There are obvious needs to develop infrastructure facilities for Asian countries to continue economic development. The infrastructure facilities include the provision of efficient transportation and telecommunication services, reliable supply of electricity and water, and the safe disposal of wastes. In the past, these facilities were largely financed by public funds, but recently because of limited supply of the public fund, the participation of the private sector for funding and operations is becoming increasingly important. In our project research, we will: identify relationships among macroeconomic condition, operations and management of various infrastructure services and investing in specific infrastructure projects; analyze the role of infrastructure in the process of economic development; and, study positive and negative effects, including those on environment, resulting from investment in or operation of infrastructure facilities. We will also review such issues as project finance, privatization and appropriate technology associated with infrastructure services in the developing countries. Participating students should have basic knowledge of both micro and macro economics.

Participating students will complete an MA thesis on a specific topic to be selected from the above subject. Your thesis should be prepared on the basis of thorough research on primary data available in the public document center, libraries and public agencies. If needed, you will have to collect primary data for yourself. In order for you to select a thesis theme and equip with analytical tools, you should prepare, in consultation with me, a first year study plan suitable to your academic needs with a view to starting formal research in economic development and infrastructure in the beginning of the academic year.

During the first year, you are expected to take my course entitled "Economic Development and Infrastructure" offered in Spring and Fall terms. In addition, you will participate in the class for my Project Research in which we will review available documents/ articles/statistics on infrastructure facilities in the developing countries and relevant analytical tools. If necessary, you may have to improve your language and computer skills. During the second year, you will complete the preparatory work for thesis writing and finish your thesis. In order to improve the quality of the thesis and receive on-the-job-training, it is highly desirable for you to participate in an internship program provided by international organizations, Japanese public agencies and private corporations. Though native fluency is not required, English is the common language and students are expected to have fluency sufficient to read, write and discuss in English.