Tonga's King Tupou VI said today from Auckland that he hoped Government and Parliament would continue to work together to revive the Tongan economy, which has been badly affected by the global financial crisis. He outlined projects that were being undertaken by government in the hope of energizing economic development, in his speech that was read out by Prince Tu'ipelehake, accompanied by Prince Tungi and Lord Luani at the opening of a special session of the Tonga Legislative Assembly.

The Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano and the Speaker Lord Fakafanua, were also not present at the quiet opening.

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.

It was a quiet and sombre opening on a dull rainy morning, attended by a handful of guests, who were mainly staff of the House.

King Tupou VI's message reminded members to work together and put the interests of the people of Tonga first during their deliberations.

He said due to the global financial crisis many people had 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 negative 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, improving public funds regulation, continuing work on regulations that can assist people having easier access to credit, improving regulations to develop the private sector, increasing education opportunities so Tongans can obtain work in Tonga and abroad, introducing a faster internet connection between Tonga and foreign countries through the Tonga Cable fibre optic project in June, lessening Tonga's vulnerability to rising fuel costs by using renewable energy, assisting the Social Benefits Scheme for the elderly and to improve regulation and management of major constructions.

Tonga remained vulnerable to the global recovery period of the recession so there was a need to improve our social and economic sectors to withstand it. Agriculture remained 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.