Fiji, Korea sign grant aid agreement

A FRAMEWORK agreement for grant aid between Fiji and Korea signed this week will result in the establishment of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Pacific office in the country.

The official signing took place on Tuesday between the Korean ambassador to Fiji, Park Young-kyu, and the permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs acting permanent secretary Yogesh Karan.

“The signing of this agreement will allow us to implement our development cooperation in a more stable and systematic manner,” said Mr Park.

“This year, the Korean government has allocated approximately $F900,000 for providing PPEs such as masks, face shields, as a joint effort to address the COIVD-19 pandemic in Fiji.

“In addition, another $F1 million has been earmarked to procure ambulances for Fiji.

“On top of that, we will donate $F400,000 worth of classroom equipment such as desks, chairs, computers, projectors to improve the learning environment of schools in Fiji.

“As multi-year and multi-million dollar development projects for climate change response, KOICA will launch two projects of constructing solar power plants on Ovalau and Taveuni this year.”

In reaffirming the Fijian Government’s partnership with KOICA, Mr Karan said the agreement would strengthen KOICA’s administration of programs and resources, enable the swift coordination of official development assistance (ODA) while maximising opportunities for enhanced engagements at regional and international levels.

Mr Karan also commended KOICA for its aspirations and enormous support rendered to Fiji over the years in socioeconomic programs and initiatives which empowered numerous individuals and communities in Fiji and throughout the region over the past 51 years.