The Government of the Republic of Nauru will receive a grant assistance in the sum of JPY100 million (approx. US$1.3 million) from the Government of Japan to promote economic structural adjustment efforts. The funding will be sourced from Japan’s Non - Project Grant Aid (NPGA).

A ceremony will be held at the Embassy of Japan, Level 2 BSP Life Centre, Thomson Street, Suva at 11:00 a.m., on 3rd February 2012, where H.E. Mr. Sprent Dabwido, Nauru’s President, and H.E. Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa, the Ambassador of Japan, will sign and exchange notes formalising Japan’s commitment towards the assistance.

Japan’s assistance has materialised from the request by the Government of the Republic of Nauru.  The main purpose of this assistance is to fund the acquisition of fuel necessary in respect of promoting economic structural adjustment efforts.

Japan through its NPGA program has donated six times to the Government of Republic of Nauru continually from fiscal year 2005 to 2010 and this occasion will mark the seventh successive year of Japan’s commitment to the Nauru Government. This fund will relieve budgetary pressure on fuel hence, enabling the implementation of Nauru’s major sector reform programs in Education, Health and Capital works for poverty alleviation purposes.

Japan also donated GGP Projects to Nauru from fiscal year 2006. A series of 9 GGP Projects have supported community water supply in Nauru.

This NPGA is an added milestone in Japan’s ongoing support and cooperation towards development and prosperity of Pacific Island Countries including Nauru and it is anticipated that the friendly ties between the Governments and peoples of the Republic of Nauru and Japan will further strengthen.