Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning, ni sa bula and Namaste.

It is my great honour to be given this opportunity to speak before you at the grand opening of the multipurpose lecture theatre of the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre of the University of the South Pacific.

At the outset, I wish to congratulate those concerned at USP for the excellent preparation for this event and also to thank them for the invitation extended by USP to me and my colleagues.

As we can see, this multi-purpose lecture theatre is a state of the art facility, which is outfitted with the newest equipment. This theatre is expected to serve not only as an appropriate venue for a wide variety of important academic and other meetings but also serve as an ideal venue for cultural events, which would charm the people of Fiji and patrons from USP member countries. I believe that today’s program is an excellent example of what this theatre can offer.

Also, I have been told that the design concept of this theatre symbolises the Pacific tradition and culture. You might have noticed the images of 12 different tapa cloths behind the columns, which portray the traditional and cultural art of the twelve member countries of USP.

As many of you know, over the years, Japan has developed a very close partnership with USP. It has provided the USP NET with facilities for USP’s Distance and Flexible Learning in 1998 and Japan has also assisted USP in building the new marine science complex in 1996.

A total of 70 million US dollars worth of Japanese assistance provided to build the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre has brought the partnership to new heights. The ICT Centre is expected to play an important role in closing the gap of “Digital Divide” in the Pacific region, especially with its numerous courses on ICT related studies supported by the newest facility and equipment, excellent members of the faculty and technical cooperation by JICA.

In order to ensure the effective function of the ICT centre, JICA has been working on a project for improved ICT environment since February 2010. I wish to add that, in October 2011, conversations between astronauts at the International Space Station “KIBO” and USP students was made possible through USP-Net, with the help of JICA.

I also wish to highlight the fact that concurrently, a Photo and Illustrative Exhibition is being held in the foyer which shows the state of recovery and reconstruction in the affected areas struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. People in Japan have received great encouragement from the people of the Pacific region in the aftermath of the disaster. I believe that this venue is very appropriate to exhibit how recovery and reconstruction has been achieved in the affected areas.

The Japanese assistance to build the ICT Centre is provided in the form of Japan’s ODA to the Government of the Republic of Fiji. I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate my appreciation for the cooperation and coordination extended by the Fijian Government in helping successfully complete this project.

On a personal note, I am very glad that I am able to witness this grand opening of the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre multipurpose lecture theatre, before I leave Suva tomorrow, after completing my tenure as Japanese Ambassador to Fiji.

I have attended many important events concerning this ICT Centre, which includes the ground breaking ceremony in January 2009, the handing over of the first phase and the ground breaking ceremony of the second phase in July 2010. Today’s ceremony, to me, is indeed a memorable occasion, which I will remember for my life.

Ladies and Gentlemen, with these words, I wish that the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre attains great success in serving the people of Fiji and the people of USP member countries. I pray that you all continue to flourish and enjoy good health.

Thank you, vinaka vakalevu and Dhanyavaadh.