Signing the Exchange of Notes concerning Grant Aid to the Federated States of Micronesia (Provision of Infrastructure Equipment)

2023/12/21
aiu
eo
On December 21, 2023, H.E. Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Hon. Lorin S. Robert, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), signed the exchange of notes totaling 400 million yen to provide infrastructure building equipments through “Economic and Social Development Programme”.
 
1 As COVID-19 has dealt a damaging blow to its tourism, fishery and agricultural industry, the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) places importance on its economic recovery. Under such circumstance, the Government is lagging behind in responding to deterioration of key infrastructure such as main road in the country. In addition, rising sea level affected by climate change recently caused so serious damages on roads and piers around coastal areas as to be submerged or collapsed. Therefore, rehabilitation of infrastructures is a pressing need for the FSM today.
 
2 This grant aid is aimed to improve key infrastructures such as main roads and seawalls on the main island as well as small islands including tourist sites in the country by providing the FSM Government with machinery and equipment like excavators and passenger rollers made in Japan to be used for rehabilitation of infrastructures in the hope that this aid will contribute to social and economic development of the FSM through strengthening of the social stability.
 
3 At the 9th Pacific Leaders Meeting held in July 2021, the Government of Japan committed itself of pushing “Strengthening Foundation for Sustainable and Resilient Economic Development” forward in the Pacific Islands and Territories as one of the priorities for the next three years. This grant aid to the FSM fits in with the Japan’s commitment and tries to carry it out.