Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects to Kiribati » Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)» Speech

Handing-Over of CPPL Project

Speech by Mr. Tatsushi Matsuo, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan, 9th July, 2008, Tarawa, Kiribati

Mauri! (Hello)

It is an honour for me to participate in today’s handing over ceremony, representing the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Masashi Namekawa. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to me this afternoon.

Central Pacific Producers Limited is one of the biggest enterprises in the Oceania region that is operated by the Governments. And it has been providing one of nature’s richest gifts to the people of Kiribati as well as to the world in terms of fisheries exports. Japan, as a development partner of Kiribati is extremely supportive of such an initiative. Through the installation of a new tank and 10 ice boxes, the Government of Japan has strengthened CPPL’s main activities so that they can remain viable and continue with its operations economically. These new facilities will ensure quality operation of the marketing and retail section of CPPL by providing an efficient production storage and distribution facility. I believe that this project will deliver a lot of benefits to the people in Kiribati.

This project was funded under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme, and it is designed to deliver assistance directly to the people by providing the basic necessities which in turn improves their lives and provides better opportunities.

It is my hope that this assistance from the Government and the people of Japan will strengthen our friendship with the Republic of Kiribati and its people.

With these few words, Ladies and Gentlemen, I officially hand over the water tank and cold boxes to Central Pacific Producers Limited.  

Ko rabwa (Thank you).

Bilateral Relations »Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects to Kiribati » Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)