THE Government of Japan will provide funding to the Fijian Government to support the procurement of Maritime Safety and Security Equipment for the Fiji Police Force valued at $5.5m under the ‘Economic Social Development Programme’.
This was after the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, Yogesh Karan officiated at the Signing of Exchange of Notes between the the Ambassador of Japan, Masahiro Omura yesterday.
Mr Omura said the assistance will enhance the Fiji Police Force capabilities to intensify its reach out and services to the nation.
“Japan has also pledged strengthened collaboration to broaden Fiji’s socioeconomic development opportunities.
“This assistance is expected to improve the Fiji Police Force’s coast guard capacity by providing the lifeboats and other maritime safety equipment, which can be used for search rescue efforts in coastal areas when the disaster strikes. This positively impacts Fiji’s disaster prevention and mitigation efforts and therefore contributes towards nation’s sustainable development.
“As a way forward we would like to especially promote positive development cooperation with Fiji in line with the “Free and Open Indo Pacific Strategy.” This provision of maritime safety equipment to the Fiji Police Force is an important step in that direction,” Mr Omura said.
The grant will enhance the Fiji Police Force’s capacity in search and rescue operations during natural disasters and will support socio-economic developments including the import of goods, machinery and other amenities to promote national development.
