Tonga faces many challenges but has opportunities to grow economy [1]
Sunday, May 14, 2017 - 23:48. Updated on Monday, May 15, 2017 - 00:21.
Tonga faces many challenges and New Zealand may be able to help Tonga overcome some of them, said New Zealand's new Foreign Minister Brownlee after a two-day visit May 9-11.
It was his first trip to the Pacific since becoming Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"I believe Tonga has many opportunities to grow its economy – through enhanced export trade, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism," he said.
"As with any nation trying to grow its economy, I’m aware Tonga faces many challenges and I’m eager to see how New Zealand may be able to help Tonga overcome some of them.
"The reason I chose to visit Tonga so early in my tenure as Foreign Minister is because I value the close and cooperative relationship between our two nations. My predecessor placed particular emphasis on the Pacific over the last eight years and I would like to assure people that I intend to do the same."
He said that Tonga and New Zealand have close ties in the Defence, security, justice and energy sectors. " I look forward to building on the already strong relationship between our two countries”.
"I believe maritime security should be an essential focus for both New Zealand and Tonga as illegal ocean activity undermines all Pacific nations."
During his visit the Foreign Minister met with HM King Tupou VI and Prime Minister Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva, as well as several ministers, representatives of the Nobles, local business leaders and exporters.
He visited the New Zealand-funded Tonga Village electricity upgrade, as well as the solar panels project at Tonga Police Headquarters, and visited the Taliai Military Camp.