Payouts to COVID-19 affected businesses will continue [1]
Monday, May 31, 2021 - 18:37
The Tonga government’s financial assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19 is continuing with support from donor partners.
Both the formal and informal business sector will receive payment, the Prime Minister's Office stated today. A total of $9.4 million is committed for this assistance phase with support provided by the Australian Government.
Prime Minister Hon. Rev. Dr Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa said recovery would take time depending on the vulnerability of businesses identified by the ILO Independent Survey: ‘COVID-19 Assessment of Impact on Businesses and Employment in Tonga’ finalized in March 2021, and this phase of assistance aimed to help businesses improve their operations for a quick recovery.
“The informal sector, which is overwhelmingly engaged by women and households, are also targeted beneficiaries from this payout, as finding cash to continue informal trading may be more difficult,” he said.
Those receiving payments will be contacted directly by the scheme when payments are ready, the government stated.