TN urges JICA for early approval of various projects

Tamil Nadu government today urged the Japanese aid ageny JICA for early approval of various projects assisted by it in the state including the second phase of Chennai Metro Rail and a 400 MLD desalination plant.
This was stated by Chief Minster O Panneerselvam to a visiting Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) delegation led by its President Shinichi Kitaoka, a state government release here said.
Tamil Nadu government has undertaken various JICA-assisted initiatives including the Chennai Metro Rail project.
"The Chief Minister requested the President of JICA for the early approval of some important projects proposed by Government of Tamil Nadu for JICA assistance including the 400 MLD Desalination Plant for Chennai, Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase II and Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme Phase II," it said.

He also sought for JICA's early approval for Chennai Peripheral Ring Road Project with Intelligent Transport System, and the Chennai Urban Infrastructure Project, it added.
Panneerselvam 'highlighted' that JICA's involvement in Tamil Nadu has been very beneficial to the people of the state and that it is an important partner in implementing the Tamil Nadu Vision 2023, it said.

Kitaoka was quoted as saying that he had had extensive interaction with India and Indian officials through his diplomatic career and that he expressed great satisfaction with his visit to the Institute of Child Health here today.
"He highlighted that while JICA was one of the biggest donors in the world with a large presence in this region, the success of JICA's assistance was equally dependent on the understanding and co-operation on the side of the recipient. In this context, Tamil Nadu was a model partner for JICA," the release said.

The Japanese side also 'highlighted' that the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme (TNIPP) Phase I "was a great success and JICA was ready to move to TNIPP Phase II within the current fiscal year."
"It was also highlighted from the Japanese side that the implementation of ongoing projects is proceeding satisfactorily," it said.
Kitaoka also expressed his condolences on the recent "untimely demise" of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, and said "she was a personality of great charisma," it added.