The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is a valuable partner in Fiji’s sustainable development, says Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya.
He made this comment at a reception held at the Japanese ambassador’s residence on Tuesday evening. Japanese ambassador Kawakami Fumihiro hosted a reception on Tuesday for the official visit of Dr Tanaka Akihiko, the President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Fiji.
“The Government of Japan’s loan, through JICA, worth approximately $US200 million ($F468m) disbursed in 2021 and 2022, helped us effectively implement our COVID-19 response,” Mr Koya said.
“This support combined with the resilience of our people, pivoted Fiji to be able to safely open international borders — our visitor numbers from January to September this year show that we have recovered over 60 per cent of visitors from the same period pre-COVID.
“These numbers translate to thousands of jobs being restored, so the impacts are extremely meaningful.”
Mr Koya added that the Japanese Government and JICA disbursed disaster stand-by loan to Fiji worth $US50m ($F117m) for tropical cyclone and natural disaster recovery and reconstruction.
“I’m sure you know how near and dear climate resilience is to us and how much we appreciate this.
“Through partnership with the Japanese Government and regional countries, we are able to continue dialogue through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM), to expedite climate action and enhance disaster risk reduction.
“We have pursued further our co-operation through the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, launched by honourable Prime Minister Bainimarama, in the margins of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, last month.”
He thanked Dr Akihiko for his inspiring words and exemplary leadership of JICA and for giving priority to Fiji’s development needs.
Dr Tanaka reiterated that JICA will continue to support the Government and people of Fiji including Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in tackling issues such as climate change which is the single greatest threat in the Pacific.
