Results for Business

A former technician with the Tonga Telephone and Telegraph Department back in 1957, Alexander James McGregor (80), from Grey Lynn, Auckland, visited Tonga for the third time in November. When he first arrived in Tonga in 1957 homes were thatched huts, and there were no aeroplanes, just ferries. There were a few vehicles and the telephone system operated through one switchboard.From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 3, December 2003.

The new Waterfront Lodge was officially opened for business on December 6 in Nukualofa’s seafront Vuna Road. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 3, December 2003.

Deep-sea fishing, at the depth of between 500 and 2000 meters could offer a new source of fish for the Tonga Fisheries Industry. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 3, December 2003.

The Tongan Squash Exporters' Council is seeking a $6 million loan for the purpose of compensating squash growers who were hurt by low returns from their sale of squash to Japan this year.

In any disaster, there are always a few survivors and this is true of Tonga's squash industry this year. While most of the 2000 Tongan squash growers this season will face a huge financial loss because they will be paid only 15 to 20 seniti per kg of squash, a lucky few will receive between 61 and 84 seniti per kg.

Tonga's annual squash exports for Japan could reach 20,000 tonnes, but people in the industry are predicting the price will plummet this year to a disappointing low of between 20 and 15 seniti per kilo.

Remote Islands and Rural Technology was the theme of a two-day Pacific Islands telecommunications workshop that was held at the International Dateline Hotel, Nuku'alofa, from September 29-30.

Pacific Finance and Investments Ltd. has invested about $1.3 million in Tonga for the construction of two new buildings this year. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

Tonga imports $6 million worth of vegetables annually to meet demand, a surprising amount for a country with an annual trade deficit of about $90 million, which has its main export strength in agricultural produce. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.