Fiji Seminar at Matsue Daiyon Junior High School

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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

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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)

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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.

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

 

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

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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

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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

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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.

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

Prime Minister Bainimarama sends congratulatory message to his Japanese counterpart.

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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.

Asia Environment and Economic Forum

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Representing 16 countries from across the Asia-Pacific region, over 45 green policy makers, businessmen and representatives of associations and academia responsible for promoting green technology, green business and eco-products and services converged in Tokyo from 10-12 December 2014 as part of the Asia Environment and Economic Forum. Facilitated by the Asian Productivity Organization [APO], the seminar was a special project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan. His Excellency Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga and First Secretary Jovesa Vocea attended the first day of the three days programme that was held at Hotel Nikko in Tokyo, Japan.

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Ambassador Mataitoga with APO Secretary General, Mr. Mari Amano

In delivering the welcome remarks, the Secretary General of APO, Mr. Mari Amano alluded to the objective of the seminar which was to share best practices in green policy and business from Japan and establish potential collaborations among APO delegates and local participants. SG Amano also highlighted that APO has been promoting Green Productivity [GP] in the Asia-Pacific region since 1994. He mentioned that GP measures that had been undertaken included numerous demonstration projects, international and regional forums, workshops and seminars as such held in member countries over the past decade.

An important topic titled “Impact of Climate Change and Policy Initiatives” was delivered by Mr. Dinesh Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India. His presentation was divided into four parts in an effort to explain the Impact of Climate Change and Policy Initiatives in an objective and simple manner. Part 1 focused mainly on the overview and the meaning of important terminologies relating to the subject matter. Part 2 articulated on the salient details of the Major International Initiatives such as the UNFCC Convention-Kyoto Protocol-Bali Road Map-Cancun Agreements-Durban Outcomes-Doha Climate Gateway and Warsaw Outcomes.

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Ambassador Mataitoga and FS Vocea with officials and participants

Part 3 of Mr. Sigh’s presentation provided an illustration of National and Regional Programmes and brief details of the National Action Plan on Climate Change of India which was adopted in 2008 with eight [8] National Missions as follows which will run up to 2017: [1] National Solar Mission [2] National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency [3] National Mission on Sustainable Habitat [4] National Water Mission [5] National Mission for Green India [6] National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and [8] National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change. The concluding part of his presentation centered on human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases which cause enhanced greenhouse effect that leads to global warming and consequent climate change.

The subject of “Green Productivity, Green Economic Growth and Sustainable Society” was presented Mr. Ryoichi Yamamoto, Specially Appointed Professor at Tokyo Coty University. He reminded participants that we are living in the “Anthropocene Age” where the earth is at the tipping point. Green Productivity has been pushing eco design, green-manufacturing and environmental management. Last but not the least, Green Economic Growth should be made within the doughnut [planetary and social boundaries] while Sustainable Public Procurement will play an essentially important role in Green Growth.

 

Consultations with Mr. Hiroshi Matsumoto, Director of Business Development of the Mana Island Resort & Spa, Fiji

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(l-r) Mr Matsumoto and Ambassador Mataitoga

The Director of Business Development for MANA Island Resort & Spa, Fiji held consultations with the Ambassador, HE Mr Isikeli Mataitoga on Monday 8th December 2014, to discuss tourism promotional cooperation as lead up to the direct flights in early 2016.

It was informed that Mr Matsumoto will also hold consultation with Japan`s Ambassador to Fiji, HE Mr Takuji Hanatani on how they can increase Japanese tourists to Fiji. Following Ambassador`s advice, Mr Matsumoto noted that he will also discuss with Fiji`s Tourism Minister, the Honorable Mr Faiyaaz Koya on the direct flights and 2015 charter flights cooperation with Travel Agents such as JTB and ST World. However, a concern raised is that unpopular charter flights may affect Fiji Airways consideration for 2016 direct flights.

Mr Matsumoto advised that Japan is a matured market compared to other Asian markets, and that many young Japanese are travelling a lot nowadays and MANA is seeing this as an opportunity. For instance, MANA will conduct a major renovation in January 2015, and their investment for internal scholarship of $FJ20-30,000FJ a year towards their staff training programme. He also mentioned on the Pure Fiji advices which he will convey to HCG Moriya, stressing that it is very important to note on the Japanese Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, together with regulations and costly procedural requirements at the time of importation. Pure Fiji is looking for Japanese Spa products distributor for their world-famous range of natural beauty products.

The Ambassador also noted that following the Sunday, 14 December 2014 election, the Embassy will once again approach relevant personnel including MOFA Economic Affairs Bureau, Director-General to discuss on the above. He also assured Mr Matsumoto that the Embassy remains consistent in its assistance towards him and the MANA Island Resort & Spa, Fiji.

Ambassador Mataitoga Presents on “Climate Change and its Effects on Island States – Fijian Experience” to United Nations University Graduate Students, UNU HQ in Tokyo

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Participants at the UNU Seminar

On Thursday 4th December 2014, H.E. Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga conducted a seminar on “Climate Change and its effects on island states: Fijian Experience” in Tokyo. SS Savu was also in attendance.

This seminar investigates the current effects of climate change and sea level rise present significant risks to the sustainable development of Small Islands Developing States and the long term effects that have threatened the very existence of some small islands, in particular reference to Fiji.

A brief overview of Fiji and its Climate Change impacts was initially outlined. The Q&A discussion then focuses on the challenges and the Guiding Policies made available to address rising issues. Climate change and rising sea level which currently present significant risks to the sustainable development of SIDS.

It was noted that climate change is seen as an economic issue, as a security issue and bigger players should certainly look into areas of tackling these through variety of forums such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference being held in Lima, Peru from 1–12 December 2014. The negotiators in Lima are now focusing on a draft agreement that can be refined before the meeting in Paris next year, 2015.

It is suggested that bigger players will have to play more roles, and make good promises of financing to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change impacts, which range from the spread of diseases to coastal flooding to major disruptions to agriculture and marine resources. Although climate change impacts may not be felt equally across the planet, it is an inherently global issue.