The Governments of Japan and Fiji have officially signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement to initiate a Project aimed at enhancing Aviation Safety Facilities, valued at approximately FJ$19 million or 1.29 billion Japanese Yen.
The signing ceremony took place this morning at the Office of the Prime Minister, led by Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka and Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji H.E. Rokuichiro Michii.
The project’s main goal is to boost the safety of Fiji’s aircraft operations while improving transport infrastructure capacity and promoting sustainable growth. The initiative includes providing equipment and technical support through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The provided equipment features two VHF Omnidirectional Radio Beacons (VOR/DME), five Airport Fire Engines, and three Rescue Boats.
Implementation of the project will occur at key airport facilities such as Nadi International Airport, Nausori Airport, Labasa, Savusavu, and Matei Airports.
In his address, Rabuka expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for their substantial assistance, which he believes will significantly enhance Fiji’s aviation safety and services. The Prime Minister emphasized that this contribution reinforces Fiji’s position as a regional hub, particularly in light of the recent establishment of a new International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Pacific liaison office in Nadi last month, illustrating ICAO’s trust in Fiji’s aviation industry.
Ambassador Michii remarked that the project not only aims to improve Fiji’s aviation sector but also fosters the camaraderie between the governments and peoples of Japan and Fiji, with Prime Minister Rabuka being central to this advancement in cooperation.
He highlighted Fiji’s strategic location as a pivotal hub for regional connectivity in the Pacific. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing aviation connectivity in the region, emphasizing the importance of procuring the appropriate technology and equipment for the project’s success.
The Ambassador also mentioned that today’s signing marks the second of five agreements anticipated to be signed this month, collectively valued at roughly FJ$133 million. He reiterated Japan’s ongoing support for Fiji’s development priorities, as reflected in the recently launched National Development Plan 2025-2029.