"...Japan?s ODA Charter states that in formulating and implementing assistance policies, Japan will take steps to assure fairness. This will be achieved by giving consideration to the conditions of the socially vulnerable and to the gap between rich and poor, as well as the gaps among various regions in developing countries. Furthermore, when im plementing ODA, great attention will be paid to factors such as environmental and soci al impacts on developing countries. JICA, which is responsible for ODA, plays a key role in contributing to sustainable development in developing countries. The inclusion of environmental and social costs in development costs and the social and institutional framework that makes such inclusion possible are crucial for sustainable development. Internalization and an institutional framework are requirements for measures regarding environmental and social considerations, and JICA is required to have suitable consideration for environmental and social impacts..."