UAE provides US $5Million for construction of three New Schools

The strengthened bilateral ties between Fiji and United Arab Emirates has led to the assistance of US$5 million which will see the construction of three schools in Navua, Sigatoka and Lautoka. A Cooperation Agreement was signed yesterday at the Ministry of Economy headquarters to formalize the partnership between the Fijian Government and UAE delegation that is currently in the country for the new schools site inspection. Accompanying the delegation for the site visitations are technical team and senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education.

Whilst formalising the partnership, United Arab Emirates Non-Resident Ambassador accredited to Fiji H.E Ambassador Mr Saleh Ahmed Alsuwaidi said they are delighted with the collaboration which will significantly contribute towards Fiji’s education sector development.

“Education is important for future development of any country and with this special partnership with the Fiji and we have announced the assistance of US$5 million to build new schools in cooperation with Fiji’s Ministry of Education. We are proud to be part of this noble project and we thank the Fijian Government for its collaboration. The technical teams will visit the 3 sites and the selection of the schools location is to accommodate the needs of the students,” Mr Alsuwaidi said.

UAE has also pledged its support to further its bilateral ties by enabling Fiji to participate in the Expo 2020 universal exposition which will allow Fiji to seize new economic, trade and business opportunities.

Other collaboration areas include renewable energy, whereby in 2010 UAE has established pacific fund to assist the pacific islands. UAE has also congratulated Fiji and assured support for the nation’s strong leadership in championing the climate change mitigation.

Speaking on behalf of the Fijian Government, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Economy, Makereta Konrote expressed appreciation to UAE for its commitment to advance Fiji’s education sector.

“This assistance will complement our government’s policies in terms of increasing access to education and also enhancing the quality of facilities, which contribute towards better learning outcomes for our Fijian students. On behalf of the Fijian Government would like to thank the UAE for visiting the projects and as we prepare for the second phase of the project which is really the implementation we wanted to show our gratitude towards your generosity. This partnership will also assists members of the local industries in terms of knowledge sharing and transfer skills,” Ms Konrote said.