-
onship. Ms. Hitomi Kumon, a JICA Senior Volunteer (SV) at Kendo Fed-
eration, was the Women’s National Team coach at this Championship.
This year European Championship was held in Skopje, Macedonia,
from 1st to 3
rd April. More than 500 participants from 38 countries took
part in this championship, which made it the largest continental competi-
tion so far. The Serbian National Team consisted of 8 women, 9 men
and 1 junior.
After the first defeat by Switzerland, Serbia women’s team won over
Czech Republic, Romania, the Netherlands and Germany. In the finals
they encountered with the strongest French team, which eventually won
5:0. However, winning silver medal is the biggest success for the Serbia
Women’s National Kendo Team so far.
Ms. Kumon, who was the women’s team coach, modestly commented
that the success of the women’s Kendo team was also the result of hard
work and devotion of her predecessors, JICA SVs at Kendo Federation
Mr. Mori, Mr. Matsumura and Mr. Kashiwagi. All of them, including Ms.
Kumon, managed to improve the techniques of young kendoka and
successfully instruct their coaches.
The goals for the future period include preparation for Belgrade Cup
which will be held in October this year, as well as for the next year’s
European championship in Hungary. After the World Championship
2018, which will take place in South Korea, European Championship
2019 will be held in Serbia.
SERBIA WOMEN’S NATIONAL KENDO TEAM WINS SILVER MEDAL AT EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPSERBIA WOMEN’S NATIONAL KENDO TEAM WINS SILVER MEDAL AT EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPSERBIA WOMEN’S NATIONAL KENDO TEAM WINS SILVER MEDAL AT EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Serbia Women’s National Kendo Team with Ms. KumonSerbia Women’s National Kendo Team with Ms. KumonSerbia Women’s National Kendo Team with Ms. Kumon (Photo by Aleksandra Bjedov)(Photo by Aleksandra Bjedov)(Photo by Aleksandra Bjedov)
JICA SV AND “NASA KUCA” PLANT CHERRY TREES AT BOTANICAL GARDEN IN BELGRADEJICA SV AND “NASA KUCA” PLANT CHERRY TREES AT BOTANICAL GARDEN IN BELGRADEJICA SV AND “NASA KUCA” PLANT CHERRY TREES AT BOTANICAL GARDEN IN BELGRADE
On 4th April 2016, “Nasa kuca” an association supporting persons with
developmental disabilities, in collaboration with JICA, organized plant-
ing of cherry trees at the Japanese garden, which is a part of Botanical
garden Jevremovac, in Belgrade.
Mr. Toshiki Maeda, a JICA Senior Volunteer at “Nasa kuca”, coordinat-
ed this activity with an aim to include people with developmental disabil-
ities from this association into planting and maintenance of cherry trees
at the Japanese garden.
The plan for the next period is to engage beneficiaries from “Nasa ku-
ca” in weekly maintenance of cherry trees in order to continue the new-
ly-established cooperation between JICA, “Nasa kuca” and Botanical
garden Jevremovac. Moreover, activities will be continued next spring
as well, when new Japanese azaleas will embellish this green oasis in
the center of Belgrade. Mr. Maeda with beneficiaries from “Nasa kuca”Mr. Maeda with beneficiaries from “Nasa kuca”Mr. Maeda with beneficiaries from “Nasa kuca”
Serbia Women’s Kendo National Team at EU Championship in Serbia Women’s Kendo National Team at EU Championship in Serbia Women’s Kendo National Team at EU Championship in
Macedonia (Photo by Aleksandra Bjedov)Macedonia (Photo by Aleksandra Bjedov)Macedonia (Photo by Aleksandra Bjedov)