Meeting business women in Tonga and learning about their entrepreneurial journeys, was Christine Forster from the Asian Development Bank Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), who was in Nuku’alofa from November 23-17.

Christine was doing some research for a review of “Women and Business” that PSDI is undertaking in partnership with DFAT Australia.  The review will examine how women are moving to the formal economy, and look at how they are starting, licensing and closing a business. The review also considers access to property and assets; access to finance; legal systems and contract enforcement, as well as employment; exporting and market development skills; and networks and capabilities.

Christine ‘Uta’atu of ‘Uta‘atu & Associates said the review is across six Pacific countries including Fiji and the output will be a publication planned for July 2016. 

“Christine Forster met with many women while she was here and we had an informal breakfast so that business women could come together and discuss the issues,” she said.