A project to support the development of E-Government, and improved digital services in Tonga was launched last week by the Ministry of Finance at an event attended by government officials and donor partners.

E-government means everything from online government services to exchange of information and services electronically with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government. It is the application of information and communications technology in government operations, achieving public ends by digital means.

In Tonga, a legal and regulatory framework and cyber security framework needs to be put into place first, to enable further e-government services to be built.

Keynote speaker, the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa stressed a need for improving the quality of life for all Tongans into the 21st century.

The Tonga Digital Government Support Project (TDGSP) is a support program funded and administered by the World Bank.

The project will focus on building an enabling environment with a view on continuous improvements for the Government of Tonga and related agencies.

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Tevita Lavemaau chairs the management and implementation of the eGovernment project. He said it will involve the cooperation of government line ministries, in collaboration with development partners and private sector, in order to accelerate technology and knowledge transfer to Tonga.

CEO for the Ministry of Finance, Balwyn Fa’otusia, presented the overview of the Project and followed by presentations from the E-Government Implementing agencies, Deputy CEO of MEIDECC, Andrew To’imoana; CEO Ministry of Justice, Manakovi Pahulu, and CEO Ministry of Health, Dr. Siale Akauola.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Finance and held at the National Reserve Bank Conference room on July 16.

The advantages of e-government include an improved flow of information from citizen to government, government to citizen, and within government itself. Additionally, e-government helps modernize administration procedures, improving economies and promoting transparency in the process.