COVID-19 assistance

A further AUD 5 million has been directed to support Tonga’s COVID-19 Business Recovery Assistance Program, which aims to improve the well-being and living standards of Tongans in the formal and informal business sectors.

This funding is part of the Australian Government’s AUD 304.7 million Pacific COVID-19 Response Package, specifically targeting Tonga’s tourism, agriculture, fisheries, retail and wholesale, and manufacturing industries.

The letter was handed over to the Prime Minister of Tonga, Rev Dr Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa, at an event today Wednesday 9 June.

“This support will help the Government of Tonga respond to specific economic and social impacts of COVID-19, such as, providing financial support and social protection for businesses and households that have experienced economic hardship as a result of the pandemic. It will also assist with the Government of Tonga’s repatriation efforts,” said High Commissioner Babington.

This vital Forum initiative ensures the passage of humanitarian and medical supplies within the Pacific as we work together to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simon Kofe, Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers, welcomed the initiative and said: “Australia’s support will ensure that the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway will be able to deliver much needed humanitarian and medical supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its actions, Australia is working to achieve values of familial ties and care for neighbour’s key throughout the Pacific.”

NZ$10 million is also available for requests from the Pacific Island countries preparing their health systems to deal with COVID-19. We have already received and are urgently responding to a number of these requests.

As part of New Zealand’s COVID-19 support, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided NZ$4 million to the Government of Tonga in general budget support. This contribution is intended to respond to the wide-ranging health, economic, and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.