Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of the Fiji Island » Past Assistance Projects to Fiji» General Grant Aid and Grant Aid for Fisheries » Speech

Speech by H. E. Yutaka Yoshizawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Fiji Islands On the Occasion of the Signing of Exchange of Notes for Phase II Works on Construction of Multi-purpose Lecture Theatre for the New Information and Communication Technology Centre at the University of the South Pacific

at 3.00 p.m. 24th November 2009, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation Office, Suva.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my honour and a great pleasure to be here this afternoon, to formalise Japan’s additional grant assistance to the Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands for the implementation of Phase II works on the construction of a new multi-purpose lecture theatre for the ICT Centre at the University of the South Pacific.

At the outset, on behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders associated with the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre project for your sincere cooperation in the smooth implementation of Phase I works on the project thus far and I remain hopeful that similar allegiance will be accorded to key stakeholders.

Today’s Exchange of Notes ceremony is a milestone achievement for my Embassy in securing the additional funds which was committed in the assurance I made during the ground breaking ceremony “to continuously work closely for further assistance to promptly implement phase two works on the construction of the Multi-purpose lecture theatre”. As the representative of the Government and people of Japan, I am confident of my Government’s decision to provide additional grant for the implementation of Phase II works, which will have far reaching benefits for the users of ICT Centre at USP.

I also wish to call your attention to the fact that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will commence a three year Technical Cooperation Project for the ICT for human development and human Security in February 2010. In collaboration with key stakeholders of USP, JICA will support IT services to optimise the performance of USP Net, conduct necessary trainings and provide expertise on enhancement of Distance and Flexible Learning courses and provide mentoring and comprehensive advice on designing two new bachelor courses in Computer Science and Information Systems.

Japan is confident that the new ICT Centre facility combined with JICA’s Technical Cooperation will greatly enhance USP’s contribution to the ICT human resources development and vastly improve ICT related learning environment and thus, promote socio-economic development in this region.

I also take this opportunity to thank the officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation, Ministry of Education and the University of the South Pacific for your support and cooperation in facilitating Phase I construction works.

I wish for successful completion of Phase I of construction work on the ICT Centre and early commencement of Phase II works on the new multi-purpose lecture theatre. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I look forward to successful implementation of the projects for ICT Centre within the timeframe agreed in the Master Plan and hope that these projects will serve to strengthen the friendship between the people and the government of Japan and  the twelve USP member countries.

Thank you.

Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of the Fiji Island » Past Assistance Projects to Fiji» General Grant Aid and Grant Aid for Fisheries