Japan increases aid to Pacific Islands to 50 billion yen [1]
Monday, May 25, 2009 - 14:30. Updated on Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 21:56.
By Linny Folau
Japan's Prime Minister Mr Taro Aso has confirmed 50 billion yen in aid to the Pacific Islands Forum for the coming three years - an increase from its previous aid of 45 billion yen.
The Japanese 50 billion yen assistance will be implemented through bilateral, and multilateral assistance schemes, with a major portion in the form of grants.
The adoption by the leaders of Japan and the Pacific Islands of the PALM 5: Islanders' Hokkaido Declaration on Saturday May 23, further reaffirmed and consolidated Japan's commitment to the development of the Pacific Island Forum countries.
The Prime Minister Mr Taro Aso expressed his Government's intention in strengthening partnership with Pacific Island countries in the three main areas of environment and climate change, overcoming vulnerabilities and promoting human security, and people to people exchange, under the theme of "We are islanders - towards an eco friendly and rich Pacific."
In a joint press conference with the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum HE Mr Toke Talaki, Mr Aso said the cooperation between Japan and PIF countries had been further intensified, which was reflected in the increase in aid at the conclusion of the PALM 5 meeting on May 23.
Appreciation
Under the Hokkaido Declaration the PIF leaders in response expressed deep appreciation for Japan's continued commitment and support to the PIF and its members since PALM 1 in 1997. In particular, the leader of Japan and PIF leaders noted with satisfaction the achievements of the Okinawa partnership adopted at PALM 4 in 2006 and welcomed the fact that the assistance plan had been successfully implemented.
Economic vulnerabilities
Under the declaration the leaders expressed their unified determination of further enhancing the special partnership to achieve a more robust resilient, prosperous Pacific region with a commitment to pursuing viable and practical approaches to address significant challenges faced by the peoples of the Pacific.
Such challenges particularly posed by environmental degradation, climate change and other vulnerabilities affecting Pacific Islands especially the smaller islands states require urgent attention. Both sides reaffirmed that immediate efforts are required along with effective medium long term responses.
In addition the Japanese Prime Minister also committed to provide assistance for human resource development of 2,000 individuals to assist Pacific Island countries to maintain and achieve the Millennium Development Goals and overcome economic vulnerabilities.
Climate Change
Under the Environment and Climate change area it was highlighted by leaders the need to protect our ocean and islands and they noted the importance of sharing a forward looking and ambitious vision to ensure that; and they agreed that development be done in an environmentally friendly manner.
The PIF Leaders also highlighted the Declaration of Climate Change adopted at the Forum Meeting in Niue in 2008, which expressed deep concern by leaders of the serious current impacts of growing threat posed by climate change to the economic, social, cultural and environmental well being and security of the islands.
Mr Aso acknowledged these regional responses and committed through the initiative of the Pacific Environment Community to working closely with PIF partners for technical and financial support to combat climate change including responses, addressing adaptation and mitigation measures.
In a joint press conference with the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum HE Mr Toke Talagi, Mr Aso said that the cooperation between Japan and PIF countries had been further intensified.
He said he heard from leaders the serious situation that PIF countries are facing in relation to the impacts of the environment and climate change and he confirmed that his Government will also specifically disseminate around 1,500 individuals to share Japan's knowledge in the area of environment and climate change, which PIF leaders greatly welcomed to address this common regional issue.
Social challenges
Leaders in adopting the Hokkaido declaration accepted that addressing many economic and social challenges faced by the region remains critical and agreed that a mutual commitment to cooperate is needed to achieve the Millennium Development MDGs goals by 2015.
In this context Japan will provide assistance for human resource development of 2,000 individuals to help islands attain MDGs and overcome vulnerabilities which was greatly welcomed by PIF countries.
In responding to a call by PIF leaders to contribute to the development of sustainable economies in the region, the Japan Prime Minister also committed to assist island countries grow key sectors of their economies particularly supporting the development of agriculture, fisheries, tourism sectors and improving transport and telecommunications infrastructure.
Financial crisis
Mindful of the serious impacts on small, vulnerable Pacific economies of the current global financial crises, the Japan Prime Minister committed to consider measures aimed at supporting Pacific Islands in alleviating the bad effects of the crisis.
The leaders also underlined the importance of promoting human to human exchange to build closer relationship between PIF countries and Japan.
To ensure the practical and mutual beneficial activities resulting from PALM 5, the leaders of Japan and the PIF decided to hold a high level interim meeting in 2010 to follow up the implementation of the key PALM 5 outcomes, including enhanced cooperation to address climate change and to start the preparatory process for PALM 6.
The leaders welcomed Japan's proposal to decide the timing and venue for the next PALM in Japan at that 2010 interim meeting.
PALM 5 held on May 22-23 in Hokkaido was attended by leaders and representatives of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Nike, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.