Tonga Could Gain From Fiji’s Aviation, Says Kamikamica
‘TRADE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DRIVE POVERTY REDUCTION AND RAISE LIVING STANDARDS ACROSS THE REGION’
Tonga should be looking to Fiji for assistance in the aviation sector, following challenges within its domestic airline.
The move was part of the Government’s trade facilitation to enhance Blue Pacific efforts, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives and SMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica.
His comments were made at the Supporting Trade Facilitation, Digitalization and Digital Transformation in the Blue Pacific, at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji in Nadi yesterday.
Mr Kamikamica said discussions were ongoing around developing more air services in Tonga, not only domestically but internationally.
“If it goes international, I can tell you right now, Tonga tourism will grow,” he said.
“By connecting to Fiji, you have got daily flights to Los Angeles twice daily to Australia, and twice daily to Auckland.
“That is the opportunity for the Blue Pacific. “We will work together.”
More attractive destination
Mr Kamikamica said by streamlining trade processes, they could make Fiji a more attractive destination for trade and investment.
“We recognise that by streamlining our trade processes and reducing the time and cost of doing business, we can make Fiji a more attractive destination for trade and investment.”
Trade is powerful
Mr Kamikamica said trade was a powerful engine for growth and development. “Trade has the potential to drive poverty reduction and raise living standards across the region.”
He said the Pacific faced a unique set of challenges, including remote location, limited infrastructure, and small domestic markets.
“These challenges have made it difficult for us to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by trade.
“Fiji is in active discussion to try to build a regional hub.”
United Nations
The workshop was organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) ASYCUDA Regional Office for the Pacific.
The event was a platform for customs experts and trade officials from 15 Pacific island countries to explore ways of achieving trade facilitation reforms through digitalisation and cooperation among government agencies.
“Trade facilitation reform and modernisation of border agencies have been key for Pacific island countries to participate in and benefit more from trade,” Mr Kamikamica said.