Governor Oliver welcomed Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Resident Representative, Mr. Keiichi Muraoka, and members of his staff, Toshikazu Nonaka, Project Formulation Adviser, Marie Utsumi, Volunteer Coordinator, and Trish Billen, Program Officer to Peilapalap on Friday, September 17, 2022, for a courtesy visit.
During the visit, Mr. Muraoka provided an overview to Governor Oliver of JICA projects including the Pohnpei Port expansion project and the J-PRISM project for the promotion of regional initiatives on solid waste management. Mr. Muraoka also shared training opportunities available in areas like medical equipment management and maintenance, education in remote areas, and human resources development for creating tourism destinations among others.
Governor Oliver expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Muraoka and his staff and to the Government of Japan for their ongoing support of Pohnpei’s development. Noting that JICA’s initiatives were placed on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was looking to move forward and continue with all the grants, training, and technical cooperation support from JICA for Pohnpei’s development.
Joining Governor Oliver during the courtesy visit was Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens.