Japan, Fiji Partner to Boost Aid

Fiji will soon receive more assistance from Japan, thanks to a partnership between the two nations.

Among the help will be the delivery of fire trucks for local airports and installation of aircraft surveillance system at the Nadi International Airport to help in the safety of Fiji aviation industry.

This was revealed by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in his statement on decisions taken by Cabinet in its July 11, 12 and 15 meeting.

Cabinet decided on;

Grant funding for Fiji Airports

Cabinet approved the Exchange of Notes with the government of Japan and Grant Funding. Agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for grant funding of 1.29 billion Yen (FJ$15 million) to Airports Fiji Pte Limited. Under the Grant Funding Agreement, JICA will:

•  procure and install aircraft surveillance systems at the Nadi International Airport and Labasa Airport;
•  procure and deliver five fire trucks for Nausori, Labasa, Savusavu and Matei airports;
•  procure and deliver three rescue boats for Nadi International Airport; and
•  provide consultancy services for improving aviation safety.

MOU with International Peace  Institute

Cabinet endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Government and the International Peace Institute (IPI).

The MOU will bolster Fiji’s preparations for COP29 through capacity building in negotiations.

IPI is a non-profit think tank closely associated with the United Nations. It focuses on issues of peace and security, and also assists Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the climate change space.

Financial Services Ombudsman

Cabinet endorsed the establishment of a Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO) within the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF).

The establishment of the FSO in RBF is expected to elevate the existing complaints management function undertaken by the RBF.

The purpose of the FSO is to resolve complaints brought by consumers against banks, insurers and/or other financial service providers. The effectiveness of the FSO within RBF will be assessed after two years.

Stand-by Loan for Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation-Phase 2

Cabinet endorsed the Exchange of Notes and Record of Discussion with Japan for the provision of a five billion Japanese Yen ($FJ72 million) Stand-by Loan for Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation - Phase 2 through the JICA.

It is promote economic stabiliSation, development efforts, in particular enhancing disaster risk management.

Fiji’s Participation in the Pacific Island Network of Competition, Consumer and Economic Regulators

Cabinet’s endorsed Fiji’s participation in the Pacific Island Network of Competition, Consumer and Economic Regulators (PINCCER).

It agreed that the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) be Fiji’s representative to PINCCER and act on behalf of Fiji to any PINCCER-related matters.

The inaugural PINCCER conference is scheduled on July 22 at the Sofitel Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi.

Fiji To Co-Host Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum

Cabinet approved the MOU with the US Department of Defence (US INDOPACOM) to formalise the annual Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF 24) co-hosting arrangements.

IPESF 24 in Natadola from August 6-9.

IPESF is an annual conference that forms the foundation of INDOPACOM’s Environmental

Security Programme and, together with the Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Partnership

(IPESP), brings Indo-Pacific militaries and civilian agencies together to discuss and advance shared environmental obligations.

Amendment One to the MOU between Australia, Fiji on Defence Facilities and Infrastructure Activities

Cabinet approved Amendment One to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Australia and Fiji on Defence Facilities and Infrastructure Activities (Infrastructure MOU).

The MOU supports the upgrade at the Stanley Brown Naval Base and Fiji Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) in Lami.

Once completed, MESC will house critical components such as the Joint Rescue Coordination

Centre (JRCC FIJI), the Joint Maritime Fusion Centre, the Fiji Hydrographic Office, the Suva Coastal Radio Station, and Navy administrative support functions, all of which are vital for Fiji’s defence.

MOU between Fiji and Australia on a Defence Pacific Air Programme

Cabinet endorsed the Defence Pacific Air Programme Memorandum of Understanding (DPAP MOU) between Fiji and Australia.

The DPAP MOU provides the overarching governance for the operation of the C27J aircraft in Fiji.

Last September, Australia offered Fiji the use of C27J, a versatile aircraft on a regular rotational basis. For humanitarian assistance, air transport, and aerial surveillance missions.

Review of the 2018–2022 National Employment Policy

Cabinet approved the review of the 2018-2022 National Employment Policy (NEP 2018) to focus on supporting economic diversification and environmental sustainability to address climate change, disaster management and resilience.

Technical assistance will be provided by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

NDMO partnership With Japan, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System

Cabinet endorsed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan for the use of Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) in Fiji. QZSS is a satellite positioning system provides early warning during earthquakes or tsunami. The MOC is expected to be signed on the margins of the PALM conference in Japan from the July 16-19.

Source: DEPTFO News

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