During their stay, the team members will attend a number of seminars, symposiums and visit some institutions to have first hand knowledge about local government system in Japan.

The tour takes place under a programme titled 'Japan South West Asia Youth Friendship Programme 2006'.

As part of its technical co-operation with developing countries since 1991 Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica) has so far trained up a total of 354 professionals in the fields of teaching, social welfare, medical service and local administration.

The participants were accorded a reception at a pre-departure ceremony at Brac Centre in the city yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion Jica Resident Representative in Dhaka Akio Arai said the visit is very important as upon their return the participants will be able to apply their knowledge of Japanese local government system in their respective fields.

President of Jica Alumni Association Bangladesh Ajmal Chowdhury urged the participants to keenly observe the Japanese development model and apply those in Bangladesh perspective.

First Secretary of Japanese Embassy in Dhaka Koji Nitta said from their visit not only the participants will be benefited but also the Japanese people who do not have the opportunity to come to Bangladesh can have ideas about Bangladesh people and culture.

Terming Japan Bangladesh's biggest donor, Additional Secretary to establishment ministry Abdus Sabur said the two countries can be benefited by exchanging experience in their specialised fields.