Doha/Information Office/17 October 2016/ Friendship Fund (QFF) has always aimed to promote the strong friendship ties between Qatar and Japan as well as offer urgent and effective aid to victims of the affected areas of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit eastern Japan in March 2011, Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, the director general of Qatar Fund for Development (QFD), said. He made the remarks during a press conference to celebrate the conclusion of the fund's activities and the launch of Intilaq initiative in the presence of Japanese Ambassador to Qatar Shingo Tsuda. In the wake of the disaster in 2011, which left nearly 15,000 killed, tens of thousands lost and severe damages to infrastructure, Qatar had announced $100 of aid to Japan to help in the relief efforts to those affected from the disaster, Al Kuwari said. He added that QFF supports projects that addresses the pressing and sustainable needs of the Japanese people so as to include as much people as possible. The fund focuses mainly on children's education, fisheries, healthcare and entrepreneurship. Regarding Intilaq initiative, Al Kuwari said $16.5 million was allocated to establish Intilaq center for innovators in the Tohoku region, adding that the center is part of a global network that brings together nascent groups and promotes the spirit of initiative and being involved in new and innovative projects.