JOINT PRESS RELEASE: EXCHANGE OF NOTES FOR JAPAN’S GRANT AID PROJECT – Improvement of Facilities at the Faculty of Health Science, National University of Samoa

The Government of Samoa in collaboration with the Government of Japan has reaffirmed its joint commitment and strong partnership through a Project that will be implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to improve the facilities for the NUS Health Science Faculty.

Notes to formalize Japan's assistance were signed and exchanged today (10 February 2024) between the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and Japan's Foreign Minister, H.E.Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko.

The Exchange of Notes confirms a grant valued at 2,401,000,000 JPY (approximately 16,000,000 USD) that will enable the construction of a three (3) storey- building for the NUS Faculty of Health Science as well as the provision of practical training equipment and related materials to support the delivery of the medical programmes. The new infrastructure will include a Learning Resource Centre, a Library and other learning support facilities. The project will address the need for better higher education facilities to cater for the growth of the NUS Medical School together with the move by NUS to expand its programmes to courses in allied health and other health related programmes.

This Grant Assistance provided by the Government of Japan is based on the prioritized areas of Japan's assistance declared during the Ninth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 9) in 2021, and consequently assists in the improvement and strengthening of human resource development in the health and education sector.

The official visit by the Foreign Minister of Japan, H.E. Ms. KAMIKAWA has marked another significant step forward in the bilateral relations between the two countries based on mutual respect and shared interests and values.

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