Good afternoon,

It is with great pleasure that I extend to you a warm welcome to this Grant Contract signing ceremony at the Embassy this morning to formalise Japan’s assistance for provision of a seven-pan toilet, general maintenance of the school buildings and water supply project to Korotolutolu Primary School, and, provision of modern equipment required for quality rehabilitation therapy services, building upgrading works and construction of a new laundry area at National Rehabilitation Medicine Hospital in Tamavua.

It is my belief that proper educational facilities contribute significantly in the whole learning process and, today’s event is therefore, the most evident manifestation of Japan’s valuable support and firm commitment towards improving basic education facilities at grassroots level. Whilst promoting balanced opportunities and quality treatment of people requiring rehabilitation therapy, the Embassy of Japan appreciates of the opportunity being given to donate new medical equipment very suitable for providing quality physiotherapy services in Fiji. Given the fact that a JOCV is already stationed at the National Rehabilitation Medicine Centre, this donation through Japan’s GGP program makes Japan’s ODA more meaningful. I am hopeful that the new equipment and laundry area will improvise the existing services facilitated by National Rehabilitation Medicine Hospital.

It is my deep conviction that these assistances will further build strong relationship between Japan and Fiji. Japan has, so far, approved all 13 projects identified for funding under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme in the current Japanese fiscal year namely from April 2010 to March 2011.

Japan provides small and flexible grants to support development projects at the grass-roots level through its GGP programme that is specifically designed to address basic human needs, which include basic education, sanitary environment, water supply, health, vocational training and rural infrastructure. Since the inception of this GGP programme in 1989, Japan funded 264 projects for the people of Fiji Islands alone. In the last Japanese fiscal year, namely April 2009 to March 2010 period, Japan has provided 13 projects, under its GGP scheme with a total value of approximately 1 million US dollars, around Fiji.

Japan acknowledges the financial hardships faced by stakeholders including Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health in granting aid for implementation of major capital development projects such as these ones to upgrade facilities and improves services to the people of Fiji. I must also emphasise that such assistances of this magnitude by development partners, such as Japan, will certainly add impetus towards Government’s initiative to upgrade existing facilities in two very important sectors namely education and health. I am confident that upon completion, these projects will ensure best of resources and equal opportunities available to people.

Finally, with these few words, I wish to congratulate your organisations for being one of the successful recipients this year and I remain hopeful that these projects will be completed successfully and become good role models of our cooperation.

Thank You