Korea extends over $22m in assistance to Fiji
THE Republic of Korea has demonstrated its commitment to further assist Fiji this year by allocating more than US$10 million (FJ$22.7m) in Official Development Assistance (ODA).
This significant contribution aims to support Fiji’s national development priorities in climate change, renewable energy, health and medical services, maritime and fisheries, disaster management, and regional development.
This was highlighted during a courtesy visit received by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka, from the recently appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Fiji, Jin Hyung Kim.
PM Rabuka congratulated Ambassador Kim on his diplomatic posting and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to further advance development cooperation with Korea.
On the same note, the Prime Minister acknowledged the support Korea provides to Fiji particularly through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) initiatives promoting socioeconomic development.
PM Rabuka welcomed Korea’s commitment to further strengthen cooperation and support for Fiji.
In response, Ambassador Kim thanked PM Rabuka for the fruitful discussions they had on a number of important issues including the prospects on resumption of direct flight between Fiji and Korea.
Close consultations with aviation authorities and airlines will continue regarding the resumption of direct flights between Fiji and Korea, given the importance of tourism sector to Fiji’s economy and the necessity to promote people-to-people exchanges.
The Ambassador acknowledged PM Rabuka’s vision on the ‘Ocean of Peace’ for the Pacific and mentioned that Korea, as one of the leading shipbuilding nations, has great potential to collaborate with Fiji.
Korea will redouble efforts to explore opportunities for cooperation with Fiji in the field of maritime and fisheries.
As part of these efforts, earlier this year, the Korea Government appointed a maritime and fisheries attaché to the Embassy.
Ambassador Kim said Korea’s support to the Fiji Government’s goal to be 100 percent powered by renewable energy sources by 2030 it contributed two solar power plants (Taveuni and Ovalau) and Agro Photovoltaic Program.
Further, Korea will launch the establishment of flood forecasting warning system for disaster risk reduction in the provinces of Naitasiri and Macuata among others.
Ambassador Kim highlighted that the Korean led pilot projects called Saemaul Undong in three villages have contributed to improving rural livelihoods, enhancing the resilience and sustainability of local communities. Korea aims to expand the Saemaul Undong projects and adapt them to Fiji’s unique local contexts.