The governments of Japan and Fiji have officially signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement to confirm a project aimed at enhancing aviation safety facilities, valued at around FJ$19 million, or roughly 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’s goal is to bolster the safety of aircraft operations in Fiji and enhance the capacity and sustainable growth of transport infrastructure within the country. The initiative includes the provision of equipment and technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The equipment to be supplied consists of two VHF Omnidirectional Radio Beacons (also known as Distance Measuring Equipment), five airport fire engines, and three rescue boats.
Implementation of this project will occur at key airport facilities, including Nadi International Airport, Nausori Airport, Labasa, Savusavu, and Matei Airports.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its significant support, which will considerably enhance aviation safety and services in Fiji. He emphasized that Japan’s contribution aligns with Fiji’s role as a regional hub. Furthermore, he noted that this assistance is particularly timely 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 this project not only aims to improve Fiji’s aviation sector but also strengthens the ties between the Japanese and Fijian governments and their peoples, highlighting that Prime Minister Rabuka is a central figure in elevating Japan-Fiji cooperation.
He pointed out Fiji’s unique geo-strategic location, which positions it as a crucial hub for connectivity across the Pacific region. The project is considered a vital step towards enhancing regional aviation connections, and the right technology and equipment will be essential.
Ambassador Michii further revealed that the signing of this Exchange of Notes marks the second of five agreements that will be formalized this month, collectively valued at around FJ$133 million. He reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting Fiji’s development agenda, as outlined in Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025-2029, which was officially launched yesterday by the Coalition Government.