Strong govt. support for Tonga trade mission to Pacific Expo [1]
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 18:42. Updated on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 - 15:05.
Tonga's largest ever Trade Mission going to the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo next week has increased to around 40 participants including private businesses and government ministries.
The Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele will lead the Trade Mission to the Pacific Expo to be held on March 5-6, at the Waitakere Trusts Stadium in Auckland.
Lee Miller, the Secretary of Tonga New Zealand Business Association, and organizer of the Tongan mission, said around 70 people from 40 organisations will take part.
As well as the private sector, the Trade Mission sees the participation of Government representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture. Others include the New Zealand High Commission and the National Economic Development Council.
Lee said Government representatives will be showcasing their public services during the Expo.
Tonga's Trade Mission will receive a $100,000 pa'anga grant from the National Economic Development Council for the Expo, "and we are expecting to get that funding this afternoon," she added.
Lee who is very happy with the turnout said Tonga will have 11 booths at the Expo and at this point there will be no room for new entrants.
This is the second time Tonga has attended the Expo, held every two years, with the aim of achieving market growth for both New Zealand and Pacific Island businesses by way of mutual 'two-way' trade and investment.
The Tonga Trade Mission will depart for Auckland early next week.