LAHORE: Nov 22 (INP): The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan organized a briefing session Wednesday in Lahore on the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program for Non-Governmental Organizations. Since 1989, the Government of Japan has supported more than 370 projects in different sectors like primary health, basic education, agriculture, vocational training, special education and infrastructure development in Pakistan under the GGP program, with a contribution of more than 2.7 billion Japanese Yen [USD 25 million]. More than 150 NGO representatives from across the country participated in today’s briefing session. The briefing session aimed to provide detailed explanation of GGP program to participating NGOs. The briefing also provided interactive fora for the NGOs representatives and officers of the Embassy of Japan to discuss development needs at the grassroots level and explore ideas for projects which are sustainable and would create lasting impact on the lives of underprivileged communities. The GGP program is flexible and it provides timely support to NGOs. During the briefing session, the NGO representatives also learned about selection criteria of potential development projects and GGP funding mechanism. Mr. Junya Matsuura, Minister of the Embassy, in his opening remarks expressed his hope that the event will help NGOs better understand the purpose of the GGP program and design quality proposal to secure financial assistance from the Government of Japan. He added that the projects being implemented under the GGP grant will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between the people of Japan and Pakistan. INP/AH/LK