Japan’s Grant Aid Handover to Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests
2026/10/14
On 8 October, H.E. Mr. INAGAKI Hisao, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga, handed over three pick-up trucks to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, which were provided under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme.
The objective of this programme is to contribute to strengthening the foundation for Tonga's economic growth by providing agricultural food processing and research and development equipment, thereby expanding the export of agricultural products and strengthening food security. In addition to these vehicles, a total of 19 items of agricultural food processing equipment, including washers and freeze dryers, are expected to arrive early next year.
In his speech, Ambassador Inagaki noted that agriculture is the backbone of Tonga’s economy, and agricultural products, including root crops and kava, are not only Tonga’s key exports but also culturally significant; therefore, boosting this sector is vital for food security and reducing dependence on imports. He also referred to the severe and potentially prolonged droughts that Tonga is currently facing, emphasizing that Japan, as a disaster-prone nation, shares this sense of urgency and places great importance on resilience against natural disasters as well as sustainable food security systems against climate-induced disruptions.
Furthermore, Ambassador Inagaki emphasized that this cooperation embodies the values of supporting partners to build resilience and freely shape their own futures under Japan’s Updated "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) vision, as well as aligning with the Joint Action Plan of the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) which pledges to develop the agricultural industry for local economic growth.
The Honourable Viliami Sisifa, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests, expressed his deep gratitude for Japan’s generous assistance and stated that this provision is a symbol of the enduring friendship and partnership between the two nations. He also emphasized that this project goes beyond simply boosting productivity, aligning closely with the priorities of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF) and bringing safer, more productive, and resilient development to local communities. Finally, he pledged that the Ministry would handle and maintain the equipment provided with responsibility and care.
The objective of this programme is to contribute to strengthening the foundation for Tonga's economic growth by providing agricultural food processing and research and development equipment, thereby expanding the export of agricultural products and strengthening food security. In addition to these vehicles, a total of 19 items of agricultural food processing equipment, including washers and freeze dryers, are expected to arrive early next year.
In his speech, Ambassador Inagaki noted that agriculture is the backbone of Tonga’s economy, and agricultural products, including root crops and kava, are not only Tonga’s key exports but also culturally significant; therefore, boosting this sector is vital for food security and reducing dependence on imports. He also referred to the severe and potentially prolonged droughts that Tonga is currently facing, emphasizing that Japan, as a disaster-prone nation, shares this sense of urgency and places great importance on resilience against natural disasters as well as sustainable food security systems against climate-induced disruptions.
Furthermore, Ambassador Inagaki emphasized that this cooperation embodies the values of supporting partners to build resilience and freely shape their own futures under Japan’s Updated "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) vision, as well as aligning with the Joint Action Plan of the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) which pledges to develop the agricultural industry for local economic growth.
The Honourable Viliami Sisifa, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests, expressed his deep gratitude for Japan’s generous assistance and stated that this provision is a symbol of the enduring friendship and partnership between the two nations. He also emphasized that this project goes beyond simply boosting productivity, aligning closely with the priorities of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF) and bringing safer, more productive, and resilient development to local communities. Finally, he pledged that the Ministry would handle and maintain the equipment provided with responsibility and care.
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