The Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Kitakyusu Municipal Government have agreed to cooperate on helping developing countries combat air and water pollution.
Under an agreement signed Wednesday by JICA President Akihiko Tanaka and Mayor Kenji Kitahashi, the agency, the city and companies located there will help developing countries improve their infrastructure, including facilities to filter tap water and sewage.
Under the accord, Kitakyushu and JICA will cooperate to send environmental protection experts to developing countries, while the city will step up efforts to train people from such countries in technology to cope with air and water pollution.
"JICA would like to expedite international cooperation further by receiving advice and collaboration from the Kitakyushu Municipal Government," Tanaka said.