The Japanese Government through its International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has formalised agreements with the Tuvalu Government for the funding of a newly constructed multi-purpose vessel for the island nation.

In signing the agreement on Wednesday December 18, Ambassador of Japan, Masahiro Omura said the Japanese government has not only supported Tuvalu in the infrastructure sector but in other sectors of the economy as well.

“Our assistance is not limited to the infrastructure support project but continued through training programmes implemented by JICA which are attended by numbers of officials from various level of government, and also through technical guidance and trainings and workshops that have been very active over the years,” Mr Masahiro said.

“Through these projects, we can expect the advancement of outer island development,” he said.

“In areas aside from fisheries, we recently have provided the passenger vessel “Nivaga III” and are very glad to contribute to Tuvalu’s primary infrastructure through our assistance to Motufoua Secondary School, Radio Tuvalu, Funafuti Port, Tuvalu Electricity Corporation  and Princess Margaret Hospital.

“Tuvalu and Japan also has a long-relationship in fisheries due to the entry of Japanese vessels that fish for tuna and bonito in Tuvalu, and I am delighted that we have established this friendship over the years.

“We are also very happy that the Embassy of Japan, JICA and OFCF have contributed as an “all-Japan” team that contributes to fisheries development in Tuvalu.

Tuvalu’s Minister for Natural Resources, Puakena Boreham acknowledged the assistance of the government of Japan in this project and hopes to continue its friendship in the future.

“We, the people of Tuvalu are grateful for the support that has always flowed in from the government and the people of Japan in lending a hand to help boost our thriving economy as a pacific island nation,” Ms Boreham said.

“We hope that the friendship between the two countries will flourish in future and we hope to continue to work with your government in helping providing better services for our Island home,” she said.

Project Cost

Vessel for Outer Islands Development” worth 463 million Japanese Yen (app. AU$5.6m).