The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), world’s largest bilateral aid agency, today pledged its commitment to redouble efforts in supporting Fiji’s socio-economic development and initiatives to directly benefit the local communities.
This was articulated at JICA Volunteer Programme in Fiji, 40th anniversary celebrations marked in Suva today (20.10.23).
It recognised the development collaboration between Fiji and Japan through JICA led programs in vital sectors such as health, education, agriculture, environment, disaster risk reduction, town planning, information technology, engineering, sports, and community development, amongst others.
The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua was invited as the special guest of honour at the occasion.
In her remarks, Hon. Qereqeretabua thanked JICA volunteers for their commitment to the people of Fiji for the last 40 years and making a difference in the lives of the Fijian people.
“JICA has contributed extensively to the development of vital sectors of Fiji’s economy through the provision of grants and technical expertise. The people of Fiji sincerely appreciate the significant contribution and leadership that you continue to provide in revitalising and stimulating our economy and more importantly in making a difference in the lives of our people.
“A total of 753 Volunteers have to-date been dispatched to Fiji with 13 volunteers currently serving in Fiji. These volunteers have left behind footprints in Fiji through the various areas they have served,” Hon. Qereqeretabua said.
Charge de Affaires (CDA), Embassy of Japan, Mr. Tanaka Kenichiro reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to work closely with the Government of Fiji, to deepen the strategic assistance aligned with Fiji’s development needs and priorities.
“Volunteers are closely involved with local people at the community level. The Fijian people with whom the volunteers interact in this way may become the future of their own country. We believe that the Volunteer Programme will ultimately facilitate exchange between Japan and Fiji on many levels through activities at the local grassroots level,” CDA Kenichiro said.
He outlined that the total amount of assistance provided through JICA to date, to the 14 countries of the Pacific region is worth 9.4 billion Fiji dollars and likewise the total amount of assistance provided to Fiji through JICA to date, including grant aid, and technical cooperation, is worth FJD 1 billion as of 2020.
JICA has expressed commitment to further expand technical and funding assistance, and the volunteer programme for Fiji.
JICA Volunteers were grateful for the opportunity to share their experiences working in health and medical services, education and agriculture.
The JICA Volunteer Programme in Fiji, was inaugurated in 1983 with very first 2 JICA volunteers deployed to Ministry of Agriculture to assist with rice cultivation and farming in Labasa. Since 1965, over 50,000 JICA volunteers have been dispatched to 93 countries.
