QFF to continue aid work in Japan

Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF) funded several rehabilitation projects in Japan’s earthquake and tsunami affected areas last year.

The year saw the implementation of seven projects including the completion of a $24mn fishery processing plant which will spur on economic regeneration. With funding of approximately $100mn, assistance in the key areas of child health, education and the fishery industry is set to continue until next year.

In January 1,400 children, victims of the tsunami, were treated to a ski education programme at Yubari City in Hokkaido.

In April, foundation for ‘Maskar’, a $24mn fish processing centre in Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture, was laid. Applying state-of-the art tsunami-proof design, construction rapidly proceeded culminating in a grand opening in October. The facility is now in operation and over 7,500 fishermen directly employed in the fisheries industry are already benefiting from the project.

Another key project spearheaded included work on a regional community revitalisation project in Minami-soma city. This will develop communities and nurture the young through a new community facility.

The facility will foster sports, culture, childcare support, healthy living and protective care for people living alone and children who have limited opportunities to play. Families and their livelihoods are also top on the agenda, and QFF started a project which encourages farming to regain livelihoods in Kesennuma city.

Following the successful launch of ‘Maskar’, the importance of the fishery industry was again revisited through a project now underway in Kamaishi city. This includes freezing marine products using a process that effectively preserves the product.

Commenting on QFF’s activity in 2012, HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said: “QFF is very proud of its work throughout 2012. As we embark on a new year, it is particularly satisfying to look back on the work of 2012 to see tangible results which have undoubtedly brought hope to thousands affected by the tsunami and earthquake in 2011. It has been a busy year and we are looking forward to launching even more valuable projects in 2013.”