The Hon Simon Crean MP. Minister for Trade and Mr Bob McMullan, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance from the Government of Australia arrived in Tonga this afternoon, as part of a two-day visit to the Kingdom.

The purpose of the visit is to discuss with the Government of Tonga current regional trade related issues and to help build Forum consensus towards commencing PACER Plus negotiations from August 2009. amongst other matters of mutual interest.

Whilst in Tonga. the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary will call on the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Viliami Tangi; Minister for Labour, Commerce & Industries, Hon. Lisiate 'Akolo and the Minister for Finance and National Planning, Hon. 'Afualo Matoto. There will also be an opportunity to meet with representatives of civil society and the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and various exporters.

The Minister, accompanied by his wife Mrs Crean and delegation. will depart for Samoa tomorrow to continue a six-day tour of five Pacific Island countries. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 03/04/09.