NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA (2 November 2023) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Tonga today signed grant agreements totaling USD30 million to renew, rehabilitate, and expand Queen Salote International Wharf in Nuku’alofa.

This notice of invitation to bid is issued in line with Regulation No. 38 of the Public Procurement Regulations 2015.

The Kingdom of Tonga has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Skills and Employment for Tongans (SET) Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The Eighth Annual Meeting of the Asia Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB) commences today September 25th, 2023 in Sharma El Sheikh, Egypt, and Tonga is represented for the first time since becoming a member in 2021. The theme of the 2023 Annual Meeting is "Sustainable Growth in a Challenging World'. Tonga is joining the meeting together with other Pacific Island countries such as Australia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, and Vanuatu. The delegation is led by the Minister for Finance and Governor for the AIIB, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti and accompanied by Mrs.

TONGA TO BE ASSISTED IN AGRI-FOOD SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION AND SMALL ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT STATES (SIDS) DEVELOPMEMENT LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Lord Fohe received the first courtesy visit of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific, HE Ms Xiangjun Yao at the Ministry’s Headquarters at Nukuálofa.

The Minister for Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti is currently attending the Forum Economic Minister's Meeting in Suva, Fiji, and conducting bilateral meetings with development partners. He had the opportunity to meet with Director General Leah Gutierrez, ADB Pacific Department, and Mr. Aaron Batten, ADB Regional Director Pacific Subregional Office discussing the ADB new operating model, the upcoming country programming and projects portfolio review and opportunities to support the private sector and other issues. 

The Minister had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Candra Samekto, Country Director, of Pacific Islands, and the IFAD team. They deliberated on the status of IFAD support through the Tonga Rural Innovation Project (TRIP), and potential areas for support focusing on the agricultural sector and agribusinesses. IFAD team will continue to consult with relevant technical stakeholders to design and develop the next investment programs for Tonga.