The Government of Japan has provided today (26 August) assistance worth 100 million
Japanese Yen (approximately 2.34 million SAT) to the Government of the Independent
State of Samoa through its Economic Social Development Programme (ESDP).
Notes were signed and exchanged between the Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Mr. TERASAWA Genichi and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peseta Noumea SIMI.
The grant will enable the Ministry of Health to procure necessary dental equipment and
accessories such as dental chairs, OPG scanning machine, as well as a mobile dental
clinic vehicle to name a few. It is expected that this Grant Assistance will support the
goals of efficient and a quality delivery of health and medical services across Samoa.
The assistance is a part of Japan’s new “Pacific Bond [Kizuna] Policy” based on the
vision of Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The policy was pledged at the 9th Pacific Island
Leaders Meeting (PALM9) held last month between Japan and Pacific Island Forum
member countries. Through the Kizuna Policy, Japan intends to strengthen further its
cooperation with Pacific Island countries to tackle various challenges.
In addition to this support, Japan has a track record of assisting the strengthening of the
dental care system in Samoa: in 2018, Japan also funded the procurement of dental
equipment including a dental mobile vehicle. This reaffirms Japan’s commitment to
supporting the health sector with a medium to long-term development perspective.
The collaborative efforts between the two Governments of Japan and Samoa demonstrate
commitment and contribution to improving health care services for the people of Samoa
as well as strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.