A two weeks workshop to help rural people develop business skills ended in Nuku'alofa on Wednesday, March 24.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industries in collaboration with the South Pacific Community SPC, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Participants were from the private sector, and the public service from Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai and Niuatoputapu.

The trainer, Ramesh Chand from the Department of Cooperatives in Fiji, used a training model called the Competency based Economies through Formation of Entrepreneurs CEFE. The model has been targeted towards semi-literate rural people on how to identify business ideas and make a business proposal in order to start a small business.

Ramesh said the training included training participants on how to prepare a business plan, how to set up a small business and at the same they can share their knowledge by training others who have potential to be involved in the development of small medium enterprises.

The workshop was closed by the Minister of Labour Hon Lisiate 'Akolo and participants were awarded certificates.