The governments of Japan and Fiji have finalized an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for a project aimed at enhancing aviation safety facilities, with a budget of around FJ$19 million, equivalent to 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 aims to improve the safety of aircraft operations in Fiji and to enhance the country’s transport infrastructure capacity and sustainable growth. It includes the supply of equipment and technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), comprising two VHF Omnidirectional Radio Beacons (VOR/DME), five Airport Fire Engines, and three Rescue Boats.
Implementation will occur at key airport facilities, including Nadi International Airport, Nausori Airport, and Matei Airports in Labasa and Savusavu.
During the ceremony, Rabuka expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its substantial aid, which is expected to significantly enhance aviation safety and services in Fiji. He emphasized that this contribution supports Fiji’s role as a regional hub and is timely, especially following the recent establishment of an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) liaison office in Nadi, highlighting confidence in Fiji’s aviation sector.
Ambassador Michii remarked that the project not only aims to bolster Fiji’s aviation industry as a whole but also deepens the friendship between Japan and Fiji. He pointed out Fiji’s strategic location as a vital hub for connectivity in the Pacific region.
He added that today’s signing is part of a series of agreements, with this being the second of five that will be formalized within the month, collectively valued at about FJ$133 million. Michii reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting Fiji’s development objectives as outlined in the country’s National Development Plan for 2025-2029, launched just yesterday by the Coalition Government.