KOREA INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION (KOICA) AGENCY REAFFIRMS ENHANCED SUPPORT FOR FIJI

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has today (26.4.24) renewed its commitment and support for the Government of Fiji led programs that contribute to the achievement of Fiji’s development priorities.

This was conveyed during an introductory call to the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala by the new KOICA Country Director for Fiji and Pacific, Ms. Hankyulsam Cho. PS Korovavala welcomed Ms Cho and conveyed the Government of Fiji’s best wishes as she commences her work in Fiji.

He acknowledged KOICA’s support over the years through projects aimed at improving the livelihood of communities that ultimately contribute to Fiji’s development goals.

Further, PS Korovavala said the elevated cooperation with the Republic of Korea, supports Fiji’s status as the regional hub and prospects for economic cooperation, trade and investment, air connectivity, and infrastructure development.

In her remarks, Ms. Cho said that Republic of Korea would like the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka to visit their country.

Ms. Cho reaffirmed KOICA’s commitment to work closely with the Government of Fiji in promoting the socio-economic development at the community level through individual and organisational capacity development.

During her term in Fiji, Ms. Cho will continue KOICA’s focus on implementing projects in the 3 key priority sectors i.e. Green Islands – mitigating the effects of climate change, Healthy Islands – enhancing the quality of public healthcare system and Smart Islands – development of digital literacy and ICT Skills.

Additionally, Ms. Cho said that KOICA will collaborate with the Government of Fiji on future projects that contribute towards the progression of the National Development Plan of Fiji.

Through the World Friends Korea Program, (volunteer dispatch) KOICA will continue to work closely with the people of Fiji to share knowledge, technologies and necessary experience in joint effort to reducing poverty and the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

Under the KOICA’s Masters Degree Program, Fiji Government officials were recommended by KOICA on the 1st round of the 2024 scholarship Program with the participants for KOICA 2nd Round of the 2024 scholarship Program to be finalized in April.

KOICA current projects costs around $60 million. KOICA Projects for Fiji includes Solar Power Plant Project in Taveuni, Agro photovoltaic Project in Ovalau Fiji Renewable Energy Expansion and Capacity Development Project, Project for establishment of National Rehabilitation Center in Fiji, Health Professions Education and Research Capacity Building Project at Fiji National University, WHO Strengthening Health Adaptation Project: Responding to Climate Change, UNDP Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific, IOM Strengthening National and Community Resilience to Disaster and Displacement Risks Project, Fiji Labasa Accident and Emergency Center Establishment Project.

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