Tonga prepares for Forum meeting [1]
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 - 18:21. Updated on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 14:18.
Preparations are still underway in Nuku'alofa ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Meeting Tonga will host October 15-18.
In the capital the $3 million pa'anga new Conference Hall at Fa'onelua that is funded by the Chinese Government, is undergoing landscape work and the entrance road into the park is currently being improved.
Dr Viliami Latu of the Prime Minister's office said today, that the Conference Hall will be officially opened on September 20 and it has been fully furnished by the Chinese Government.
The 900 square meter building, which was completed in November last year is currently being fitted with internet facilities and will accommodate the main conference hall, offices, meeting rooms, a lounge and bathroom facilities.
The construction began in June last year, by a Chinese contractor, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
Accommodation
The nearby Janfull International Hotel located on the Nuku'alofa waterfront is also gearing up in preparation for the Forum Meeting.
According to hotel General Manager Lucy Niu the hotel completed the renovation of 70 rooms in the old wing in January. Rooms are newly furnished and decorated with furniture brought from China.
A new wing, completed in July 2003, holds about 50 rooms including one Royal Suite. In front of the hotel, 16 new flagpoles have been constructed in preparation for the meeting.
As for the yet to open Royal International Hotel located near Tongatapu's International Airport 50 rooms are fully furnished and booked for the Forum meeting, including one Royal Suite. A hotel lobby, a coffee house and a restaurant have also been completed.
'Etuini Mo'ungaloa the Project Manager said they are targeting that by the time the hotel is opened more rooms would be completed for the forum.
The hotel is hiring eight highly trained staff from Singapore, Malaysia and China. These are top people in their field and they would be working as chefs, in management and housekeeping, said 'Etuini.
The details of the accommodation will not be released at this point due to security reasons, said the Prime Minister's Office.
Meanwhile the Government of Tonga sent out the official invitations to all 16 Pacific Island Forum Leaders on August 10, welcoming their attendance.
All meetings are to be held in Tongatapu except for the Forum Leaders Retreat that will be held in Vava'u.
Schedule of Meetings
October 15 - Small Islands States Leaders Summit and the Pacific ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States) Leaders Summit
October 16 - Official Opening of the 38th Pacific Islands Forum Plenary Session in Nuku'alofa.
October 17 - Forum Leaders' Retreat to be held in Vava'u
October 18 - The 19th Post Forum Dialogue Partners Meeting