Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Project for Expansion of Pohnpei Port
2025/10/21
On October 8, Ambassador Kagomiya participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the project for Expansion of Pohnpei Port.
This project involves the expansion of Pohnpei Port, the largest port in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), which functions as both a fishing port and a commercial port. It aims to reduce the congestion of vessels that have been increasing rapidly in recent years, improve safety, and enhance maritime logistics. The amount of support, approximately 4.6 billion yen (30 million USD equivalent), represents the largest amount of assistance Japan has ever provided to the FSM.
The ceremony was attended by traditional leaders of Pohnpei State, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Mr. Robert, Secretary of Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Mr. Apis, Governor of Pohnpei State Mr. Joseph, and the Resident Representative of JICA Micronesia Office Mr. Watanabe. The FSM representatives spoke about the importance of the project for expansion of Pohnpei Port and expressed gratitude for the Japanese government's support to the people of the FSM.
In his speech, Ambassador Kagomiya touched on the "Kizuna”, the friendship that has been nurtured over the years between Japan and the FSM. He stated that he hopes this support would not only improve the safety of ships and logistics but also contribute to increased exchanges among people, revitalization of the regional economy, and improvement of the living standards of local residents, bringing sustainable benefits to the entire region. He also expressed hope that the Japanese technology and experience would be fully utilized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Wakachiku Construction Co., Ltd., which are implementing the project, and expressed expectations for the success of the construction.
At the event, in addition to the traditional Micronesian Sakau ceremony, a Japanese sake ceremony called Kagami-biraki was held, and participants were served sake.
This project involves the expansion of Pohnpei Port, the largest port in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), which functions as both a fishing port and a commercial port. It aims to reduce the congestion of vessels that have been increasing rapidly in recent years, improve safety, and enhance maritime logistics. The amount of support, approximately 4.6 billion yen (30 million USD equivalent), represents the largest amount of assistance Japan has ever provided to the FSM.
The ceremony was attended by traditional leaders of Pohnpei State, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Mr. Robert, Secretary of Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Mr. Apis, Governor of Pohnpei State Mr. Joseph, and the Resident Representative of JICA Micronesia Office Mr. Watanabe. The FSM representatives spoke about the importance of the project for expansion of Pohnpei Port and expressed gratitude for the Japanese government's support to the people of the FSM.
In his speech, Ambassador Kagomiya touched on the "Kizuna”, the friendship that has been nurtured over the years between Japan and the FSM. He stated that he hopes this support would not only improve the safety of ships and logistics but also contribute to increased exchanges among people, revitalization of the regional economy, and improvement of the living standards of local residents, bringing sustainable benefits to the entire region. He also expressed hope that the Japanese technology and experience would be fully utilized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Wakachiku Construction Co., Ltd., which are implementing the project, and expressed expectations for the success of the construction.
At the event, in addition to the traditional Micronesian Sakau ceremony, a Japanese sake ceremony called Kagami-biraki was held, and participants were served sake.
Ambassador delivering special remarks
Participants, including traditional leaders
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Sakau Ceremony
Japanese Sake Ceremony, “Kagami Biraki”