Overview:
Palau and Japan are strengthening ties in sustainable development and tourism innovation. During a recent working visit to Japan, Minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl and Bureau of Tourism Director Elangel Yanni Mesubed met with key partners to explore clean energy solutions, renewable transport systems, and collaborative projects that could advance Palau’s tourism and development goals ahead of the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum.
By: Faith Chen
TOKYO, Japan (October 12, 2025) — Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl and Bureau of Tourism Director Elangel Yanni Mesubed completed a working visit to Japan from October 10 to 12, focusing on cooperation in sustainable development, clean energy, and tourism-related innovation.
On October 10, the delegation met with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kyushu and T-PLAN in Fukuoka. Discussions covered potential collaboration on transportation infrastructure, including electric vehicle (EV) mobility systems, hydrogen-powered vessels, and waste management improvements to support Palau’s tourism industry.
The meeting also addressed possible participation by Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Palau’s development efforts through technology-based projects and capacity-building programs. Participants highlighted the role of both government and private sectors in advancing sustainable initiatives, particularly as Palau prepares to host the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum.
On October 11, Minister Tmetuchl and Director Mesubed visited T-PLAN’s Green Hub Project on Himeshima Island. The project features renewable energy-powered transportation systems, primarily using solar energy. The visit provided information on how similar systems might be adapted to Palau’s island environment to promote renewable transport solutions and reduce fossil fuel reliance.
Minister Tmetuchl, serving as Palau’s Commissioner to the World Expo 2025, attended the event’s closing ceremony in Osaka on October 13. The Expo marked the conclusion of an international exhibition highlighting innovation and sustainability.
The meetings and site visits were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen technical cooperation and explore models that support Palau’s sustainable development objectives.