Fiji and Japan sign agreement on project for improving cyber security capability in the Pacific

Permanent Secretary of Policing Berenado Daveta and JICA Fiji Office Resident Representative Satoshi Wakasugi signed an agreement on the record of discussions on the project for improving cyber security capability in the Pacific Island countries, on behalf of the Government of Japan and the Fiji Government.

Daveta says the overall goal of the agreement is to enhance cyber security capabilities for Fiji and the Pacific Island countries.

He says it is to strengthen the cyber security capabilities of the critical information infrastructure operators and government stakeholders in Fiji.

The Permanent Secretary says the signing of the agreement strengthens the already deepened bilateral ties our government already share.

He says the project aims to improve the cybersecurity capabilities of Critical Information Infrastructure operators and government stakeholders in Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.

Daveta says these will be conducted through trainings, programs and seminars that focus on cybersecurity incident response and raising cybersecurity awareness for citizens and vulnerable groups, such as women, youths and others in cooperation with local and regional partners.

He says while reliance on IT and digital technology has rapidly increased, promptly addressing cyber threats and risks remains a prominent challenge for Fiji and neighbouring countries in the Pacific.

The Permanent Secretary says this signing marks a significant milestone in bridging the cyber gap and equipping relevant institutions and agencies with proper technical training mechanisms to address cyber threats that will ensure a safe cyberspace for all in the Pacific.

He says the project will also involve regional stakeholders and agencies from the thirteen Pacific Island states of the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

JICA Representative Satoshi Wakasugi says this project has also been successfully implemented by their JICA headquarters in Asian countries, and now they are expanding it to the Pacific.