The Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano is leading a Tongan delegation to the Second China Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum to be held in Guangzhou, China from 7-8 November.

Mr Xu Zhiguang, the First Secretary at the Chinese Embassy, Nuku'alofa, said the forum would bring together representatives from Pacific Island Forum member countries to discuss economic issues with their Chinese counterparts. There will also be a trade show of Pacific Islands' products from 9-12 November, including Tongan coconut oil, vanilla products and nonu juice.

Commenting in regards to a request from the Tongan government for the deferral of the repayment of Tonga's multi million dollars loan from China for another five years, Xu said that the matter would be discussed "at a higher level."

A spokesperson from the Prime Minister's office said that the Tongan delegation included Lady Robyn Tu'ivakano, Hon. Lisiate 'Akolo, the Minister of Finance; Hon. Sangster Saulala, the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Forests and Fisheries; Hon. Viliami Latu, the Minister of Commerce, Tourism and Labour; 'Aholotu Palu, the Acting Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet; Va'inga Tone, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade; Simata Palu from the Ministry of Commerce; Ringo Fa'oliu, the CEO for the Ministry of Infrastructure; Taniela Hoponoa, the CEO for the Ministry of Agriculture and Semisi Fakahau from Fisheries.

The delegation, was scheduled to leave Tonga last night, but their Virgin Australia flight was cancelled, and rescheduled for this afternoon, 5 November.

Following the Guangzhou Forum, the Prime Minister and his delegation will travel on to Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM from 15-17 November.

The CHOGM is held every two years to enable leaders of Commonwealth countries to come together to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to decide on collective policies and initiatives.