The New Zealand Tonga Business Council Trade Mission has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tongan government.
NZTBC Chairman Sione Taufa signd the MOU with Hon. Tevita Tui Uata, Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade Innovation and Labour.
The signing took place at the New Zealand High Commission residence in Nuku’alofa.
“We the NZ Tonga Business Council believe that using trade as a vehicle will improve the lives of people of NZ and Tonga,” Taufa said.
“We truly believe that co-operating with our partners is the only way to move forward.
“The need for an MOU started a few years ago, because while everyone had a relationship with some of the ministers and CEOs we felt the need to formalize the relationship bring everyone to the table, have a document that is transparent to move forward with trade.”
Pacific Cooperation Foundation CEO Craig Strong said he looked forward to the projects that are set to emerge from this relationship.
NZTBC Chair Sione Taufa told Kaniva earlier this year more help from New Zealand businesses was needed after the devastation caused by Cyclone Gita in February.
He said a number of successful Tongan business people in New Zealand were beginning to identify Tonga in the wake of the Pacer Plus agreement.
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Tonga and New Zealand Tonga Business Council signed an MOU last night
