The governments of Japan and Fiji have officially signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement to advance the Project for Improvement of Aviation Safety Facilities, valued at around FJ$19 million or 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.
This initiative aims to enhance the safety of aviation operations in Fiji and contribute to the overall improvement of transport infrastructure and sustainable growth. The project will involve the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) providing various equipment and technical support, including two VHF Omnidirectional Radio Beacons or Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME), five Airport Fire Engines, and three Rescue Boats.
Implementation will occur at key airport facilities, including Nadi International Airport, Nausori Airport, Labasa, Savusavu, and Matei Airports. During his address, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for their significant assistance, which he believes will greatly enhance Fiji’s aviation safety and services.
Rabuka emphasized that Japan’s contribution supports Fiji’s role as a regional hub, especially in light of the recent establishment of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Pacific liaison office in Nadi, highlighting ICAO’s confidence in Fiji’s aviation sector.
Ambassador Michii remarked that this project not only aims to strengthen Fiji’s aviation capabilities but also reinforces the friendship between Japan and Fiji. He noted Fiji’s strategic geographical position as a vital hub for connectivity in the Pacific region.
He also mentioned that today’s Exchange of Notes signing is one of five agreements to be formalized this month, collectively amounting to approximately FJ$133 million. The Ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting Fiji’s development priorities as outlined in the recently launched National Development Plan 2025-2029.