Government receives 12 new vehicles from PRC

At the hand-over of a gift of 12 vehicles from the PRC, from left: Mr. Paula Ma'u, Hon. Fekita 'Utoikamanu and HE Mr. Weimin. Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 18 September 2024. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

Twelve new vehicles, worth nearly $1 million pa'anga, were handed over to the Tongan government by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tonga, HE Mr. Liu Weimin, at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre yesterday, 18 September 2024.

The Chinese-made vehicles included eight Great Wall Motor (GWM) pickup trucks and four King-Long mini buses. Minister of MEIDECC, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, received the vehicles on behalf of the government.

HE Mr. Weimin said that the vehicles were recently used during the 53^rd Pacific Island Forum Leader’s Meeting in Nuku'alofa.

“These vehicles were delivered and registered in record speed and hit the road in time to support Tonga Police’s security operation, to safeguard a successful and productive PIFLM 53,” he said.

The vehicles were also used for the Pacific Island Chiefs of Police (PICP) forum.

HE Weimin said the total value of the vehicles adds up to $3 million RMB (yuan). This is equivalent to about $990,000 Tongan pa’anga.

Great Wall Motor (GWM) pickup truck (left) and King Long mini bus (right) at Fa'onelua Convention Centre. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 18 September 2024. Photo: Matangi Tonga.