Fiji and KOICA Pursue Strengthened Partnership

The 50th Anniversary commemoration of Fiji and Korea’s diplomatic relations this year signifies the exemplary partnership and commitment between the two nations in pursing their shared goals and aspirations.

This message was articulated yesterday at a courtesy call received by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Immigration and Sugar Industry and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Karan from the Country Director of KOICA to Fiji, Mr. Kapchae Ra.

At an introductory meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Karan congratulated Mr Ra and wished him well in his new role at the KOICA Office in Fiji.

Mr Karan acknowledged KOICA for its ongoing assistance to Fiji through volunteer services, provisions of technical expertise and implementation of projects and programs that benefit the communities in Fiji.

Mr Karan said KOICA has played an important role in enhancing Fiji’s engagements with Korea and that there is potential opportunities to further the cooperation with the leadership of Mr Ra as he assumes his new role.

Reflecting on Korea’s support to Fiji, Mr Karan conveyed appreciation to the Korean Government for the assistance rendered in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Yasa and for Fiji’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussions were also held on the progressive steps taken to formalise the Framework Agreement for Grant Aid between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of the Republic of Fiji.

In response, Mr Ra said as KOICA marks its 30th anniversary in April this year, they are committed to the fulfilment and the reinforcement of their overall goal, which is to “Leave No One Behind, with people-centered Peace and Prosperity”.

“KOICA is delighted with the achievement accomplished through bilateral cooperation with Fiji in terms of social and economic development as well as countless capacity development through trainings and technical cooperation projects.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and hearty appreciation to the Fijian Government for its perpetual support. I hope that this amiable relationship will be strengthened and will continue into the future. All the projects funded by KOICA in the Pacific are aligned with Sustainable Development Goals and primarily focus on the major priority areas of; Green Islands and Healthy Islands.”

In terms of innovative programs that KOICA will undertake in Fiji, Mr. Ra said, “While continuing support towards the existing initiatives, Green Islands, KOICA is presently implementing two renewable energy solar power plant projects in Taveuni and Ovalau. KOICA Fiji Office will discuss and cooperate with Green Climate Fund to expand renewable energy projects for Fiji.

“KOICA Fiji Office envisages to strengthen capacity of the health sector in Fiji. Hence KOICA is making efforts to support a new project “rebuilding the national rehabilitation center in Fiji” with an estimated budget of (US$10 million).

“Additionally, in terms of the cooperation for COVID-19 response KOICA Fiji Office is intending to procure ambulance(s) and handover to Ministry of Health and Medical Services which will aid in more rapid and effective response towards emergencies. Furthermore, the World Friends Korea (Volunteer program) is continuously assessing the COVID-19 situation and will resume deploying the volunteers from early next year, should local and international conditions permit,” Mr Ra said.