The governments of Japan and Fiji have officially entered into an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for the Project aimed at Enhancing Aviation Safety Facilities, with a total funding of about FJ$19 million, equivalent to 1.29 billion Japanese Yen.
The signing ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office, led by Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka, and the Ambassador of Japan to Fiji, H.E. Rokuichiro Michii.
The initiative is designed to bolster the safety of aircraft operations in Fiji, while also supporting improvements in transport infrastructure capacity and fostering sustainable growth. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide the project with vital equipment and technical assistance, which includes two VHF Omnidirectional Radio Beacons or Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME), five airport fire engines, and three rescue boats.
Implementation will occur at key airport facilities including Nadi International Airport, Nausori Airport, Labasa, Savusavu, and Matei Airports.
In his address, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude to Japan for the significant support that is expected to enhance aviation safety and services in Fiji. He emphasized that this contribution reinforces Fiji’s role as a regional hub, particularly in light of the recent establishment of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Pacific liaison office in Nadi, which highlights ICAO’s confidence in the country’s aviation capabilities.
Ambassador Michii commented that the project not only aims to improve Fiji’s aviation sector but also deepens diplomatic ties between Japan and Fiji, with Prime Minister Rabuka playing a pivotal role in this elevated cooperation. He highlighted Fiji’s strategic geographic location as a vital hub for connectivity in the Pacific region.
Ambassador Michii noted that the signing of the Exchange of Notes today marks the second of five agreements to be formalized this month, collectively valued at around FJ$133 million. He reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting Fiji’s development goals, as outlined in the National Development Plan 2025-2029, which was officially launched by the Coalition Government the previous day.