Pasifiki Trade Fair encourages trade networking [1]
Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 18:30. Updated on Thursday, October 2, 2014 - 13:39.
The Sixth Pasifiki Trade Fair was opened this morning with over 70 businesses displaying various products at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall in Nuku‘alofa.
The two and half day fair runs October 20-22 and is bigger than last year with more booths taken up. Participants come from as far away as the outer islands of Ha‘apai, ‘Eua and Niuatoputapu as well neighboring islands of Samoa, Cook Islands and New Zealand.
Dr Ngongo Kioa, the Chairman of the Pasifiki Trade Fair Organizing Committee, said that the trade fair aimed to create an environment that facilitates products and services in Tonga and abroad.
Ngongo said that this year's theme is "Netting our Trades" and the trade fair environment encourages a much needed network to boost trade "whether it is with our fishing nets or on the internet".
The trade show also develops and promotes an understanding of trade, investment, tourism and technology trends, encourages networks among agricultural, manufacturing, tourism operators, and traders in Tonga and the Pacific region, he said.
Dr Fred Sevele, the Minister of Labour and Commerce said in his opening remarks that the trade show has been increasingly popular over the past few years, "it is quite heartening to come to an event like this to get away from politics and just join hands and work together to look at the positive side rather than the other side".
The Pasifiki Trade Fair is also beneficial in the way that it brings in goods from all over the world to meet the many needs of the people, he said.
Products displayed range from fresh vegetables, to restaurant delights, manufacturing products, handicrafts, electronics such mobile phones and computers, furniture and banking.