France deepen Fiji ties
NOUMEA-based regional director for the French Development Agency (AFD) last week introduced the AFD group’s new representative in Suva Elodie Vitalis to their Fijian and international partners, signifying the deepening of ties between Fiji and France.
“This significant development aligns with the commitment made by French President Emmanuel Macron last July confirming the engagement of AFD group in the Pacific region and reflects France’s will to support Fiji development goals, alongside and in co-ordination with other partners,” AFD said in a statement.
The delegation, which comprised of Virginie Bleitrach, Ms Vitalis and Noumeabased policy officers Kim-Lou Cargnelli and Pauline Dubin, held a series of meetings with Government officials and various stakeholders last week.
The delegation later met with Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Secretary General Henry Puna to reaffirm commitments to the Pacific’s 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific.
“PIF and AFD will join forces in the preparation of upcoming international conferences aiming at tackling climate change, like COPs but also the next UN Ocean Conference, which will be hosted by France in 2025,” AFD stated.
“The goal is to amplify the Pacific voices while making sure that the youth is at the centre of the discussion.”
Last Wednesday, AFD signed a $1.3million technical assistance with the Fiji Development Bank as a continuation of earlier partnerships between the two entities.
“The French Development Agency supports public development banks worldwide and designed specific tools to help them address these challenges.
“In Fiji, FDB and AFD signed in May 2023 a portfolio guarantee, supported by the European Union. Today, AFD is proud to deepen its collaboration with FDB with the signing on March 6th of a $1.3million technical assistance.”
AFD will also support Pacific island countries and territories in climate change efforts through its partnership with GGGI, who will implement the Greening the Pacific Financial Systems (GPFS) program.
“On Tuesday 5th, Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd’s team presented their ambitious green port strategy to the AFD delegation who reassured them of the commitment of AFD, as a climate-focused bank, to support FPCL’s development plans,” AFD stated.