Takuji Hanatani

He made the comment at the recent ceremony of the signing of the Loan Agreement Second Phase for the Port Vila Lapetasi International Multi-purpose Wharf Development at the Office of the Prime Minister, Sato Kilman.

Ambassador Takuji said the project, one of the biggest in the Pacific Island Countries, could not have come at a better time for its formalization, not only because it came on the eve of the 35th anniversary of independence but because it will help accelerate the recovery from Cyclone Pam.

This latest funding comes on top of $US54 million already granted for the project.

The Japanese Ambassador, Takuji Hanatani, says Vanuatu will benefit from the construction of a new wharf, a container yard, an administration building and other important facilities.

Mr Hanatani says Vanuatu's current port facilities have limited capacity for handling the demand of the country's broader shipping sector, which includes cruise ships, freighters and fuel tankers.