Agriculture and the Sugar sector are the big winners of the $65 million development cooperation agreement signed this morning between Fiji and the European Union.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in formalizing the full resumption of development cooperation with the EU labeled the event a milestone in strengthening and deepening relations.
“The signature of the national indicative program is providing the legal basis for EU bilateral aid into mutually agree focal sectors, namely the sustainable rural livelihoods of 20 million euros and public administration reforms and governance of 7.5 million euros.”
European Commissioner for International Development Neven Mimica highlighted that the funding support heralds the EU’s continued commitment to support the Fijian Government’s efforts in driving forward sustainable development.
“Today is a unique day, we have resumed full cooperation with Fiji. Today’s signatures has become a reality following all the good progress Fiji has done.”
Of the funding assistance, $19 million has been earmarked for the Judiciary sector which will focus on access to justice, strengthening capacities and helping poor and marginalized communities.
The aid will cover the next five years from 2015 to 2020.
