Japanese government through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be offering scholarships for Solomon Islanders to study in Japan.
The grant scholarship is valued at SBD8million (Yen149, 000, 000).
The deal is being sealed between Solomon Islands and Japan in a ceremony today.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Shanel Agovaka and Japanese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Yoshiaki Miwa signed the agreement.
The signing featured the Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement.
This deal aims to build a resilient and capable workforce in the country.
Minister Agovaka acknowledged Japan for its unwavering support.
Under the scholarship government officers will undergo specialized training in areas such as Public Policy, Public Financial Management, International Relations, and Climate Change Countermeasures Environmental Policy.
“These trainings will equip promising and progressive government officials with the necessary science and skill sets to shape public policies that provide new solutions to old problems, ultimately better serving the people.”
The scholarships, funded through a generous grant of one hundred and forty-nine million Japanese Yen (Y149, 000, 000) will enable government officials to learn from Japan’s vast development experience and technological expertise.
Minister Agovaka said, this knowledge transfer is expected to significantly support the Solomon Islands’ aspirations to eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development.
“The beneficiaries of this program will not only gain from the academic and professional excellence of Japanese institutions but will also bring back the spirit of innovation, research, and discipline that Japan is renowned for,” Minister Agovaka stated.
“This experience will undoubtedly foster new ideas, enhance our public service and private sectors, and contribute to the overall growth and development of our country.”
He highlighted Japan’s longstanding role as a steadfast partner in the Solomon Islands’ development journey, noting; “This grant is a testament to Japan’s commitment to supporting our efforts in building a strong, educated, and resilient workforce.
“It reflects our shared values of cooperation for a better future, mutual respect, and a vision for a future where both our nations thrive together.”
The ceremony was attended by Japanese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki, and the Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands Office, Mr. Watanabe Takeshi.
- MFAET PR
From left, Deputy Secretary Strategic Planning and Program Quality of the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination, Nichola Namo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Collin Beck, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Japanese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency MIWA Yoshiaki, and the Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands Office, Mr. WATANABE Takeshi after the signing ceremony today.
