The Office remained a focal point in Japan for the Latin American and Caribbean communities, organizing high quality outreach programs during visits by officials from the region's public and private sectors.

The Office nurtured close relationships with the LAC country embassies and international organizations in Japan, co-organizing several events with them and sharing information on common development topics. This year, the Office expanded its relationships with the LAC embassies and relevant authorities in the Republic of Korea, which will become the Office's key partners in that country for a new wave of outreach programs in 2006 and beyond.

The Office also maintains close contacts with the Japanese and foreign media, providing accurate information on economic, financial and social conditions and developments in the LAC region, as well as on the Bank's activities in the region. It held several such press conferences in 2005.

Tokyo, Japan, December 2005