Japanese International Cooperation Agency experts who are sent to assist the project on Capacity Building for Dissemination of Quality and Productivity Improvement (KAIZEN) in Ethiopia made a working visit to Ethiopian Civil Service University on February 29, 2012. The experts, Mr.Tsuyoshi KIKUCHI ,Chief Advisor of Institutional Development to some African countries including Ethiopia and Mr.Masaaki HANAI Deputy Chief Advisor /Inter – Agency Coordination/ Dissemination Facilitation, Discussed with the University Management on a variety of issues.

Dr.Hailemichael Abera, President of the Ethiopian Civil Service University said on the occasion he could be able to discuss on KAIZEN with former Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopian Mr. Kinichi KOMANO and expressed our interest in the programme. Dr.Hailemichael added for a country of a huge population like us, KAIZEN project will have paramount importance. The important thing in the improvement of quality and productivity is the change of mind set up and your project is dedicated to bring this. So it gives us pleasure to work with you said Dr.Hailemichael.

Mr.Tsuyoshi KIKUCHI said on his part that "KAIZEN is a Japanese management Philosophy and we want to transfer not only KAIZEN technique and Technology but also KAIZEN culture in this country." The country is very much interested to apply KAIZEN programme and I hope ECSU will be a strong channel to disseminate KAIZEN programmes in the country, said Mr.KIKUCHI.

Dr. Samson Kassahun, the University's Academic Vice President said that the University is closely working with a certain Japanese University to develop a curriculum on Transport Management. He also expressed the University's interest to work with the KAIZEN project and asked them if there is a possibility to get trainings for the University's staff.

The experts finally said the second part of the project period is for three years- from November 2011-October 2014.For the time being there is shortage of man power as the Institute is in organizing stage and in the future we will work with Ethiopian Civil Service University, said the experts.

Dr.Hailemichael Abera and Dr. Samson Kassahun finally answered the questions raised by the experts.