On the 16th, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the first meeting of an expert committee to discuss strengthening the framework for development cooperation with developing countries. The committee aims to leverage official development assistance (ODA) to stimulate private investment, thereby enhancing economic security and cooperation. Chaired by Waseda University professor Koichiro Ken, the committee consists of ten members and is led by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who emphasized the growing significance of ODA in a changing global power balance and escalating conflicts.

During the initial meeting, Minister Motegi pointed out the structural changes in international relations, noting that the strategic importance of ODA is increasing amid these developments. He underscored that it's crucial to strengthen ODA's framework to address economic security concerns. The committee plans to meet monthly to develop recommendations, with a report expected around summer. This initiative comes in a context where Japan has faced criticism over its international aid efforts, especially after the U.S. Trump administration dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), highlighting the need for more efficient use of resources in Japan's aid programs.

In response to the challenges faced in international aid, Japan has amended the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) law last year, establishing mechanisms for private companies to mitigate risks through measures like credit guarantees. The government recognizes that private investments now surpass ODA in funding flows to developing countries globally and aims to enhance systems that attract more private investment while effectively utilizing existing funding sources to bolster development cooperation.