Revive the economy, a top job for Parliament and Government [1]
Wednesday, March 13, 2013 - 18:52. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
King Tupou VI hoped Government and Parliament will continue to work together to revive the local economy affected by the global financial crisis. He outlined projects undertaken by government in the hope of energizing economic development.
After a year of many challenges in 2012, a special session of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga was softly and swiftly opened this morning March 7 by three nobles at Parliament House in Nuku'alofa. Noticeably absent was Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano and Speaker Lord Fakafanua who are said to be abroad.
The session will deliberate on five bills including a Pacific Games Organization Bill 2013, an Act of the Constitution of Tonga (Amendment) Bill 2013, an Act of the Constitution of Tonga (Amendment) No 2 Bill 2013, a Land (Amendment) Bill 2013, and the Legislative Assembly Amendment Bill 2013.
A speech from King Tupou VI who is in New Zealand was delivered by Prince Tu'ipelehake accompanied by Prince Tungi and Lord Luani.
The opening was a quiet and sombre affair on a rainy and cloudy morning and attended by a handful of guests which were mainly staff of the house.
King Tupou VI's message reminded members to work together and put the interest of the people of Tonga first during their deliberations.
He said due to the global financial crisis many people have lost their jobs around the world including Tongans which had caused a drop in remittances, delayed development projects and other works to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in Tonga. Despite this, Government is still looking for ways that can withstand and lessen the adverse effects of the recession and there are still many challenges ahead this year, he said.
Revive
The king outlined projects that government is undertaking in the hope of energizing economic development.
This included better management of public funds, improve public funds regulation, continue work on regulation that can assist people having easier access to credit, improve regulation to develop the private sector, increase education so Tongans can obtain work opportunities in Tonga and abroad, better communication between Tonga and foreign countries through the Tonga Cable project in June, lessen our vulnerability to rising fuel costs by using renewable energy, assist the Social Benefits Scheme for the elderly and improve regulation and management of major constructions.
Tonga remain vulnerable to the global recovery period of the recession so there is a need to improve our social and economic sectors to withstand the global crisis. Agriculture remain an important sector to develop the economy, he said.
The king thanked the Governments of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the People's Republic of China, United Nations, European Union, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for their assistance in helping to develop Tonga.