Warm greetings from the Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TCCI).
We are pleased to share a brief summary of the key outcomes from the recent Talanoa Session held on 9 July 2025 between the Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and representatives of the private sector.
Prime Minister’s Key Message:
“We cannot afford to work in silos. The test is not just in the talk—it’s in the partnerships we build and the progress we make together.”
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to directly engage with the business community—particularly the younger generation of entrepreneurs—and emphasised the importance of trust, collaboration, and joint implementation.
Economic Highlights:
i. Primary Sector: 19% of GDP | 2.4% growth (Agriculture & Fisheries) – High growth potential
ii. Industrial Sector: 14% of GDP | Driven by Government infrastructure projects – Private sector capacity critical
iii. Tertiary Sector: -1% growth | Tourism & accommodation underperforming despite high demand
iv. Wholesale & Retail: 48% of GDP | Retail at capacity, sector dominated by a few – Legislation under review
v. Financial Sector: $300M in deposits available | Lending activity remains low due to high interest margins
vi. Capital Market: No stock exchange – Government open to facilitation
vii. Strategic Funds: $30M via Retirement Fund to support private sector lending and USD$9M specifically allocated to support women’s economic participation
Feedback from Business Representatives:
i. Requests for fairer access to finance with reasonable loan terms
ii. Need for clear boundaries to avoid Government competition with private business
iii. Importance of vocational training and workforce development
iv. Suggestions for increased investment in tourism, construction materials, and recycling industries
v. Support needed for Tonga’s digital transformation journey
vi. Support needed in addressing severe shortage of skilled labour that has crippled productivity across sectors
vii. The need for a comprehensive review of policy frameworks that fosters an enabling environment encouraging investment and growth
viii. Centralising Tonga Chamber as a key coordination and communication platform
Next Steps:
i. Follow-Up Talanoa Session to be held in two months
ii. TSDF II Review continues – private sector input remains vital
iii. Ongoing commitment to strengthen public-private partnerships and build policy confidence
For questions or to engage in the next session, please contact:
Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TCCI)
25-168 / 7712841
info@tongachamber.to
