The governments of Japan and Fiji have officially signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for the Project aimed at enhancing Aviation Safety Facilities, valued at approximately FJ$19 million, equivalent to 1.29 billion Japanese Yen.
The signing ceremony took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and was led by Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka and Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, H.E. Rokuichiro Michii.
The project’s primary goal is to increase the safety of aircraft operations in Fiji, along with improving the country’s transport infrastructure capacity and promoting sustainable growth. The initiative will include the provision of equipment and technical assistance by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which will feature two VHF Omnidirectional Radio Beacons, five Airport Fire Engines, and three Rescue Boats.
The implementation of this project will take place at key airport facilities, including Nadi International Airport, Nausori Airport, as well as Labasa, Savusavu, and Matei Airports.
During his speech, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude towards the Government of Japan for its substantial support, which he believes will significantly enhance aviation safety and services within Fiji. He emphasized that this assistance reinforces Fiji’s role as a regional aviation hub, particularly in light of the new International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Pacific liaison office that was recently opened in Nadi, indicating ICAO’s confidence in Fiji’s aviation sector.
Ambassador Michii remarked that the project not only aims to bolster Fiji’s aviation sector but also to strengthen the camaraderie between the governments and citizens of Japan and Fiji. He pointed out that Fiji’s strategic location uniquely positions it as a central hub for regional connectivity in the Pacific.
Furthermore, the Ambassador highlighted that today’s signing of the Exchange of Notes is the second in a series of five agreements scheduled for this month, collectively valued at around FJ$133 million. He reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Fiji’s development initiatives as outlined in the National Development Plan 2025-2029, which was officially launched the day before by the Coalition Government.