By Eleanor Gee

Nine farm tractors and eight fishing boats were handed over by Chinese Ambassador HE Cao Xiaolin to Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries Lord Tu’ilakepa today at an official ceremony at the MAFFF office, Ma’ufanga.

HE Cao Xiaolin said the tractors and fishing boats were provided by Dongguan City, Guangdong Province of China. 

“The aid of such equipment is China’s commitment to the cooperation in agriculture and fisheries with Tonga and China’s support to Tonga in response to CoViD-19.”

He said China will continue to provide support in Tonga’s efforts to achieve food security.

MAFF CEO Dr Viliami Manu and Fisheries CEO Dr Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi were pleased with the donations.

“We made a request about two years ago and now we are seeing the fruits of it,” said Dr Manu. “This will add the advantage to the production of the farmers both commercial and subsistence, food security, and also livelihoods.”

Dr Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi said the tractors will be useful in the development of agriculture, especially in this time of crisis due to the covid-19 pandemic to support food security in Tonga.

Dongguan City also provided $643,000 for the local manufacturing of eight fishing boats with outboard engines.

Dr Halafihi said the purpose of the local manufacturing of these fishing vessels was to ensure its design standards are in line with Tongan sea conditions, fisheries operations and to meet the requirements of local fishermen.

“Four vessels will be given to Ha’apai because of the sister city relationship between Dongguan and Ha’apai Island.”

“All vessels will be of great importance to the fisheries sector contributing to the livelihood of fishing communities.”

The remaining fishing boats and the tractors will be distributed by the Tongan Government.