The Government of the Republic of Nauru will receive a grant assistance in the sum of JPY100 million (approx. US$1.0 million) from the Government of Japan to support Nauru’s economic reform efforts. The funding will be made under Japan’s Non - Project Grant Aid (NPGA) Programme.

A signing ceremony for Exchange of Notes will be held at the Embassy of Japan, Level 2 BSP Life Centre, Thomson Street, Suva at 11:00 a.m., on 28th August 2013, where Hon. Shadlog Bernicke, Nauru’s Minister for Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust, Minister for Telecommunications and Minister for Nauru Utilities Corporation, and H.E. Mr. Eiichi Oshima, the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Nauru, will sign and exchange notes formalising Japan’s commitment towards the assistance.

Japan’s assistance has materialised from  an initial request by the Government of the Republic of Nauru.  The main purpose of this assistance will be to fund the purchase of fuel necessary for Nauru’s energy needs which also supports more funds from the Nauru Government to be diverted towards its economic reform efforts.

Japan, through its NPGA program, has provided funding continually seven times to the Government of the Republic of Nauru from fiscal year 2005 to 2011 and this occasion will mark the eighth NPGA  provided to the Nauru Government. This fund will relieve budgetary pressure on the Nauru Government hence strengthening the implementation of Nauru’s major sector reform programs in Education, Health and Capital works for development and poverty alleviation.

Japan has also implemented 13 Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) in Nauru since 2006, which include projects for community water supply system, rehabilitating fire station  and construction of  fish market in Nauru.

This NPGA is an added milestone in Japan’s ongoing support and cooperation towards the development of Nauru and it is anticipated that this project will also strengthen the friendship between the Governments and people of the Republic of Nauru and Japan.