Fiji is poised to receive enhanced support from Japan through a collaborative partnership between the two nations. The assistance will include fire trucks for local airports and the installation of an aircraft surveillance system at Nadi International Airport, boosting the safety of Fiji’s aviation sector. This was disclosed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka following the Cabinet meetings held on July 11, 12, and 15.
**Grant funding for Fiji Airports**
The Cabinet has approved an Exchange of Notes with the government of Japan and a Grant Funding Agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a grant worth 1.29 billion Yen (FJ$15 million) to Airports Fiji Pte Limited. Under this agreement, JICA will:
– Procure and install aircraft surveillance systems at Nadi International Airport and Labasa Airport
– Procure and deliver five fire trucks to Nausori, Labasa, Savusavu, and Matei airports
– Procure and deliver three rescue boats for Nadi International Airport
– Provide consultancy services to enhance aviation safety
**MOU with International Peace Institute**
The Cabinet has endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Fijian Government and the International Peace Institute (IPI). This MOU is aimed at strengthening Fiji’s preparations for COP29 through enhanced negotiation capacity. The IPI, a non-profit think tank linked to the United Nations, focuses on peace and security issues and aids Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in addressing climate change.
**Financial Services Ombudsman**
The Cabinet has agreed to establish a Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO) within the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), aimed at elevating the current complaints management function. The FSO will handle grievances from consumers against banks, insurers, and other financial service providers. The effectiveness of this office within the RBF will be reviewed after two years.
**Stand-by Loan for Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation-Phase 2**
The Cabinet endorsed the Exchange of Notes and Record of Discussion with Japan for a five billion Japanese Yen (FJ$72 million) Stand-by Loan for Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation through JICA. This loan is expected to promote economic stability and support development efforts, particularly in enhancing disaster risk management.
**Fiji’s Participation in the Pacific Island Network of Competition, Consumer, and Economic Regulators**
The Cabinet has supported Fiji’s participation in the Pacific Island Network of Competition, Consumer, and Economic Regulators (PINCCER), with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) set to act as the country’s representative in PINCCER-related matters. The inaugural PINCCER conference is scheduled to be held on July 22 at Sofitel Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi.
**Fiji To Co-Host Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum**
The Cabinet approved an MOU with the US Department of Defense to formalize co-hosting arrangements for the annual Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF 24), slated for August 6-9 in Natadola. The IPESF brings together Indo-Pacific military and civilian agencies to discuss and advance shared environmental responsibilities.
**Amendment One to the MOU between Australia and Fiji on Defence Facilities and Infrastructure Activities**
The Cabinet has approved an amendment to the existing MOU between Australia and Fiji concerning Defence Facilities and Infrastructure Activities. This MOU supports upgrades at the Stanley Brown Naval Base and the Fiji Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) in Lami, which will house critical functions like the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, Joint Maritime Fusion Centre, and other vital defense components.
**MOU between Fiji and Australia on a Defence Pacific Air Programme**
The Cabinet endorsed a Defence Pacific Air Programme MOU between Fiji and Australia, which provides governance for the operation of the C27J aircraft in Fiji. Australia had offered Fiji use of the C27J aircraft for humanitarian, air transport, and aerial surveillance missions on a rotational basis.
**Review of the 2018–2022 National Employment Policy**
The Cabinet has approved a review of the National Employment Policy (NEP 2018) to focus on economic diversification and environmental sustainability, aimed at addressing climate change and disaster management. The International Labour Organization (ILO) will provide technical assistance for this review.
**NDMO Partnership With Japan, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System**
The Cabinet endorsed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan for the use of the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) in Fiji. QZSS is a satellite positioning system that provides early warnings during earthquakes or tsunamis. The MOC is expected to be signed at the PALM conference in Japan from July 16-19.