King looks to China and USA investors

King looks to China and USA investors [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 16:45. Updated on Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 17:45.

The King had just returned on Saturday from a private trip to Hong Kong and to Bejing. He gave the people of Tonga some hope for a fast economic recovery when he said that China had approved an aid package of $2 million for economic development in Tonga over the next few years. He also said that a Chinese investor was to arrive in Tonga soon to look at the possibility of manufacturing feed for livestock. Also arriving in Tonga at the end of the month were investors from the USA.

The opening and the closing of Parliament are two annual events that create some excitement in Nuku'alofa. The closing of Parliament today 10 November, was exceptional with fine weather, as primary school children from all over Tongatapu came into Nuku'alofa to line the sides of the roads, cheering the King as he drove to and from the closing ceremony, which was held at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall, with a 21-gun salute.

Photos by Linny Folau

No. 1 - His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV at the entrance to Queen Salote Memorial Hall for the closing of parliament for 2004.

No. 2 ... His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, leaving the throne after delivering his closing speech.

No. 3 ... The Crown Prince Tupouto'a, arrives for the closing of Parliament.

No. 4 ... The Speaker of the House, Noble Tu'ivakano.

No. 5 ... Noble Vaha'i a Tongatapu Noble's Representative to the Tongan Legislative Assembly..

No. 6 ... Picture, left, Noble Nuku; and right, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Noble Tuita.

No. 7 ... From left, the new Attorney General and the Minister of Justice, Hon. Siaosi 'Aho; the Ha'apai no. 1 People's Representative, Fineasi Funaki; the Ha'apai no. 2 People's Representative 'Uliti Uata; and the Minister for Health, Dr Viliami Tangi.

No. 8 ...People's Representatives from left, Tongatapu no. 3 PR, 'Isileli Pulu; the Tongatapu no. 1 PR, 'Akilisi Pohiva; the Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou PR, Peauafi Haukinima; the Tongatapu no. 2 PR, Dr Feleti Sevele; the Ha'apai no. 1 PR, Fineasi Funaki and the Ha'apai no. 2 PR, 'Uliti Uata.

Parliament [2]