Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs, and Communications meets with Honourable Akiyoshi Kato, Parliamentary Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Japan

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The Honourable Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, met with the Honourable Akiyoshi Kato, Parliamentary Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), at METI Headquarters in Tokyo.

(l-r: Parliamentary Vice Minister Kato with Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica)

This high-level visit is recognized as a symbol of both countries’ commitment to deepening their bilateral relationship and ensuring its continued growth. The earlier meeting with the Honourable Speaker Nukaga, held in the lead-up to this engagement, was also acknowledged and appreciated.

Key issues discussed included strengthening bilateral cooperation, advancing economic development, and enhancing people-to-people ties. The two leaders also discussed business matchmaking initiatives and start-up activities that emerged from the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders’ Meeting (PALM10), held in July 2024. These discussions underscored Japan’s ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Pacific region and highlighted the potential for increased investment opportunities.

The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their steadfast support of Fiji. He also acknowledged the Ministry’s continued dedication, particularly through its collaboration with agencies such as Investment Fiji, in advancing business opportunities. As Fiji and Japan celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister recognized the longstanding support and assistance provided since the establishment of these ties.

Looking ahead to Expo 2025 Osaka, for which both Ministers hold national responsibilities, there is optimism for further consultation and collaboration. Honourable Minister Kamikamica is scheduled to visit Osaka during Fiji’s National Day week in September 2025. He also extended a formal invitation to Honourable Parliamentary Vice Minister Kato to visit Fiji in the near future.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

29 May 2025

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs, and Communications Meets with Dr Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of Nippon Foundation

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The Honourable Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, met with Dr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, at the Nippon Foundation Office in Tokyo.

(l-r: Dr Yohei Sasakawa with Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica)

In his opening remarks, Chairman Yohei Sasakawa commended Fiji’s leadership in promoting peace and stability across the Pacific. He emphasized his lifelong mission—spanning over 50 years—of supporting partner nations, including Fiji, in the global fight to eliminate leprosy.

Chairman Sasakawa also reflected on his recent discussions with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders’ Meeting (PALM10) held in Tokyo in July 2024. These talks reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties and shared priorities between Fiji and Japan.

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica conveyed the warm greetings and appreciation of Prime Minister Rabuka and the people of Fiji. He recognized Mr. Sasakawa’s enduring contributions to Fiji and the broader Pacific, particularly in areas such as disaster preparedness, ocean governance and climate change, maritime security, health and education, poverty alleviation. 

He also expressed gratitude for the Nippon Foundation’s role in organizing the Coast Guard Global Summit in Tokyo in October 2023, which included participation from the Fiji Navy.

Fiji and the Nippon Foundation would seek to collaborate on further cultural exchanges to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Fiji and Japan and a high-level Fijian delegation may also visit Osaka on 25 September 2025 to celebrate Fiji’s National Day.    

Chairman Sasakawa concluded with a call for deeper international cooperation to address the unique challenges faced by small island nations. He expressed hope that successful agricultural knowledge transfer programs in Africa could be extended to the Pacific to bolster food security in the region.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

28 May 2025

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs, and Communications Meets with the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Japan

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The Honourable Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communication, held an audience with the Honourable Fukushiro Nukaga, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Japan-Fiji Parliamentary Friendship League. The Deputy Prime Minister’s four-day visit to Japan—undertaken at the invitation to attend the APT Ministerial Meeting 2025 in Tokyo—also provided an opportunity to meet with the Honourable Speaker Nukaga.

(l-r: DPM Hon Kamikamica with Hon Speaker Nukaga)

This high-level visit is being recognized as a symbol of both countries’ commitment to deepening their bilateral relationship and ensuring its continued growth. The meeting also acknowledged the Honourable Speaker Nukaga’s previous engagement with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on the margins of PALM10 last July, as well as his recent meeting with Fiji’s Commissioner General to EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and former Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Filimone Waqabaca.

Key issues discussed included enhancing cooperation in bilateral relations, security, economic development, human resource development, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties between Fiji and Japan. He also expressed agreement with the Honourable Speaker’s views on human resource development and labour mobility.

He extended his sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their steadfast support of Fiji. Additionally, he acknowledged the Chairman and members of the Japan-Fiji Parliamentary Friendship League for their ongoing collaboration with the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo and their continued support for Fiji. He expressed his eagerness to further strengthen this relationship.

As Fiji and Japan celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to the Chairman and members of the League to visit Fiji, with the aim of further deepening the friendship and bilateral ties between the two countries.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

28 May 2025

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) & Fiji Embassy Tokyo (FET) Promote Business Development Opportunities to Address Social Issues in Fiji and the Pacific Island Countries (PICs)

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The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Japan, together with the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in Japan, conducted an Activity Report and Networking event at the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, marking the conclusion of a two-year collaboration under the Government of Japan’s initiative to promote trade and investment opportunities aimed at addressing social issues in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Senior METI officials, members of the PIC diplomatic corp, trade-affiliated agencies, and business sector representatives attended the event. About 40 people attended the three-and-a-half-hour event.

The business networking event is a result of the Government of Japan’s ongoing commitment to creating economic opportunities for the PICs following the Japan-Pacific Island Countries Economic Forum held alongside the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders’ Meeting (PALM10) on 17 July 2024. It also continued the business matching event at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) on 29 October 2024. The event, held in Suva, Fiji, showcased business opportunities from 12 Japanese companies to representatives from the PICs, highlighting Japanese startups and flagship projects in Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa.

Participants of the business networking event comprising of the METI officials, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) Mr Ali, Pacific Islands Ambassadors’ Group (PICAG), and Japan business companies.

Fiji Embassy Tokyo Chargé d’Affaires ai Ms. Kelera Savu acknowledged METI’s collaboration on behalf of the Government of Japan, emphasizing the significant contributions these opportunities bring, particularly regarding Japan’s commitment to expanding its trade and investment relationships in the Pacific region. Mr. Ariff Ali, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, who was a guest at the occasion, also acknowledged the Government of Japan’s consistent contributions to Fiji’s socio-economic development and progress in relevant sectors through Government-to-Government cooperation and public-private partnership investments. He emphasized that Fiji’s foreign exchange earnings are a direct result of such collaboration.

Mr Yasuji Komiyama, Director-General for Trade Policy and Economic Cooperation, METI, in his remarks, emphasized the geopolitical importance of the Pacific, which remains a key focus of the Japanese government’s efforts in the PICs. He also highlighted the necessity of improving infrastructure sectors, particularly utilizing funding available under Japan’s Global South Cooperation initiative.

During the presentation session, the 12 Japanese companies summarized their business concepts aimed at addressing social issues relevant to the development of the PICs. These concepts included advancements in wastewater treatment and sewage purification, tourism, renewable energy and power grid stabilization, agricultural and fisheries data technology, disaster management, seawater desalination and water purification systems, wind power generation, and effective recycling methods.

The event concluded with a successful networking session among the 40 guests and representatives from the Pacific Island Countries Ambassadorial Group (PICAG) who attended.

Key agencies involved in this project included the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Pacific Islands Centre, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The Activity Report and Networking event is the final phase of this initiative. The upcoming fiscal year plans for the Pacific Island Countries from METI were also presented.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

13 February 2025

Commissioning of Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture for the Chubu Region

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The Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in Tokyo successfully commissioned Mr. Yasusuke ITO as Fiji’s Honorary Consul for Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, held today, Tuesday, 10 December 2024. Mr. Ito’s appointment will cover the greater Chubu region which comprises five (5) prefectures, with Nagoya as its largest city having a population of 2, 332, 248 as of November, 2024.

(l-r: Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan, HE Mr. Filimone Waqabaca presenting the Consular Commission to Mr. Yasusuke ITO, formalizing his appointment as Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Nagoya)

The commissioning ceremony was held at the Fiji Embassy Tokyo commemorating a small gathering of nine (9) Officials which also included the presence of the Embassy’s special guest and President of Kyowa Shipping Co. Ltd., Mr. Hiromitsu TAKAMATSU.

The inauguration event was marked by the official handing over of the Consular Commission that was signed by Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Fiji, the Hon. Mr. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka MP, by HE Mr. Filimone Waqabaca, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the newly commissioned Mr. Yasusuke ITO.

In congratulating Mr Ito on behalf of the Government of Fiji, Ambassador Waqabaca acknowledged the significance of the appointment of Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Nagoya as testament to the goodwill and fruitful relation achieved between the Government of Fiji and the Government of Japan. The positioning of Fiji’s Honorary Consuls in Japan’s five (5) prefectures speaks volume of the Embassy’s engagements that can only be strengthened and extended by the presence of these Honorary Consuls in Hokkaido, Akita, Osaka, Oita, and Nagoya.

Mr Ito’s appointment and distinguished career service would greatly assist in promoting partnership in the education sector which contributes further to the existing bilateral engagements already being explored in the sectors of trade, investment, rugby and scholarship opportunities, tourism-related projects, socio-economic cooperation, assist with consular outreach to Fiji’s nationals, and public diplomacy initiatives.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

10 December 2024

Hon. Prime Minister Rabuka’s Meeting with Chairman of Nippon Foundation Dr. Yohei Sasakawa

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Hon. Sitiveni L. Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, held an audience with Dr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, on Friday, 19 July 2024 at the Fiji Embassy Tokyo conference room, with the purpose of promoting Fiji’s visibility and bilateral issues for the consideration of Nippon Foundation.

(l-r) Prime Minister, Hon Sitiveni L. Rabuka, with JICA President Dr. Tanaka

While acknowledging the meeting with Dr Sasakawa, the Prime Minister echoed sentiments at the earlier meeting with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation President and acknowledged the efforts by SPF that led to the inception of the PALM Summit.

The meeting further acknowledged the instrumental efforts by the Nippon Foundation in assisting Fiji and the Pacific region in strengthening development efforts and in forging strong bonds or Kizuna within the region.

The leading role of the Nippon Foundation (NF) has assisted in facilitating development cooperation on ocean-related projects, disaster preparedness, quality education, health, and poverty reduction. The NF has also been influential and supportive towards human resource development and exchange and in co-hosting the Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in Tokyo, which included the Republic of Fiji Navy participation.

While also commending the hosting of the Pacific Island Nations Week, the Prime Minister expressed an interest for new opportunities on education, health, climate change and oceans, with an emphasis on the protection of the ocean against unsustainable developments and pollution.

The Prime Minister at the closing of the meeting extended an invitation for the Chairman Dr Sasakawa to visit Fiji and looks forward to the continued collaboration between Fiji and the Nippon Foundation in the near future.

On Fiji’s participation, the Prime Minister was supported by Fiji’s Ambassador in Tokyo, H.E Filimone Waqabaca, Permanent Secretary Mr Peter Wise, FS Kelera Savu, Adi Vuki Qionibaravi; and officials of the SPF.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

24 July 2024

Hon. Prime Minister Rabuka’s Meeting with JICA President Dr. Tanaka

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Hon. Sitiveni L. Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, held an audience with Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Friday, 19 July 2024 at the Fiji Embassy Tokyo conference room, with the purpose of promoting Fiji’s bilateral issues for the consideration of the Government of Japan.

(l-r) Prime Minister, Hon Sitiveni L. Rabuka, with JICA President Dr. Tanaka

In his remarks, the Prime Minister acknowledged the long-standing friendly and cooperative relations between Fiji and Japan since establishment of diplomatic ties 54 years ago, and commended JICA’s continuous support towards development of vital sectors of Fiji’s economy which continue to significantly improve Fiji’s local capacities. Fiji’s infrastructural needs have been improved in the critical sectors such as healthcare, education, fisheries, aviation, and disaster management. 

Future cooperation with JICA was also anticipated to be able to counter Fiji’s present challenges.

On Fiji’s participation, the Prime Minister was supported by Fiji’s Ambassador in Tokyo, H.E Filimone Waqabaca, Permanent Secretary Mr Peter Wise, FS Kelera Savu, Adi Vuki Qionibaravi; and officials of JICA.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

24 July 2024

Hon. Prime Minister’s Bilateral Meeting with Chairman Hon Fukushiro Nukaga and Members of the Japan-Fiji Parliamentary Friendship League

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Hon. Sitiveni L. Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, held an audience with Hon Fukushiro Nukaga, Speaker of Japan’s House of Representatives and Chairman of the Japan-Fiji Parliamentary Friendship League, on Thursday, 18 July 2024, at the National Diet Building, with the purpose of promoting Fiji’s visibility and bilateral issues for the consideration of The Diet.

(l-r) Prime Minister, Hon Sitiveni L. Rabuka, with Hon. Fukushiro Nukaga

The Prime Minister commended Japan’s unwavering support in Fiji’s socio-economic development, in continuing its efforts to promote Fiji and Japan’s bilateral relation and in further demonstrating the significance of the Japan-Fiji Parliamentary Friendship League which was establishment in March, 2015. Through the League’s support, the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo has been able to expand its activities and outreach programs across Japan’s 47 prefectures, with an aim to contribute towards expanding Fiji’s economic and bilateral interests.

Fiji’s Delegation supporting the Prime Minister comprised of Fiji’s Ambassador in Tokyo, H.E. Filimone Waqabaca, Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister Mr Peter Wise, First Secretary Kelera Savu, Adi Vuki Qionibaravi and SS Amo; including officials of the Fiji-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

24 July 2024

Hon. Prime Minister’s Bilateral Meeting with Australia’s Foreign Minister Hon. Penny Wong

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Hon. Sitiveni L. Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, held an audience with Hon. Senator Penelope Wong, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, 18 July 2024 at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo, with the purpose of promoting Fiji’s visibility and bilateral issues for the consideration of the Australian Government.

(l-r) Prime Minister, Hon Sitiveni L. Rabuka, with Foreign Minister Wong

The Prime Minister acknowledged the growing fruitful relation by both countries and for the opportunity to enhance relation through the Vuvale Partnership. Through this partnership, the Australian Government has continued to assist Fiji in the various sectors including defense, education, climate action, health, and infrastructural needs.

Both the Prime Minister and Senator Wong also reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively to tackle the challenges facing the region, with the climate crisis as the forefront of these challenges and at the same time to work towards the need to foster cooperation towards stability, security and prosperity within the region.

On Fiji’s participation, the Prime Minister was supported by Fiji’s Ambassador in Tokyo, H.E. Filimone Waqabaca, Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Peter Wise, and supporting officials.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

24 July 2024

Hon. Prime Minister’s Brief Meeting and Presentation at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation

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Following the PALM Summit on 18 July, Hon. Sitiveni L. Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji held an audience with Mr. Atsushi Sunami, President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) on Friday, 19 July 2024 at the SPF Building in Tokyo, with the purpose of participating in the Pacific Island Nations Week Event further promoting Fiji’s visibility in Japan.

(l-r) Prime Minister, Hon Sitiveni L. Rabuka, with SPF President Sunami

In his address at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) Pacific Island Week, the Prime Minister commemorated the warm and enduring relation between the Government and people of Japan and the Governments and peoples of the Pacific Islands, noting that it was through the SPF’s advocacy that led to the PALM Summit.

The Foundation has been instrumental in assisting Fiji as well as the Pacific region in its development efforts and in creating stronger bonds with and between these countries dotting the South Pacific, in facilitating development cooperation, supporting oceans-related projects and collaborating with the Ministry of Justice on judicial cooperation.

As expressed by the Prime Minister, Fiji will continue to offer its support and commitment towards the collective vision for a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity that ensures all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy and productive lives.

On Fiji’s participation, the Prime Minister was supported by Fiji’s Ambassador in Tokyo, H.E Filimone Waqabaca, Permanent Secretary Mr Peter Wise, FS Kelera Savu, Adi Vuki Qionibaravi; and officials of the SPF.

End.

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji

TOKYO

22 July 2024