Japan's Ambassador to Vanuatu, Mr. Okuda Naohisa, and Vanuatu's Caretaker Deputy PM and Foreign Affairs Minister, Matai Seremaiah, signed the 700 million yen (approximately VT600 million) grant agreement yesterday in Port Vila. Photo: Japanese EmbassyThe Government of Japan has formalised an agreement with the Government of Vanuatu to fund 700 million Japanese Yen (approximately VT600 million) for Vanuatu’s Fisheries Research Vessel project.
Japan’s Ambassador to Vanuatu, Okuda Naohisa, and Matai Seremaiah, Vanuatu’s caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation & External Trade (MoFAICET), signed the Exchange of Notes for the grant aid yesterday in Port Vila.
According to the Embassy of Japan in Vanuatu, the grant will be used for the purchase of a Fisheries Research vessel and accessories by the Vanuatu Fisheries Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Forestry, and Biosecurity (MALFFB).
The signing ceremony was witnessed by representatives from MoFAICET, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MoFEM), and MALFFB.
“This project aligns with Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan 2015-2030 and National Fisheries Sector Policy 2016-2030, promoting climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and responsible marine resource management,” Ambassador Okuda mentioned at the signing ceremony. It also strengthens efforts to combat illegal fishing while promoting regional and international collaboration.
“The Government of Japan, through the JICA Grace-of-the-Seas Project, has long supported the capacity-building of the coastal villages of this country in the area of coastal resource management,” the Embassy of Japan in Vanuatu stated.
“Japan continues to stand in partnership with Vanuatu in working toward achieving Vanuatu’s vision of marine conservation and a blue economy.”
Caretaker DPM Seremaiah said this project represents not only a milestone achievement in bilateral cooperation but also a major step forward in the sustainable development of Vanuatu’s marine resources.
“The provision of this Fisheries Research vessel will be a transformative step in strengthening Vanuatu’s capacity for marine research and survey on fisheries resources and the marine environment, as well as sustainable fisheries management,” he said.
“With Japan’s generous contribution, this vessel will enhance our ability to monitor and protect our rich marine resources, and use the data collected to make well-informed decisions on fisheries management, ensuring that our natural environment is preserved for future generations.”
“And I wish to, on this note, convey our utmost appreciation to the government and people of Japan for your steadfast support and dedication to this important project. We are deeply grateful, as one of the recipients, to receive this research vessel.”
“This partnership reflects not only the shared commitment to sustainable development but also the enduring friendship and mutual respect between our two countries. It also reinforces our joint commitment under Japan’s Kizuna or Pacific Bond Policy to deepen our collaboration on mutually acceptable areas as outlined in the PALM10 declaration.”
Mr. Seremaiah also reiterated the Vanuatu government’s strong support for this project and assured Vanuatu’s commitment to ensuring the research vessel is used in accordance with its intended purpose, as stipulated in the Exchange of Notes.