Results for Business

Economic activity in Tonga is likely to be contracted markedly in 2007, as the Kingdom's economy suffered following a poor agricultural season, the large-scale reduction in civil service workers and the near-destruction of Nuku'alofa's central business district. Reconstruction is taking a long time with only a few projects underway nearly 18 months following the civil disturbance of November 2006.

The importation of aircrafts and aircraft parts to Tonga will be exempted from excise tariff, Tonga's government Information Unit announced this afternoon.

I would like to address specific issues raised in the media recently about Nautilus Minerals Tonga and the work it hopes to do in Tonga. From Paula Taumoepeau, Country Manager-Tonga, Nautilu Minerals.

The International Trademark Association (INTA) today joins The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in calling for concrete action toward the completion of a new trade agreement focused specifically on stopping the trade in counterfeit goods.

Air Chatham will most likely replace Peau Vava'u as Tonga's second domestic air operator starting in April, the Minister of Transport, Hon. Paul Karalus revealed this afternoon.

As Tonga's electricity price goes up by 20.7% to 23% tonight households and small businesses will wake up in the morning to face the fact they will be paying hundreds of pa'anga more for their electricity supply this year, while for larger businesses the new rate will increase their costs by thousands of pa'anga per year.

Tonga will be sending its largest ever trade mission of over 30 businesses to the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo to be held in Auckland on March 5-6.

Tonga needs more remittances and more foreign aid flowing into the country, if it is to maintain a balance of trade with Australia and New Zealand, its main trading partners, Hon. Afu'alo Matoto, the Minister of Information said last week.

The current value of the Tongan Pa‘anga continues to steadily weaken against the Australian and New Zealand dollar at the same it strengthens against the US dollar.