Japan and Fiji have officially signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement to initiate the Project for Improvement of 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, led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, H.E. Rokuichiro Michii.
The project’s aim is to enhance the safety of aircraft operations in Fiji while also contributing to the expansion of transport infrastructure capacity and sustainable development.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide essential equipment and technical support, which includes two VHF Omnidirectional Radio Beacons, five Airport Fire Engines, and three Rescue Boats.
This initiative will be executed at key airport facilities, including Nadi International Airport, Nausori Airport, Labasa, Savusavu, and Matei Airports.
In his address, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its significant support, which will enhance aviation safety and services in Fiji. He emphasized that this assistance aligns with Fiji’s position as a regional hub, especially following the opening of the new International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Pacific liaison office in Nadi last month, reflecting ICAO’s confidence in Fiji’s aviation sector.
Ambassador Michii remarked that the project not only strengthens Fiji’s aviation sector but also fosters the friendship between Japan and Fiji. He acknowledged Fiji’s strategic geographic location as a vital hub for regional connectivity in the Pacific.
This project is a crucial step towards improving aviation connectivity in the region, with the provision of advanced technology and equipment being essential. Ambassador Michii mentioned that today’s signing is the second of five agreements to be formalized this month, collectively worth approximately FJ$133 million. He also reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing support for Fiji’s development priorities as outlined in the recently launched National Development Plan 2025-2029 by the Coalition Government.