Meeting with HE Mr Tom KIJNER, Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to Japan

HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga called on HE Mr Tom Kijner, Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands on Thursday 22 January 2015, to discuss issues relating to the upcoming PALM 7. This meeting was held at the request of Fiji, intended to seek the support of the PICs in Japan for the discussion of new issues during the PALM 7 SOM schedule for 4 March 2015 and also at the PALM 7 itself in May 2015. Fiji would like to include the following issues in the PALM 7 Agenda and seek the support of the PICs in that regard:

  • Limited market access for goods and services from PICs in to the Japanese market;
  • Tourism promotion support for PICs in Japan

Ambassador Mataitoga explained the background of both issues to Ambassador Kijiner and stressed that these issues have been raised by Fiji and other PICs in previous Japan/ PIC consultations, but it does not seem to make it to the PALM for discussion at least. This is raising the concern that PALM is a monologue and not a dialogue process between partners willing to address development issues of relevance to all the relevant parties.  Ambassador Kijner agreed that these issues should be included in the upcoming SOM for PALM 7 and he would be advising his capital to support the inclusion of the two issues above. Both Ambassadors’ also agree that the matter should be first discussed during the upcoming SOM PALM7 next month.

22Jan

HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga with HE Mr Tom Kijner

Spa and Beauty School accepting students for 2015 courses

Newly established spa and beauty facility, the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre in Nadi, is now accepting local and overseas students for the 2015 courses at their spa and beauty school, Spa Academy. 

Courses are conducted in English.  Hostel accommodation is located adjacent to school.

The South Pacific Acacemy of Beauty Theraphy, the main body of the Acacemy, is registered with the Fiji Higher Education Commission.  The first couses begins in February 2015.

For registration and query, contact spaacademy@rejuvenationcentre.com.fj.

Enrolment ad amended 2015

Meeting with the Director Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tokyo

HE Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga on Monday, 19th January 2015 convened his first meeting for the year with his counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tokyo, Mr. Yukihiro WADA, Director, Oceania Division.

The Ambassador thanked Mr. Wada for the opportunity to discuss bilateral matters that would enhance and deepen Fiji – Japan relation. He informed that at the commencement of the year he had undertaken bilateral meetings with PICs envoys in Japan to gauge the prospects of their respective countries relations with Fiji and mutual standings underpinning the regional sustainable development. The meeting agenda underscored high level exchanges for political leaders, the PALM 7 agenda, capacity building cooperation in international law enforcement, Fiji/Japan Economic Development Cooperation Seminar in Fiji and cooperation in multinational/regional fora such as in the UN et al. In conclusion Mr. Wada thanked the Ambassador for the insightful exchanges and expressed his wish to continue discussion on some of the bilateral concerns.

jan19

Mr. Yukihiro Wada with HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga

 

 

 

Fiji Seminar at Matsue Daiyon Junior High School

On Thursday, 18 December 2014, the Embassy conducted a Fiji Seminar at the Matsue Daiyon Junior High School day event in Tokyo. As part of their international studies, about 170 Year One students attended the seminar, with the purpose of learning about a different culture, tradition, history, people, lifestyle and its relation with Japan. The Embassy made an hour presentation on Fiji’s general information, including history, culture, tradition and Japan-Fiji relations.

 18Jan

 TCO Kawabata making a presentation to Matsuse Daiyon Junior High School students

Meeting with HE Ms Tania TUPOU, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Tonga to Japan

A meeting between HE Ms Tania Tupou, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Tonga to Japan and HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga was held on Friday, 16 January 2015. At the outset Ambassador Mataitoga congratulated Ambassador Tupou for the successful election just held in Tonga and expressed solidarity towards the new Prime Minister and the Government.

The principal issue discussed was the PALM 7 Agenda; specifically how new issues of priority concern to PICs be included in this year’s meeting agenda. The objective was to try to influence the Japanese Government in allowing discussion of new issues, such as limited market access for goods and services from PICs under some quota arrangement and tourism promotion in Japan for PICs.  These are issues which are central to the economic development of the PICs. The two envoys also discuss the positive impact PEC Fund has had in PICs and agree to seek their respective capitals support in raising the issues of the renewal of PEC Fund.    

16Jan

HE Ms Tania Tupou with HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga

 

 

Meeting with Director Japan Pacific Islands Centre (PIC)

HE Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga convened a meeting with Mr. Kazuyoshi OGAWA, the Director for Pacific Islands Centre (PIC) Japan and his Deputy Director Mr. Kurosaki on Wednesday, 14th January at FET. The meeting purposed to discuss Japan’s development interventions pertinent to the region’s sustainable development including respective island states’ priorities. The Ambassador underlined that the Pacific region cannot be a unified group simply because of the geopolitics and diversities of the respective island economies. Hence, the pursuit to request Japan to redesign and tailor its ODA projects and modalities to PICs development needs to ensure its maximum impact. He added that this year Fiji intends to strategise a Japan PICs business trade meeting collaboratively with PICs as means to propel PICs business prospects in Japan. The Centre could assist by identifying and producing a list of Japanese companies either as current importers or investors including prospective businessmen as potential participants.

FET wishes to pursue and identify development projects in Fiji desirable for Japanese businesses. Agro-business is an area of high prospects and interest for Japanese entrepreneurs to undertake in Fiji. Some have expressed interest in exploring horticulture imports from Fiji – rose and sochu production from sweet potatoes etc. Sideline meeting in the margins of the PALM 7 for PICs Leaders and Japanese Corporate leaders such as JAPIA, JETRO including business icons to discuss economic cooperation prospects was zealously discussed. The notion to bring in Fijian tourism and business affiliates to Japan to undertake tourism promotion was also noted. The Ambassador thanked Mr. Ogawa and Mr. Kurosaki for the invaluable exchanges.

jan14

Ambassador Mataitoga, Counsellor Korovou, Mr. Ogawa and Mr. Kurosaki

 

Meeting with HE Mr John FRITZ, Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia to Japan

A meeting between Ambassador John Fritz and Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga was held on Tuesday 13 January 2015 at the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia. The meeting is the second in a series that Ambassador Mataitoga is undertaking in the month of January to review bilateral relations and discuss how to improve where needed. These series of meeting is also to explain Fiji’s position on issues that need clarification and where support is needed in areas where Fiji is engaging with Japan.

There were three core issues that were discussed between the two Ambassadors which Fiji raised and seeks the support of the Federated States of Micronesia:

  1. Incorporating market access for goods and services from Pacific Island Countries to Japan on to the agenda of the PALM 7 Meeting;
  2. Renewal of the Pacific Environment Fund [PEC Fund]; and
  3. Tourism promotion for PICs in Japan.

Both Ambassador’s agree that the above issues should be discussed during the PALM 7 SOM and for it to be substantially included in the PALM 7 agenda for Leaders. The meeting was useful in sensitizing FSM about some of the issues that Fiji would like to include as part of PALM 7.

jan13

HE Mr John Fritz with HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga

 

Meeting with HE Mr Gabriel DUSAVA, Ambassador of the Papua New Guinea and Chair of the Pacific Islands Ambassadorial Group in Japan

A meeting between HE Mr. Gabriel Dusava CBE, Ambassador of Papua New Guinea and Chair of the PIC Ambassadorial Group in Japan and HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga was held on 7 January 2015 in the Chancery of the Embassy of Papua New Guinea. The meeting was requested by Ambassador Mataitoga, to discuss the following issues in the build up to the PALM 7 Meeting scheduled to take place in Iwaki City, Fukushima in May 2015:

  1. Incorporating market access for goods and services from Pacific Island Countries to Japan on to the agenda of the PALM 7 Meeting;
  2. Renewal of the Pacific Environment Fund [PEC Fund]; and
  3. Tourism promotion for PICs in Japan.

The two Ambassadors also discussed possible ways to engage the Japanese Government to undertake more high level political leaders exchange visit to Fiji. They noted that these visits when undertaken by political leaders of countries, often is the best catalyst to in attracting more interest in business development, leading to more investment. They also agree to meet at least 2 or 3 times a year to review how to cooperate in influencing Japan towards priority interests for PICs.

7Jan

HE Mr Gabriel Dusava with HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga

 

Japan Fisheries Association New Year Reception

The Japan Fisheries Association New Year’s Reception was held on Tuesday, 6th January 2015 at the Hotel Okura in Tokyo whereby more than 200 people were in attendance. Notable were the presence of many Members of Parliament who came to brace the occasion as well as to render their support for the organization for their contribution in the country’s economic wellbeing. Counsellor Julia Korovou and First Secretary Jovesa Vocea attended the reception on behalf of FET.

Established in 1882, the Japan Fisheries Association is the umbrella organization for the entire fishing industry of Japan with more than 400 members including associations, private companies and individuals who contribute to the operation of the organization. In delivering his keynote address, Mr. Toshiro Shirasu, President of the Association alluded to the main purpose of the organization which is to promote the fishing industry and contribute to the economic sector and cultural heritage of the country. He further stated that the contribution by members of the association is greatly recognized and acknowledged which has seen Japan as one of the world’s largest fishing fleets and accounts of nearly 15% of the global catch.

jan5

Counsellor Korovou also had a chance to meet with Mr. Shirazu

Prime Minister Bainimarama sends congratulatory message to his Japanese counterpart.

Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has offered the country’s assistance in allowing Japan extend and enhance its relations in the Pacific region. In a congratulatory note on the re-election of Shinzo Abe as Prime Minister of Japan, Bainimarama said Fiji and Japan have before them similar tasks, goals and challenges which add to the necessity of intensifying bilateral relations to promote peace, security and goodwill in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We also have shared goals in the sustainable development of the people we were elected to serve” Bainimarama said. He added that in the context of Japan’s relations with the Pacific Island countries, Fiji is ready to assist Japan in ensuring that the goals you desire in deepening your relations with the region is achieved. Bainimarama also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepen and further existing relations with Japan.

“I write to express my warmest and most sincere congratulation on your appointment as Prime Minister of Japan, following the success of your political party in the recent election for the House of Representatives in the Japanese Parliament”, Bainimarama said.

“Considering the great importance in maintaining the excellent relations that exist between our two countries, I am convinced that during your term in office that we will deepen these further to the mutual benefit of our respective governments and people” Bainimarama concluded.