From the House by Pesi Fonua.

A Public Consultation meeting on the Foreign Investment Bill 2019 between the Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation, and Labour, Hon. Tu’i Uata and a few members of the Nuku'alofa business community was held this afternoon, 21 February at Parliament Building, Fanga’uta.

The Bill topped the list of the working agenda of the House yesterday after the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Semisi Sika informed the Speaker that it was “Urgent” for the House to pass the Bill before 28 February so that $35 Million in Budget Support could be released by aid donors.

However, there were concerns that there had been no public consultation over the Bill, and Lord Fusitu’a told the House that he had received letters from the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and prominent local business people, expressing their concern over the need for public consultation on the Bill.

Yesterday 20 February, after further confrontation in the House over the fact that there had been no consultation, it became clear that Hon. Tu’i Uata was referring to a public consultation way back in 2014.

It was then agreed for the House to close down until Monday, 25 February, so that the Minister and officials from his Ministry can start holding consultations with members of the Business Community, starting from noon today, 21 February.

Attending were Paula Taumoepeau and members from the Tonga Chamber of Commerce with 'Ofa Simiki, 'Aisake Tu'iono, Dennis Tu’inukuafe and other business owners.

The outcome of the Consultation will be released in parliament on Monday, and according to staff of the Legislative Assembly the consultation meeting ended this afternoon.