Representing the Japanese side of the consultation were:H.E. Yoshiyuki Sadaoka – Ambassador of Japan to Palau, Mr. Yukio Numata – Senior Coordinator of the First Country Assistance Planning Division under the International Economic Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan, Mr. Masayuki Takashima – Counsellor, Embassy of Japan, Ms. Michiko Yano – Desk Officer In Charge of Micronesian Countries of the Oceania Division – MOFA, Mr. Shuji Tsuji – Researcher/Advisor and Ms. Naoko Hayashi – GGP Coordinator from the Embassy of Japan in Palau, Mr. Satoru Mimura – Director of Pacific Division – JICA,and Mr. Makoto Noda, Resident Representative of JICA, Palau Office.Representing the Government of Palau were:H.E. Johnson Toribiong – President of the Republic of Palau, Hon. Kerai Mariur – Vice President and Minister of Finance, Hon. Victor M. Yano – Minister of State, Hon. Masa-Aki Emesiochl – Minister of Education, and Hon. Harry Fritz – Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism.
The Consultation proceeded with discussions on the following agenda; Economic and Fiscal Policy Framework of ROP, Vision on main development issues of ROP, Programs of other donor countries, Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA), Japanese Aid approach to the Republic of Palau, and Discussion on grant projects for the electricity sector.In accordance with the Palau National Master Development Plan, both sides of the Consultation aim to identify ways to create a self relying economy for Palau, which is a long cherished desire of the Republic since its Independence in 1994.Special emphasis was placed on establishing financial grounds in the national and semi-government agencies such as PPUC.Emphasis was also placed on developing the private sector.
During the Consultation, it was announced that in view of the cordial bi-lateral relationship between Japan and Palau, the Government of Japan has decided to increase the annual budget for GGP Grant Assistance.This decision is also due to the stable and successful results of past projects as well as the expectation to the increasing needs of remote areas in Palau. In the past, an average of two or more projects mainly in the fields of Primary Education and Health were funded annually.However, with this increase in budget, Palau will be eligible for more projects on a yearly basis.
According to Ambassador Sadaoka, Japan attaches great importance to the Micronesian region, especially, its special relationship with the Republic of Palau due to historical ties, geographical proximity, pro-Japan foreign policy and cooperation in the international arena.This first Policy Consultation on Economic Cooperation will provide the opportunity for both parties to have a common understanding of Japan’s ODA policy towards Palau as well as Palau’s development policy and economic assistance needs.In doing so, Japan will contribute to Palau in the pursuit of a development strategy with continuity and overall planning.Through this policy consultation, the Government of Japan endeavors to provide ODA to Palau with much clearly identified priority projects in accordance with the framework of Palau’s overall development program.
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