Global Partnership (1992–1993)

U.S. Agencies

Department of State
U.S. Agency for International Development

Japan Agencies

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japan International Cooperation Agency

Meeting Frequency

ad hoc

Context

Established for U.S. and Japan to assist Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union states, among others, with economic reform, restructuring, and environmental issues after the Cold War.

Goals

To be a road map for future bureaucrats.
To show both the American and Japanese people that the alliance had a global purpose even after the end of the Cold War.

Significance

Concluded in 1992 amid the Cold War's end and intense trade friction, this agreement outlined action plans to cooperatively support developing nations, as well as address global health and environmental challenges. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by trade issues, it positively impacted bilateral policy coordination between State/USAID and MOFA/JICA by establishing a USAID office at the US embassy in Tokyo and an annual coordination meeting in Hawaii for USAID and MOFA officials.

The allies collaborated on a handful of large-scale projects built on previous unilateral activities, such as in agricultural assistance and education. The partnership also launched one new joint project, the $30 million Indonesia Biodiversity Project, in which Japan focused on "hard" assistance such as infrastructure and equipment, and USAID funded "softer" areas such as technical assistance and training.