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Japan Provides Assistance to Tonga Institute of Science and Technology

The Government of Japan, in conjunction with Kajima Corporation and the Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy (SPJD) (Shadan Hojin Nihon Gaiko Kyokai), had provided the Tonga Institute of Science and Technology with electrical/electronic equipment.

The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Masashi Namekawa, will officially handover the equipment to the representatives of the Institute at a ceremony at the said institute on 22nd March 2006 at 03:30 p.m.

For this project, the Government of Japan had provided a sum of US$4,071.00 (approx. T$7,407.41) for the shipping and handling charges from its fund for Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme, whereas the SPJD had arranged with Kajima Corporation for the supply of the used equipment, which is worth as new sets US$159,340.00 (approximately T$290,000.00).

The main objectives of this project are to upgrade the capacity of Electrical/Electronic Department of the Institute to deliver quality training programme to meet the needs of industries and employees, and to develop the capacity of the said Department to upgrade its programme from Trade Certificate to Diploma in Electrical Technology Programme.

This assistance is in addition to the funding of US$80,836.00 (approx. T$150,000.00) which the Government of Japan had already provided for the construction of a building with two workshops for the same Institute.

Japan’s assistance to this project indicates its commitment to contribute to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Kingdom of Tonga and is in line with its Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy of promoting development at the grassroots level. The GGP programme is specifically designed to address basic human needs, which include water supply, health, basic education, vocational training, sanitary environment and rural infrastructure. It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the governments and the people of Kingdom of Tonga and Japan.