Nuku'alofa's devastated business community will be allowed to delay their payments of Consumption Tax and Duty for six weeks.

The Chairman of Tonga's Reconstruction Committee, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Siosiua 'Utoikamanu today approved the deferment of Consumption Tax and Duty payment for businesses caught by the destruction of Nukku'alofa on November 16.

"The affected businesses must be supported and assisted so they can resume trading as soon as possible," the Minister stated saying that the move had been welcomed by the business community.

The Treasury will take over the payment of Consumption Tax and Duty fees for the affected businesses for up to six weeks. After this time the minister said these businesses "would have adequate breathing space to repay this back."