Japan has today reasserted unwavering commitment and support for Fiji’s efforts in building sustainable economy, advance trade, tourism and investment, infrastructure development, health and education, and climate mitigation.
This was conveyed at an introductory call to the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua from the Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, H.E. Mr. Kawakami Fumihiro.
The discussions focused on Fiji and Japan’s cooperation in the lead up to the major meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10), to be held in Japan next year.
Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua acknowledged Japan’s ongoing support to Fiji notably through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Japan’s International Cooperation (JICA) led initiatives in multifaceted areas of development.
She conveyed Fiji’s desire to advance development cooperation with Japan, primarily through initiatives aimed at improving the livelihood and wellbeing of our local communities.
On the same note, Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua said Fiji is grateful for the resumption of the Nadi to Narita direct flight since April 2023.
This has contributed towards Fiji’s thriving tourism sector with enormous opportunities to boost Fiji’s trade and investment sector.
On regional cooperation, Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua acknowledged Japan’s support for the Pacific region through the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent”.
She highlighted Japan’s commitment to align the PALM 10 agenda in accordance with the priorities of the 2050 Strategy, as implementation plans are mapped out with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members.
In response, Ambassador Fumihiro congratulated Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua on assumption of her new office and reasserted Japan’s continued support to Fiji.
He said Japan has been cooperating with Pacific Island countries by respecting their own agendas and taking into account their needs, while contributing to sustainable and resilient economic development by utilising Japan’s strengths. Among these, Japan has focused its assistance to Fiji.
“All assistance provided is based on close dialogue with the Fiji Government to determine its needs. Fiji will continue to be a priority country for Japan, and we will continue to provide highly effective assistance.”
“Since independence in 1970, Japan has provided an accumulated total of approximately 1.6 billion Fiji dollars of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Fiji up to last year,” Ambassador Fumihiro said.
At the last PALM 9 in 2021, the 5 priority areas agreed upon were as follows:
1) COVID-19 Response and Recovery,
2) Sustainable Oceans based on the Rule of Law,
3) Climate Change and Disaster Resilience,
4) Strengthening Foundation for Sustainable and Resilient Economic Development,
5) People-to-People Exchange and Human Resource Development.
Among these, the current focus is on Human Resource Development, Sustainable and Resilient Economic Development and infrastructure development with a view to a post-pandemic situation.
