The governments of Japan and Fiji have officially signed an Exchange of Notes and a Grant Agreement to execute the Project for Improvement of Aviation Safety Facilities, valued at around FJ$19 million or 1.29 billion Japanese Yen.
The ceremony took place this morning at the Office of the Prime Minister with Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka and Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, H.E. Rokuichiro Michii, in attendance.
The primary aim of the project is to enhance the safety of aircraft operations in Fiji and to contribute to the improvement of transport infrastructure capacity and sustainable growth. This initiative will include the provision of equipment and technical assistance by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Among the equipment to be supplied are two VHF Omnidirectional Radio Beacons or Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME), five airport fire engines, and three rescue boats.
The project will be implemented 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 Government of Japan for their significant assistance, which will greatly enhance aviation safety and services in Fiji. He highlighted the vital contribution made by Japan towards bolstering Fiji’s status as a regional hub, especially following the recent opening of the new International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Pacific liaison office in Nadi, which indicates ICAO’s confidence in Fiji’s aviation sector.
Ambassador Michii emphasized that the project will not only improve Fiji’s aviation sector but will also strengthen the relationship between the governments and peoples of Japan and Fiji, with Prime Minister Rabuka playing a crucial role in this elevated cooperation. He pointed out that Fiji’s strategic location makes it an important hub for Pacific regional connectivity.
This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity through aviation, as the right technology and equipment are essential for the project’s success. Ambassador Michii stated that today’s signing is the second of five agreements to be formalized within this month, collectively amounting to approximately FJ$133 million. He reiterated Japan’s ongoing support for Fiji’s development priorities, as outlined in Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025-2029, officially launched yesterday by the Coalition Government.