Results for Tonga

The current economic reform, in preparation for when Tonga becomes a member of the World Trade Organisation, and the hype that this could pull the economy out from its state of stagnation, is the wishful thinking of many people. But the big question remains: are we ready to exploit our WTO membership, or is it going to be just like the other Free Trade Agreements we have signed with other countries, where it will enable us to import more from our partners but export less? From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.

Royal Tongan Airlines will resume its international air service on November 25. The new Chief Executive Officer, Logan Appu, said that they would introduce a daily service between Tonga and Auckland, and a weekly service between Auckland, Sydney, Tonga, and Auckland. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.

The ultimate purpose of the flurry of trade talks in recent years is to prepare Tonga for becoming a member of the World Trade Organisation, when it will introduce free trade and zero tariffs between Tonga and the 136 member states of the WTO. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.

The hottest young voice that is being broadcast on the 89.1 FM airwaves everyday belongs to 20-year-old Melinda Fetuani. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.

The walk-out by all of the nine People’s Representatives from the Tongan Legislative Assembly on October 21 had to be the highlight of the 2002 parliamentary session, but it was not all what it seemed to be. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.

Cruising the capital, Nuku‘alofa, in a mean-looking, moody and magnificent Master Eunos car, is 23-year-old Semisi Fonua, from Longolongo From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.

Tonga’s little cruise ship, the M.V. Oleanda, has sailed to Auckland, New Zealand, to offer its services as a support ship for the America’s Cup yacht races. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.

Tevita Faha‘ivalu Fotu became the second Tongan to attend the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in England, graduating last year, and following in the footsteps of Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto‘a, who was the first to attend the academy. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.

If money talks, then what professional sports people are saying these days is that soccer will replace rugby as Tonga’s national sport in the near future. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 17, no. 3, November 2002.