Fiji and JICA reaffirm commitment to building back better
Strengthened partnership between Fiji and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will enhance opportunities focused on progressive rebuilding and recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and climate induced challenges.
This commitment was articulated yesterday at a courtesy call received by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Immigration and Sugar Industry and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Yogesh Karan from the new Resident Representative of JICA Fiji Office, Mayumi Amaike.
At an introductory meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister, PS Karan congratulated Ms Amaike and wished her well in her new role at the JICA Office in Fiji.
This coincided with a farewell courtesy call from the outgoing Resident Representative of JICA Fiji Office, Yukari Ono. PS Karan acknowledged Ms Ono’s leadership during her tenure in Fiji and conveyed the Fijian Government’s best wishes to Ms Ono in her future endeavors.
PS Karan thanked JICA for its ongoing assistance to Fiji through infrastructure projects, funding for Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation, technical assistance in Disaster Risk Reduction and programs contributing to Fiji’s socioeconomic development.
Recognising JICA’s Volunteer programme, PS Karan commended the work of JICA volunteers in their efforts to reach communities in Fiji.
In terms of the cooperation for COVID-19 response, PS Karan said Fiji is currently working with its international development partners in the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine, whilst focusing on strategies for economic recovery and building back better.
In response, Ms. Amaike said: “While the three priority areas of strengthening the basics for economic growth, (especially Infrastructure and Fishery), Climate Change and Environment, Provision of Quality Social Service (Health and Education) remain important, we will also work with our partners in Fiji in the COVID-19 pandemic fight.”