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Suva, Fiji, February 14, 2022
The government of Japan recently formalised two Grant Agreements, valued at ¥300 million (approximately F$6 million) funding to the Fiji government through Japan’s Economic Social Development Programme (ESDP).
The financial support will enable procurement of heavy machinery equipment for Fisheries, Agriculture and Waterways. The provisions of heavy machinery will be utilised in post-disaster recovery, rehabilitation and ultimately support Fiji’s national development priorities.
Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji Kawakami Fumihiro formalised his country’s assistance to Fiji with an Agreement signed with the Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Permanent Secretary Foreign Affairs Yogesh Karan.
Agriculture, Fisheries promotion
The signing ceremony was held at the Japanese Embassy in Suva on February 8, 2022.
Conveying his government’s sympathy to the people of Fiji who were affected by recent natural disasters such as Tropical Cyclone Cody, the Tsunami and the airborne ash generated by the volcanic eruption in Tonga, as well as the third wave of Covid-19, Mr Fumihiro said that financial support was in response to the needs for agriculture and fisheries development and waterways management by the concerned Ministries.
“I am happy that we have been able to formalise this funding assistance as it is the tangible realisation of Japan’s commitment to the initiatives titled, ‘Strengthening the Foundation for Sustainable and Resilient Economic Development’ and ‘Climate Change and Disaster Resilience.’ These are two of the five prioritised cooperation areas under the Japan-Pacific Bond Policy or Kizuna Policy, as announced by then Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, at the Ninth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM9), held in July 2021, attended by Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama,” he said.
Mr Fumihiro said that Japan will stand by Fiji in the face of difficult times and expressed his confidence that this assistance will further strengthen the friendship between Japan and Fiji.
Exemplary Partnership
Describing his country’s relationship with Japan as an ‘exemplary partnership,’ Mr Karan said that the financial assistance will generate socio-economic development opportunities and complement the government’s commitment to rebuild the economy by empowering local businesses and promoting investments in the fisheries and agriculture sectors.
He said that the collaboration is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and commitment in advancing resilience and sustainability through the challenges imposed by the pandemic and climate change.
Japan has supported Fiji in areas of disaster risk reduction through funding including ESDP and Stand-by Loan, Detailed Design for the Project for Reconstruction of Tamavua-i-wai Bridge, and support in Fiji’s national response to Covid-19 through funding including ESDP and Emergency Yen Loan.
It is understood that the next phase of the Emergency Yen Loan and the Construction Phase of the Tamavua-i-wai Bridge Project is under consideration.
Photo Caption:
Japanese Ambassador Kawakami Fumihiro signing the Financial Agreement with Permanent Secretary Yogesh Karan in Suva on February 8, 2022 (Fiji Government Photo)
