Embassy Hosts 3rd Press Tour on Japan’s Development Cooperation Project
2025/12/9
On December 2, 2025, the Embassy of Japan held its ODA Press Tour 2025, bringing together partners from government agencies, state leadership, and an international organization to see firsthand how Japan’s development cooperation is contributing to Palau’s community infrastructure, border security, and digital modernization. The tour offered an opportunity for Tia Belau representatives to witness the progress of ongoing projects, highlight their impact, and strengthen dialogue on future areas of support.
Ngatpang State – Sanitary Facility Handover (GGP)
Participants attended the handover ceremony for the newly constructed sanitary facility in Ngatpang State at Kokusai Park, funded through a USD 92,694 Grassroots Grant. The facility includes accessible restrooms, handwashing stations, and improved hygiene features designed to serve more than 800 weekly visitors. This project supports public health, strengthens community gatherings, and marks the 103rd GGP partnership between Japan and Palau since 1999.
Palau International Airport – Advanced X-Ray Systems (ESDP FY2022)
Attendees observed the newly installed mobile and fixed X-ray systems funded by Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme (FY2022). These state-of-the-art units enhance Palau’s capacity to detect illicit goods, combat smuggling, and protect public safety at key entry points, including the airport and Post Office.
E-Passport Project Briefing – Embassy of Japan / IOM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) presented the Japan-funded E-Passport Project, which is transitioning Palau to secure biometric passports over the next three years. This initiative will improve document security, safeguard citizens’ personal data, align national standards with ICAO guidelines, and streamline travel processes for Palauan passport holders.
Ngatpang State – Sanitary Facility Handover (GGP)
Participants attended the handover ceremony for the newly constructed sanitary facility in Ngatpang State at Kokusai Park, funded through a USD 92,694 Grassroots Grant. The facility includes accessible restrooms, handwashing stations, and improved hygiene features designed to serve more than 800 weekly visitors. This project supports public health, strengthens community gatherings, and marks the 103rd GGP partnership between Japan and Palau since 1999.
Palau International Airport – Advanced X-Ray Systems (ESDP FY2022)
Attendees observed the newly installed mobile and fixed X-ray systems funded by Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme (FY2022). These state-of-the-art units enhance Palau’s capacity to detect illicit goods, combat smuggling, and protect public safety at key entry points, including the airport and Post Office.
E-Passport Project Briefing – Embassy of Japan / IOM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) presented the Japan-funded E-Passport Project, which is transitioning Palau to secure biometric passports over the next three years. This initiative will improve document security, safeguard citizens’ personal data, align national standards with ICAO guidelines, and streamline travel processes for Palauan passport holders.