Eight fishing boats were donated to Tonga by China’s sister city to Ha’apai, Dongguan Municipality in Guangdong Province, at a handover ceremony this afternoon, 10 January, at the Ministry of Fisheries in Sopu.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFFF), Hon Semisi Fakahau signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Wang Baodong for the donation which includes the fishing boats, boat engines, and lifesaving gear.

Ha’apai 13 representative, Veivosa Taka and Fisheries CEO Dr Tuikolongahau Halafihi were also at the official ceremony.

The Chinese Embassy told Matangi Tonga that four fishing boats will be sent to Ha’apai because of its relationship with Dongguan, and the Tongan Government will distribute the remaining four.

The boats were manufactured in China and then shipped to Tonga, arriving just before Christmas.

The fishing boats add to a long list of gifts from Dongguan since 2016 when a MOU was signed “on strengthening exchanges and cooperation and the establishment of Sister relations between Dongguan and Ha’apai.”

The city has since donated agriculture machinery, medical equipment, school equipment and stationery, and water tanks among other items.