Japan Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Hideyuki Mitsuoka handed over much-needed heavy equipment and spare parts to the RMI government represented by Minister Tony Muller, of the Ministry of Works, Infrastructure and Utilities (MoWIU).
The handover ceremony was held at MoWIU compound with many attendees including Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Dennis Momotaro, Secretary MoWIU Catalino Kijiner, Rev. Jamurlok Kabua, staff of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Works, Infrastructure and Utilities, JICA office, as well as the Embassy of Japan.
The items handed over by Ambassador Mitsuoka were procured under the Japan’s Grant Aid of Economic and Social Development Program (ESDP) for Fiscal Year 2015. The Exchange of Notes for this grant aid program granting 200 million Japanese Yen (approximately US$1.8 million at the current exchange rate) was signed in Majuro between the Japan and RMI governments in March 2016.
At the ceremony, the Ambassador said that, on behalf of the government and people of Japan, he was happy to assist the RMI’s continuing efforts for the development of the country.
Spare parts handed over are for Hitachi and Sumitomo heavy equipment donated in 2012 and 2015 through Japan’s Grant Aid for provision of industrial products. Procured spare parts will strengthen maintenance capability of MoWIU.
In addition, three dump trucks were also provided under the same grant.
Under the ESDP Fiscal Year 2015, Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce is currently consulting with Japan International Cooperation System, a procurement agency for the RMI, to procure products that will enhance their work in fisheries.
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced to President Hilda Heine another Japanese Grant Aid amounting 200 million Japanese Yen for procurement of products and equipment for oil spill treatment in the RMI at the bilateral meeting held in Japan at the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting held May 18 and 19 this year in Japan.
Read more about this in the July 20, 2018 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.