Tonga is pushing its economic reform efforts under the Tonga-EU Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) with the launch of the Project Fiche initiative last week. Project Fiche, which is supported by the European Union-funded SPIRIT Project, aims to boost the private sector’s export readiness and competitiveness in the EU market.
Project Fiche focuses on several key areas for potential support, including agricultural production, export facilitation, and private sector capacity building. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), through the SPIRIT project, provided technical assistance for the development of this initiative, following a request from the Government of Tonga.
Mrs. Poinisetia Paongo, Acting CEO of the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED), said, “Our Project Fiche initiative aligns seamlessly with the regional 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, laying a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”
She explained that leveraging opportunities within the European Union market will boost Tonga’s trade capabilities and ensure that policies contribute to regional connectivity. The initiative aims to deliver long-term benefits for Tonga and the wider Pacific community.
Stephen Musubire, PIFS SPIRIT Trade Adviser for Polynesia, in collaboration with MTED and KVA Consult Ltd carried out in-country consultations with members from the public and private sectors, which included the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
A final report of the consultations is expected to be ready by October.
