The Government of the Republic of Kiribati received a grant assistance in the sum of JPY 100 million (Aus $1.2 million) from the Government of Japan. The funding is sourced from Japan’s Non - Project Grant Aid (NPGA) for its fiscal year in 2010.

A ceremony was held in Suva, at 3.00 p.m., on 11th March, 2011, where Her Excellency, Ms. Retata Rimon Nikuata, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kiribati, and His Excellency Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa, the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kiribati, signed and exchanged Notes to formalise Japan’s commitment towards the assistance.

The Government of the Republic of Kiribati has been facing difficulties recently in implementing necessary planned economic and structural reform programs in key sectors to improve the welfare of the people of Kiribati, due to budgetary constraints. In view of the importance of these reforms and the close ties that exist between the two nations, the Government of Japan decided to continue the grant assistance of JPY 100 million NPGA for its fiscal year 2010 in addition to those provided on an yearly basis for the last five years to effectively 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 Kiribati is facing in sourcing funds to deliver other services required by its people. As a result, the Government of Kiribati will be able to ensure an efficient, vibrant and a competitive economy for its people in the near future.

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.