By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

Information communications technology in Tonga is the focus of an exhibition that opened today 21 March, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall, in Nuku'alofa.

The ICT Exhibition 2024, with a theme “Digital inclusion for all - bridging the digital divide" also celebrates women in ICT.

 The Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku said that the exhibition highlights the government’s commitment to fostering digital transformation and empowering women.

“Through various initiatives, the Tonga government’s aim is to leverage digital technologies to streamline services, reduce cost, enhance efficiency and ensure the accessibility of digital infrastructure to all,” he said.

He encouraged visitors to the exhibition to “open their doors and minds to ICT and seize the opportunity it presents for growth and prosperity”.

Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Tonga, Ms Elle Bradshaw, said that the digital transformation of the Pacific region could add more than USD5 billion to the region's economies, create almost 50,000 new jobs in the region's ICT sector by 2040 and, increase government revenue by USD 6million.

“Technology possesses considerable power – this can contribute to building integrated digital environment –protects regional security,” she said.

Ms Bradshaw said that inclusion is a major factor to harness and achieve the potential of this digital transformation in Tonga.

“If all people and sectors are participating in the digital economy –the digital economy will be better in the long run for everybody.”

Government ministries, NGOs and other small businesses have set up booths and stalls at the exhibition which is open to the Tongan public for the next two days of the event.