The world’s largest bilateral aid agency, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) celebrated their 40th year of the Volunteer Programme in Fiji last night.
The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua was present at the celebration as the guest of honour where she acknowledged JICA volunteers for their commitment to the people of Fiji for the last 40 years and for making a difference in the lives of the Fijian people.
Qereqeretabua says they have contributed extensively to the development of vital sectors of Fiji’s economy through the provision of grants and technical expertise.
She further says that the people of Fiji sincerely appreciate the significant contribution in stimulating the economy.
She adds that 753 volunteers have served Fiji and have left behind their footprints in Fiji through their service.
Embassy of Japan Charge de Affaires, Tanaka Kenichiro says they will continue to work closely with Fiji, to deepen the strategic assistance aligned with Fiji’s development needs and priorities.
Kenichiro says the assistance provided to Fiji through JICA to date, including grant aid and technical cooperation as of 2020 is worth 1 billion. He says JICA’s collaboration with Fiji has led programs in vital sectors such as health, education, agriculture, environment, disaster risk reduction, town planning, information technology, engineering, sports, and community development.
The JICA Volunteer Programme in Fiji was inaugurated in 1965 with the very first 2 JICA volunteers deployed to the Ministry of Agriculture to assist with rice cultivation and farming in Labasa.
