K3 million for Japan’s focus aid

THE Japanese government has granted Papua New Guinea (PNG) K13 million across three programmes aimed at supporting the National Museum and Art Gallery, maritime safety and medical services.

“I sincerely hope these three programmes will contribute to strengthening the cooperation between Japan and PNG in these priority sectors and more so, the friendship between the people and governments of Japan and PNG,” Japanese ambassador Nobuyuki Watanabe said.
The signing of the exchange of notes between Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko and Watanabe on Thursday was for the programmes that were agreed to in June 2020.
First funding of K1.9 million is expected to fund audio-visual equipment and a facility for the PNG National Museum and Arts Gallery.
The aim was to conserve cultural assets and would be provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
The largest programme support of K6.4 million was for provisions of medical containers and basic diagnostic equipment sets which aims to improve access and quality of medical services in rural areas.
Lastly, K4.8 million will be given for maritime safety through the provision of three rescue boats and telecommunication equipment for maritime security.
The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister James Marape and Jica president Akihiko Tanaka.