A new series of business licensing brochures, making it easier for investors to acquire business licenses in Tonga, was launched by the Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries, Hon. Lisiate 'Akolo at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre on Friday, July 17.

"This is the first time the Ministry has been able to offer these tools to the business Community in Tonga," he said. "The brochures also provide a platform for businesses to recommend improvements in the licensing regime going forward."

The brochures were developed by a working group, consisting of members of the Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industries and from the Private Sector as well as a Task Force on Regulatory Reform chaired by the Minister of Finance.

Business regulations

The project was initiated by the Tongan government in 2004 to reform its business regulation, making it easier for investors to acquire business licenses in Tonga, and from its onset it was supported by the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group.

Pierre Guislain, the Director of the World Bank Group's Investment Climate Department, who attended the launch said that the brochures will reduce the uncertainty that has surrounded the current licensing procedures, and should help simplify the process of starting a new business in Tonga.

Christopher Hartwell said the procedures that they have completed include the following sectors:

1. Licence for a Construction Firm;

2. Licence as an Electrician;

3. Licence for Flammable Goods outlets;

4. Licence for a Foreign Exchange Dealer

5. Licence for Services involving the Use of Gases;

6. Health Department Certificate for Wholesale and Retail Outlets; Restaurants, Accommodations, Food handlers, and Therapeutic Goods Outlets;

7. Liquor Licence for Restaurants, Accommodation, and Food Handlers;

8. Tourism Licence;

9. Licence for Fishing and Marine Products and Business involving the Export of Native Plants.

However, he said that there were still many businesses with licensing procedures yet to be mapped