New inspection shed for handicrafts [1]
Friday, June 16, 2017 - 17:48. Updated on Thursday, December 22, 2022 - 13:05.
An inspection shed for handicrafts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forest, Fisheries and PHAMA program was opened on Friday, June 16 to support people involved in the industry and increase exports.
The $200,000 shed situated at the MAFFF grounds, Touliki, was opened by the Minister Hon Semisi Fakahau and Australian High Commissioner HE Mr Andrew Ford.
Hon. Fakahau said handicrafts are an important commodity, an important source of livelihood for many of our families, and the largest contributor to Tonga’s household subsistence income.
"The availability of the new inspection facility for handicrafts will support the many people involved in this important industry and increase export."
He thanked the representatives from the private sector and government who had this foresight, with assistance from the Pacific Horticulture and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA), a roadmap was developed in 2013 of the key infrastructure needs.
"With further funding support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand through the PHAMA program, this inspection shed is one of the very positive results from it. We commend PHAMA for its support towards our government and industry to utilize and improve existing export opportunities."
Expand export
Mr Ford said fine mats; tapa and other handicraft items were previously inspected in the main building at the MAFFF facility at Queen Salote wharf.
He said this was far from ideal due to needing more space, being able to keep the area clean and having good lighting to allow the inspections to be done well. This project started in 2014 and following several stages of construction and further improvements to the interior and exterior, I am delighted this facility is now available for use, he said.
The facility was developed in collaboration between MAFFF and the Australian and New Zealand-funded PHAMA program, the facility is part of the overall efforts to expand exports and benefit the people of Tonga.
He said the estimated value of mats and other handicraft items that are inspected before export could be as much as $10 million pa’anga annually. We can add this to significant earnings also from exports to other countries where inspection is not required.
The importance of handicrafts manufacturing and export was recognized in the Tonga Agriculture Sector Plan with the need for support, identified at two levels, the sustainable production of mulberry and pandanus as a source of income for diversified farmers; and more direct support for women who elect to make weaving and tapa-making a more permanent rural profession, he said.
“The development of this facility is a strong example of the type of direct support that is needed.”