GRIPS had a study visit for 16 Officials of Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), Cambodia from November 6 to November 10, 2017.

In this program, participants attended a series of lectures given by Professor Hirofumi Takada, serving as a coordinator of this program, and Senior Professor Masahiro Horie (Director of Executive Development Center for Global Leadership). Through the lectures the participants learned a wide range of subjects, including Politics and Administration in Japan, Local Government and Decentralization in Japan, Local Public Service System, and Financial Management of Local Governments and Fiscal Decentralization.

On the second day, the delegation visited Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), and received a briefing on Regional Development and Revitalization of Local Economy. Many participants were interested in the topic and asked their question to deepen their knowledge.

On the fourth day was held an all-day site visit to Saitama prefecture. In the morning they visited Saitama Prefectural Government and have a precious chance of courtesy visit and briefing on Prefectural Budget Formulation, and Human Resources Management. They also visited Saitama City Office in the afternoon to have a courtesy visit and briefing on City Budget formulation and Education. They were welcomed in every place to visit and bring back a good memory.

In the wrap-up session on the final day, Prof. Takada made a follow-up lecture and Q&A session was held. Many participants expressed their acknowledgement for ample content of the program and how impressed the program is. Finally, in concluding ceremony, certificate of completing the course was given to all participants.