The Pacific Island News Association (PINA) conference was opened in Nuku‘alofa today with over a 100 regional and international journalists and observers in attendance at the Janfull International Dateline Hotel.

PINA 2005 was Officially opened by Tonga's Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Hon. Sioisiua ‘Utoikamanu who told journalists that the conference's theme, "Media Freedom in a Transitional Society" applies not only to Tonga but to the world at large especially in terms of trying to cope with the evolving complexities of globalization.

He said the new economy sometimes known as the knowledge economy recognizes the need for media freedom and the responsibilities of ensuring accuracy and balanced reporting.

"These responsibilities are on journalists to ensure and recognize that news reporting is an important tool used by all stakeholders in society.".

Hon. Siosiua ‘‘Utokiamanu said the Ministry of Finance in Tonga recognizes the need to include the media in economic reform and decision making and they have set up the Revenue Reform Information office, which collects information through surveys and distributes it with the aim of informing all stakeholders.

He added that he is encouraged that the issues of promoting and defending freedom of expression and information, promoting and developing professional standards through training and education and promoting and developing professional fellowship and cooperation are covered in the media constitution

"Such attributes towards quality are welcomed. The consequences of poor information are usually borne by users of information, " he said.

Present at the conference was the Secretary General of the South Pacific Forum Secretariat Greg Urwin and the current President of PINA Apulu Lance Polu of Samoa.

The conference which continues throughout the weekend will end on November 21 with the election of the new President for PINA as well as the presentation of Media Awards.