Five Toyota Land Cruisers were handed to the Ministry of Fisheries from the Government of Japan to assist in the sector's recovery, after the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunamis in 2022.

Japan's Ambassador, HE Mr. Kensaku Munenaga handed over the vehicles estimated at around USD300,000 to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forests and Acting Minister of Fisheries, Lord Fohe on 26 May.

The Ambassador said the provision of the five Toyota Land Cruisers is for each branch office of the Ministry of Fisheries on Tongatapu to Vava’u, Ha’apai, 'Eua and the Niuas to assist in their work on ocean's resource, while maintaining contact with the fishing communities.

"The fisheries industry is very important for the people of Tonga, especially for your livelihood. When Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai erupted, the fisheries industry was severely damaged by the ensuing tsunami waves.

“Since the disaster, the people and the Government of Japan have been supporting Tonga in various ways. Apart from the emergency relief assistances at the initial stage provided by our Self-Defense Force, today’s assistance aims to provide necessary things for the long-term development of the fisheries industries."

Lord Fohe extended their gratitude to the Government of Japan.

“On behalf of the Government of Tonga and the Ministry of Fisheries, I would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the people and Government of Japan for this great donation.”

The vehicles are the second donation made under Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA), which totals at USD1.5 million.

The first donation of aquaculture equipment was handed over last December. A third and final donation of research machines, research boats and fishing boats are to be delivered later to Tonga.