HM King Tupou VI in opening the 2014 Legislative Assembly of Tonga today, stressed that economic growth should remain the focus of attention in Tonga's efforts to improve its economic and social standards.

The king delivered his address to parliamentarians and guests at Parliament House in Nuku'alofa this morning, and acknowledged all the work that had been completed.

He also stressed that continuing cooperation and unity of purpose would be in the best interest of the country. The king noted that work had been done to develop the important sectors of transport, renewable energy, education and natural disaster relief.

“The global economy remains in a precarious situation and Tonga, like other countries, can be easily affected by the global economic fluctuations. It is therefore important to develop our economy to withstand the challenges of these global changes,” said the king.

He said that the Government Strategic Plan aimed to increase economic opportunities by working together with the private sector to enrich the people.

He said work was being carried out to further develop the transport sector and domestic air travel, which would increase employment opportunities, grow the local economy and to ensure the safety of domestic air travel. In addition, he acknowledged work done to provide educational opportunities for Tongans abroad, as well as the chance to carry out research from Tonga utilising technology through direct connection via the internet.

The king thanked the governments of Australia, Japan, China and New Zealand with the European Union, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for their assistance to Tonga over the past year.

King Tupou VI said that in May this year Tonga had completed its participation in regional and international peacekeeping missions. He extended his gratitude to the military for a job well done but was more glad that no life was lost during the missions to Afghanistan, Iraq and the Solomon Islands.

He ended his address by confirming that his coronation will be held on July 4, 2015, which he hoped would be a festive occasion for the country.

This is the final parliamentary session before the upcoming General Election set for November 27, 2014.