The governments of Japan and Fiji have officially signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for a project aimed at improving aviation safety facilities, valued at approximately FJ$19 million, or 1.29 billion Japanese Yen.
The signing ceremony took place at the Office of the Prime Minister this morning, overseen by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, H.E. Rokuichiro Michii.
The goal of the project is to enhance the safety of aircraft operations in Fiji and to assist in expanding transport infrastructure and sustainable growth. This initiative will involve the provision of equipment and technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The equipment being provided includes two VHF Omnidirectional Radio Beacons (VOR/DME), five airport fire engines, and three rescue boats.
Implementation of the project will occur at major airport facilities including Nadi International Airport, Nausori Airport, Labasa, Savusavu, and Matei Airports.
In his speech, Rabuka expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its significant support, which he said would substantially enhance aviation safety and services in Fiji. He noted that Japan’s contributions bolster Fiji’s position as a regional hub, especially following the recent opening of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Pacific liaison office in Nadi, which underscores ICAO’s confidence in Fiji’s aviation sector.
Ambassador Michii stated that the project not only aims to improve Fiji’s aviation sector as a whole but also to strengthen the ties between Japan and Fiji. He highlighted that Fiji’s geographic location makes it a unique hub for regional connectivity in the Pacific.
Additionally, Michii mentioned that today’s signing marks the second of five agreements to be formalized this month, collectively valued at approximately FJ$133 million. He reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Fiji’s development priorities, as outlined in Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025-2029, which was launched yesterday by the Coalition Government.