Tonga has officially been approved to join the EU-Pacific interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA), a move that promises to open up new trade opportunities for the island nation. The approval was confirmed during the 10th EU-Pacific Trade Committee Meeting in Brussels earlier this month.
By joining the iEPA, Tonga will gain greater access to the EU market, which is a key step in expanding its export potential, particularly for local goods such as kava. The iEPA provides a framework for duty-free and quota-free access to the EU, alongside protections for Tonga’s geographical indications, which could benefit unique local products.
Distaquaine Tu’ihalamaka, Tonga’s CEO for the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, represented Tonga during the high-level discussions, which centered on strengthening the iEPA, investment facilitation, and customs cooperation.
For Tonga, the agreement also signals enhanced trade ties with the EU and lays the groundwork for future growth in sectors such as services and investment. Once internal EU procedures are completed, Tonga will formally join the agreement alongside Niue and Tuvalu.
This is expected to significantly benefit Tonga’s exporters and boost the nation’s economic development through increased access to European markets.
