The Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano has formally announced his Cabinet for 2013.

The announcement on Monday makes slight changes to the titles of government ministries. The number of Cabinet Ministers will remain at 11.

Noticeable is the much higher number of portfolios under the Prime Minister’s jurisdiction compared to other ministers.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office highlighted some of the national projects that government envisaged could benefit Tonga in 2013, including:

<ul><li>Tonga's connection to the outside world through a fiber optic telecommunication cable network in June.</li>

<li>Implementation of Tonga's Freedom of Information Policy in June.</li>

<li>The completion of road improvement projects and urban development projects in June.</li></ul>

Leaving Tonga today, 9 January, Lord Tu'ivakano and Lady Robyn led a four-members delegation to the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA 3^rd General Assembly to be held at Abu Dhabi, United Arabs Emirates from 13-14 January. Tonga is one of seven Pacific Island States that are members of IRENA.

The 2013 Cabinet line-up:

1. Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano:
- Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Minister for Defence
- Acting Minister for Police, Fire Services and Prisons
- Minister for Information and Communications.

2. Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Samiu Kuita Vaipulu:
- Minister for Infrastructure

3. Lord Ma'afu:
- Minister for Lands, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources 

4. Hon Dr 'Ana Maui Taufe'ulungaki:
- Minister for Education and Training

5. Lord Tu'I'afitu:
- Minister for Health

6. Hon Lisiate 'Aloveita 'Akolo:
- Minister for Finance and National Planning

7. Hon Dr Viliami Uasike Latu:
- Minister for Commerce and Tourism

8. Lord Vaea:
- Minister for Internal Affairs

9. Hon Clive Edwards:
- Minister for Justice and Public Enterprises

10. Hon Fe'ao Vakata:
- Minister for Revenue Services

11. Hon Sangster Saulala:
- Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries.