Japan and Tonga establish Economic Co-operation Policy Dialogue [1]
Sunday, April 14, 2013 - 16:02. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Officials from the Governments of Tonga and Japan held a meeting at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre on Monday April 8 to conduct the inaugural “Tonga-Japan Economic Co-operation Policy Dialogue”.
High ranking officials present at the meeting included the Minister for Finance and National Planning Hon. Lisiate ‘Akolo; Minister for Commerce and Labour Hon.Viliami Latu; and the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga Dr Kazuchika Hamuro.
The objective of the dialogue is to give the Japanese Government a better understanding of Tonga’s current development process and its priorities.
According to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the dialogue would ensure the achievement of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework vision (TSDF) which is to “develop and promote a just, equitable and progressive society in which the people of Tonga enjoy good health, peace, harmony and prosperity in meeting their aspirations in life”.
The focus of Japan’s Overseas Development Aid (ODA) to Tonga is environmental protection and climate change, improvement of basic social services, and enhancement of infrastructures for sustainable social and economic development. The Tonga Government states that its main priority in regards to the ODA’s goals is the provision of clean and safe water supply systems.
It is expected that dialogue will occur on annual basis to ensure that Japanese ODA is used effectively.
Several major projects funded by the Government of Japan over the recent years include:
- The provision of the M. V ‘Otuanga’ofa
- Development of Vaiola Hospital
- Provision of Solar Home systems to outer islands
- Upgrade and renovations to village water systems
- Upgrade and renovations of schools