By Eleanor Gee

A national rapid assessment on the impact CoViD-19 is having on businesses and employment will run from 10 August until 7 September, the Tonga National Tripartite Committee (TNTC) announced today.

TNTC is organizing the survey with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The Ministry of Trade & Economic Development (MTED) CEO, Distaquaine Tu'ihalamaka said the survey will look at three key areas: how many businesses have been negatively impacted, how many jobs have been or will be impacted, and the type of sector impacted because of CoViD-19.

The tourism sector will be assessed separately.

Job loss

Public Service Association Secretary General, Mele ‘Amanaki highlighted some of the difficulties facing businesses and employees.

"Some of our businesses have lost revenue and some have closed down causing employees to have reductions in their salaries and many have lost their jobs affecting the livelihoods of their families," she said.

Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. (TCCI) President  Paula Taumoepeau added that some employees were not able to pay their bank loans because they had lost their jobs or were making less income.

“Even some businesses are making less income and find it difficult to pay their bank loans.”

Paula was also concerned with the 2000 school leavers finding jobs during this pandemic.

“This survey is important so the government and donors can help to increase jobs and lessen the economic impact on the country.”

Pacific bubble

Meanwhile, talks of a ‘Pacific Bubble’ to allow travel between Pacific countries free of CoViD-19, will be up to the Tongan Government to decide what is best for the country, said Paula.

“From the business side, we believe it should happen.”

The results of the survey will be used to support evidenced-based CoViD-19 recovery policy recommendations to inform decision makers.

The Tonga National Tripartite Committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, Public Service Association representing employees and the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. representing employers.

This rapid assessment follows a needs assessment survey completed in June which identified key challenges faced by 216 businesses in Tonga impacted by CoViD-19 restrictions. Of the total enterprises surveyed, 15% (32) had stopped operating due to COVID-19, while 35% (76) were partially operating, 1% were operating remotely and 49% (106) were fully operating on site.