Economy growth

Tonga Govt encouraging informal sector to promote growth

Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa was elected by Parliament last month following the death of 'Akilisi Pohiva.

He inherited an economy that some called moribund and Mr Tu'i'onetoa said it was difficult to make changes in a small economy with a narrow resource base.

The vast majority of Tongans do not have regular income and rely on their gardens, fishing, or remittances to get by, he said.

In some districts, 95 percent of people were involved in the informal sector, which is why the government has started programmes to assist.