Press Releases
Grant Assistance to the Republic of Palau Signing and Exchange of Notes on “the Economic and Social Development Programme”
On February 9, in Koror, the Republic of Palau, H. E. Mr. KASAHARA Kenichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Palau, and Hon. Gustav Aitaro, Minister of State of the Republic of Palau, signed and exchanged notes for "the Economic and Social Development Programme" (project up to 300 million yen).
- In Palau, diesel-powered generation remains the primary source of electricity supply, as planned power cuts and sudden blackouts occur frequently. Furthermore, the country's remoteness from overseas markets results in higher transportation costs and persistently elevated fuel prices, creating vulnerabilities in its power sector. This project will contribute to Palau's economic and social development by providing the government of Palau with fuel oil for power generation, thereby stabilizing the country's electricity supply.
- In the “Leaders Declaration” and the “Joint Action Plan” issued at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) held in July 2024, Japan has announced “Resources and Economic Development” as the priority area of Japan’s cooperation, and this project embodies the Plan.
(Reference1) Basic Data on the Republic of Palau
The Republic of Palau covers an area of 488 square kilometers, a population of 17,695 (World Bank, 2024), and a gross national income (GNI) per capita of US$14,250 (World Bank, 2024).
(Reference2) 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10)
From July 16 to July 18, 2024, the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) was co-chaired by former Prime Minister KISHIDA and Prime Minister BROWN of the Cook Islands, the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Meeting was attended by the leaders and representatives of 19 countries, regions and regional organizations including Japan, 14 Pacific Island countries, two French overseas collectivities, Australia, and New Zealand, and the chair of the PIF. President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. represented the Republic of Palau.
The Government of Japan announced Japan’s commitment to continue its robust development assistance and support for more than 6,500 people-to-people exchanges as well as human resource development over the next three years based on the seven priority areas of cooperation which are in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent or “2050 Strategy" of the PIF: (1) Political Leadership and Regionalism, (2) People-centered Development, (3) Peace and Security, (4) Resources and Economic Development, (5) Climate Change and Disasters, (6) Ocean and Environment, (7) Technology and Connectivity.