# ODA: Why Now?

Assistance helps developing countries that face a variety of difficulties that accompany development, and is used to solve problems that affect the whole world, such as environmental issues and infectious diseases, but providing assistance helps Japan itself as well. However, some wonder why it is necessary for Japan to provide official development assistance (ODA) in the midst of working to recover from the Great East Japan Earthquake. We would like to answer your questions related to such discussions, including providing a description of the current state of Japan’s ODA in the world.

### 1. Japan has suffered an earthquake, so why is it necessary to provide ODA now? Aren’t there things that should be done domestically rather than providing ODA?

At the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan received offers of assistance from 163 countries and regions around the world, including developing countries. This gave us the experience of standing in the shoes of those who receive aid. This gave us a renewed sense that Japan lives in the midst of relationships with the countries of the world. Mutual help between fellow members of the international community that are experiencing difficulties is important to maintain the position as a trusted country as well. It will be impossible to solve the conflicts and problems related to development faced by developing countries, such as poverty, disease, and access to clean water, unless all countries of the world, including the developed countries, consolidate their efforts.

In addition, if Japan sits back and does nothing with the belief that infectious diseases and global warming are the problems of other countries and regions, there are problems that will adversely affect Japan and the rest of the world. It is necessary for Japan to work to resolve such global issues as a member of the international community.

Children gathered around a newly built water spout in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Photo: Kenshiro Imamura/JICA)

Mothers and children waiting for medical examinations (Photo: Raymond Wilkinson/JICA)

Further, considering its interdependent relationship with the countries of the world, ODA has significant power as a method of pushing economic growth not only in developing countries, but in Japan as well, while deepening its economic relationship with developing countries that are experiencing tremendous economic growth. For example, if ports and transportation routes, etc., are established through ODA, it will be easier for Japanese companies to enter those regions, trade with Japan will increase, and there will be more opportunities for Japan's business. At the same time, it is important to consider things in the long term, not just issues that are immediately in front of us. For example, aid to the countries of Africa does not necessarily lead directly to Japan's national interests. However, if that region becomes stable and its people can live without anxiety, it may lead to a level of economic growth that enables the people to buy Japanese products. Distributing vaccines and conducting other activities to improve sanitary conditions and foster the health of children may result in a valuable labor force for Japanese companies that enter the region. Supporting the peace and economic development of developing countries is useful in protecting the security and prosperity of Japan. Considering these things, the importance of ODA, which ties Japan and developing countries together, should be clear.