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» Press Release

Japan Provides Grant for Phase II Works on Construction of Multi-purpose Lecture Theatre for Information and Communication Technology Centre at the University of the South Pacific

Construction work on Multi-purpose Lecture Theatre for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at the University of the South Pacific, which was planned as Phase II of the ICT Centre Project, will commence soon. The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Yutaka Yoshizawa and the Interim Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation of Fiji, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola signed the Exchange of Notes formalising Japan’s assistance, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation office, in Suva, at 3:00 pm Tuesday 24th November, 2009.

A grant of JPY 857 million (approx. F$18 million) is made available for the construction works of the theatre, in addition to JPY 2.2 billion (approx. F$46 million) which was already formalised at the previous Exchange of Notes dated 22nd of May 2008. The project will supplement the function of the new ICT Centre with multi-purpose lecture theatre following the ongoing project which includes the construction of three buildings, with facilities consisting of computer laboratories and conference rooms with provision of specialised equipment.

It is envisaged that the establishment of an Information and Communication Technology Centre at the University of the South Pacific will ensure the South Pacific region’s enhanced participation in the global information society. This centre will lead to research development and education in the ICT field, thereby, promoting socio-economic development through the growth of ICT potential in the region.

Furthermore, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will in February 2010 commence the implementation of a three year Japanese Technical Cooperation for the ICT for human development and human security. As part of the Japanese Technical Cooperation, JICA in collaboration with key stakeholders of USP will support IT services to optimise the performance of USPNet, 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’s assistance follows a request from the Government of the Republic of Fiji Islands on behalf of the twelve USP member countries and the region in 1999. Following a survey conducted by a Japanese study team in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009 the Government of Japan decided to provide the grant aid under its bilateral development assistance programme to USP member countries. This grant aid is in line with Japan’s objective to provide sustainable and constructive support for the development of projects that contribute to the improvement of the distance and flexible learning in the region and promote socio-economic development.

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