Results for 2000

While Tonga’s economy is under pressure from the Reserve Bank, because of a steep dive in the Foreign Reserve; and while the Private Sector and the government are preoccupied with far-sighted new projects in telecommunications, power generation and the marketing of Tongan produce overseas—projects that could secure a place for Tonga in the global economy of the 21st century—Parliament, somehow, has been looking inwards, and preoccupying itself with its internal affairs. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

Tonga came away from the second Junior Sumo World Championship that was held in Tokyo on August 19 with two medals—a silver for Kesomi ‘Aukafolau in the Open, and a Bronze for Minaminoshima Falevai, Middleweight.. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

Plastic money arrived in Tonga on June 21, with an enthusiastic reception seeing over 1000 cards issued in the first month. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

Fiji Foreign Affairs Minister Kaliopate Tavola said he was very pleased with his meeting with his Australian counterpart Alexander Downer, the Fiji Daily Post reported on August 26. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

BioTechnology can be used to produce new products from Tonga’s agriculture and fisheries, and it may help Tonga maintain its claim to niche markets that it has initiated in Japan, said Dr Kyosuke Owa, a Japanese scientist working for the Nano Merchandise Development Co. Ltd. in Nuku’alofa. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

Tonga’s struggle to maintain its foreign earnings at a level that will allow it to continue to trade with overseas countries, and to build up its economy so that it can be part of the so called Global Economy, remains an up-hill battle. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

Hon. Ma’atu is the Patron of the newly formed Tonga-USA Business Council, which announced its executive council on September 1 in Nuku‘alofa. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

The first franchise agreement between a USA company and a Tongan company was realised on August 31, when ACE Lionvest Timber and Hardware Ltd. was officially opened by the Chairman of the company, Baron Vaea of Houma. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.

Over 100 people are now being investigated for treason in Fiji. This includes some influential and prominent business people, reported Fiji Live on September 5. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 3, September 2000.