The outgoing Japan International Cooperation Agency (J.I.C.A.) Resident Representative, Akihiko Hoshino has concluded his mission to Samoa and returned to Japan.

It was a bittersweet moment in the last two weeks for the departing J.I.C.A. Resident Representative, as he paid his final courtesy visits to all J.I.C.A. project counterparts.

Mr. Hoshino also paid a visit to the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa as well as representatives of development partner agencies. 

It was around this time three and half years ago that the J.I.C.A. office welcomed Mr. Hoshino as its Resident Representative and head of the office in Samoa. 

The outgoing J.I.C.A. Resident Representative expressed satisfaction for the duration of his term in Samoa, saying that he had a good working relationship with the Government of Samoa.

“Three and half years later, my experience of Samoa has been extraordinary,” he said in a statement issued by the J.I.C.A. Office.

“By far the best experience because my work here covered a combination of developments.” 

Mr. Hoshino arrived in 2018, just nine months before the measles outbreak, and the Samoa Government's declaration of the first state of emergency which led to the closure of all schools and the start of a national vaccination drive.

The Samoa Government at the time later imposed a curfew and cancelled all Christmas celebrations and public gatherings. 

One of Mr. Hoshino’s first assignments was to assist in bringing in Japan’s Emergency Medical Team personnel to assist with the outbreak. 

J.I.C.A. have always prioritised assisting vulnerable communities in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and Mr. Hoshino was determined to do just that, leaving no one behind.

Despite the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Hoshino ensured J.I.C.A. kept its objectives to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation as well as the sound development of Japanese and global economy by supporting the socioeconomic development, recovery or economic stability of developing regions.

Samoa benefitted from a number of major projects that were implemented during the departing J.I.C.A. official's term in Samoa, especially the reconstruction of the Vaisigano Bridge and the construction of the Pacific Climate Change Center at Vailima. 

Other work included improving water access and waste management in the communities as well as closed-door negotiations and international relations, strategic policy support and capacity development.

Mr. Hoshino said it was an honour for him to serve in Samoa and he leaves the country with warm impressions of the country and its people. 

He said that J.I.C.A. will continue to stand by Samoa and the Samoan people and assist the implementation of improvements and new developments while overcome the difficult challenges together.

In thanking each visited office, Mr. Hoshino acknowledged the invaluable support shown by each office in cooperation with J.I.C.A. volunteers over the years.

He said that the technical expertise provided by J.I.C.A. volunteers and project experts have been an incomparable contribution to J.I.C.A. projects around the country. 

“Samoa has been the home for J.I.C.A. volunteers for 50 years now,” he added. “The volunteer’s experiences, knowledge, and technology has allowed us to strengthen the reach and quality of our activities and support programs.”

Mr. Hoshino flew out of Samoa on Sunday 15 May to return to Japan.