Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects toKiribati» Non-Project Grant Aid» Press Release

Japan Provides Grant Assistance to the Republic of Kiribati

Wednesday, 11th February 2009, 10.10 a.m.

The Government of the Republic of Kiribati will receive a grant assistance in the sum of JPY 400 million (Aus $6.6 million) from the Government of Japan. The funding will be sourced from Japan’s Non - Project Grant Aid (NPGA).

A ceremony will be held in Tarawa, at 10.10 a.m., on 11th February, 2009, where Ms. Tessie Lambourne, the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of the Government of the Republic of Kiribati, and His Excellency Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa, the Ambassador of Japan, signed and exchanged notes to formalise Japan’s commitment towards the assistance. His Excellency Mr. Anote Tong, the President of the Republic of Kiribati and Ms Seiko Hashimoto, the State Secretary for the Foreign Affairs of Japan were also present to witness the signing ceremony.

The Government of the Republic of Kiribati in recent years has been facing financial difficulties in implementing necessary planned economic and structural reform programs in key sectors to improve the welfare of the people of Kiribati. In addition, the high fuel costs have also affected the island nation. In view of this serious situation and the close ties that exist between the two nations, the Government of Japan decided to increase its grant to JPY 400 million as compared to JPY 200 million provided yearly for the last three years to effectively continue to assist the Government of Kiribati in its effort to continue the implementation of these reform programs, particularly by reducing the burden caused by the increasing cost of fuel imports.

It is anticipated that this grant will enable the Government of the Republic of Kiribati to continue the planned economic and structural reform program in key sectors to foster economic growth and development. This aid will also relieve the pressure which the Government of the Republic of Kiribati is facing in sourcing funds to deliver other services required by its people. As a result, the Government of the Republic of Kiribati will be able to ensure an efficient, vibrant and a competitive economy for its people.

This NPGA is an added milestone in Japan’s ongoing support and cooperation towards development and prosperity of the Republic of Kiribati and it is anticipated that the friendly ties between the Governments and the People of Japan and the Republic of Kiribati will further strengthen.

Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects toKiribati» Non-Project Grant Aid