Prime Minister officiates at the ground – breaking ceremony for SPC’s new office building in Suva
03/05/2025Published On: 07/05/2025
The Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Fiji signed an Exchange of Notes to formalise the grant funding for the procurement of a Disaster Response Multipurpose Vessel. The new vessel will be procured under the Government of Japan’s Economic Social Development Programme (ESDP) with a total funding of 1.7 Billion Japanese Yen or approximately FJD$27.2 Million.
The Exchange of Notes signing ceremony was presided over by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and Ambassador of Japan to Fiji H.E. Mr. Rokuichiro Michii, at the Office of the Prime Minister, yesterday.
The new Disaster Response and Multipurpose Vessel aims to support Fiji in two important areas; firstly, to improve the Government of Fiji’s disaster response and rehabilitation efforts to remote islands in times of disaster or in other crisis and secondly is to further enhance rural and outer island development programs by supporting a whole of Government approach to development.
Prime Minister Rabuka in his remarks thanked the Government of Japan for the new vessel which will enhance Fiji’s ability to respond swiftly to emergencies, deliver relief supplies to remote communities, and ensure vital services are accessible across our maritime zones.
“I wish to highlight that this project will be carried out as part of the Co-creation for Common Agenda initiative, which includes strengthening disaster prevention and Early Warning Systems in Fiji and across the Pacific Region.
“Beyond disaster response, the vessel will serve multiple roles—including community outreach, sea surveillance, and maritime transportation—strengthening our national capacity and improving the quality of life for our citizens, especially those in the outer islands,” Prime Minister Rabuka said.
He stated that Japan’s support demonstrates the strength of the bilateral relations between the two nations and our shared commitment to building resilience, security and sustainable development for all Fijians.
In his address, Ambassador Michii said that Japan is delighted to be able to contribute to the efforts by the Fiji Government in the area of rural and outer island development and disaster response, stating that the new vessel will become another symbol of our collaboration between Fiji and Japan.
“Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to co-creating a resilient and sustainable future with Fiji and the entire Pacific region. Through initiatives such as the “Co-creation for Common Agenda Initiative,” we will continue to strengthen our bonds and work collaboratively to address the challenges that confront us. Japan is revolutionizing our engagement with like-minded partners such as Fiji under the new co-creation for common agenda initiative,” Ambassador Michii said.
