JICA Celebrates 40 Years

It was a moment of reflection for the Japan International Coop­eration Agency (JICA) which cel­ebrated 40 years since its establish­ment in Fiji.

The event was held at the Grand Pa­cific Hotel in Suva on Friday October 20.

Assistant Minister for Foreign Af­fairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua said JICA had contributed expensively to the development of Fiji’s economy through provision of grants and tech­nical expertise.

“This is indeed a milestone achieve­ment in the Fiji- Japan diplomatic relations, Japan has been a strong development partner over the past 52 years,” she said.

“Our bilateral relationship has been characterised by our mutual commit­ments to share values and aspirations and supporting efforts to meet our de­velopment needs.”

With 753 volunteers now in Fiji, Ms Qereqeretabua said Fiji was appreci­ative of the valuable contribution of JICA volunteers in Fiji.

JICA resident representative, Amei­ka Mayumi said the importance of having these volunteer programme in Fiji was basically their volunteers working closely with the community.

Charges de Affaires to the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Fiji, Tan­aka Kenichiro said JICA as a major player in the maintenance of good re­lations with Fiji was good energy for the Japan government.

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