Japan’s $4.6m tala grant to help Samoa’s COVID-19 pandemic response

APIA, SAMOA – 24 MARCH 2021: The Government of Japan has agreed to provide a grant assistance to the amount of JPY 200,000,000 (approximately SAT 4,665,000) to the Government of the Independent State of Samoa to assist with COVID related response measures in the health sector.

An Exchange of Notes between the two Governments was signed yesterday by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, and H.E. Mr. Terasawa Genichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa.

The grant assistance provided through Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme (ESDP) will enable the procurement of much needed negative pressure isolation units to assist Samoa’s preparatory and response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Container-based single patient negative pressure isolation units will be equipped with ventilators and monitors required for COVID patients plus other furnishings.

Japan continues to provide significant contributions to complement Government’s efforts in the health sector with regard to combatting infectious diseases like the COVID-19 pandemic as well as promoting socio-economic development in Samoa.

The signing of the Exchange of Notes illustrates the continued friendship and warm relations between Samoa and Japan, with the intention that the development cooperation based on mutual respect and benefits will continue to be enhanced and further deepened.