JAPAN will strengthen the capabilities of Pacific countries to target money laundering activities in the region.

It will also support the International Monetary Fund in the area of infrastructure financing.

Akiko Ikuina, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, told the Pacific Infrastructure Conference here that her government would actively engage in ensuring a more efficient and equitable cooperation through the ADB and the World Fund.

“Japan will continue to further strengthen our kizuna, or ties with Pacific Island countries and regions,” Ikuina said.

“[We will provide] corporate cooperation by considering their needs.”

A recent United Nations study showed that major challenges to the fight against money laundering in the region include:

The lack of capacity of regulatory bodies.

The lack of commitment to anti-money laundering efforts resulting in limitations to identifying the risk points of money laundering.

And a lack of collaboration.

The study showed that financial offshore centres posed high risks and due diligence, especially around people in political positions was needed.

While Ikuina did not elaborate on how Japan would engage, it is expected that it will provide anti-corruption expertise and training for Pacific law enforcement agencies.

Many regional police departments do not have trained officers to specifically target money laundering. And in recent years, police officers in Fiji and Samoa have been implicated in money laundering and drug trafficking.

Japan is expected to also promote greater inter-agency collaboration in an effort to stamp out illegal financial activities.

Ikuina said Japan would work with major donors such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States to contribute to strengthening connectivity in the digital domain.

This will include the development of safe, reliable, and resilient digital communications infrastructure.

“Strengthening connectivity is essential for maintaining the unity and solidarity of this vast region,” Ikuina said.

“Japan has been working to enhance the connectivity and the regime of Pacific Island countries, and to improve people’s lives by developing infrastructure such as bridges, ports, roads and airports in line with the Pacific quality infrastructure principles and international standards.”