A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Korean International Agency (KOICA) Fiji office and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was signed yesterday in Suva.
In a statement, KOICA Fiji stated that the MOU is to strengthen impact and increase the efficiency of KOICA and USAID’s programs and thus achieving better measurable outcomes for the people of the Pacific Islands.
It said the MOU would allow KOICA and USAID to cooperate in 12 Pacific Island countries.
Health, climate change, sustainable management of natural resources, access to sustainable energy services, gender equality, women empowerment, and digital connectivity are identified as mutual areas of cooperation.
While giving his address at the signing ceremony KOICA Fiji office country director Kapchae Ra said the MOU served as a testament to their shared vision and commitment in fostering meaningful change.
“By joining forces, we aim to enhance our collective capacity to address and identify key challenges for the South Pacific region,” Mr Ra said.
“Together, we will pool our resources, knowledge, and networks to create innovative approaches, share best practices, and achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in our initiatives.”
Deputy mission director of USAID Pacific Islands Betty Chung said climate change was a top priority for the region.
“It is a serious existential threat directly impacting livelihoods,” Ms Chung said.
“Through this partnership, USAID will work to strengthen our partnerships to increase the efficiency of our programs and achieve positive, measurable outcomes for the people of the Pacific Islands.”
