Tonga’s Ministry of Labour and Commerce is seeking government’s assistance to support an export project to New Zealand.
The Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, Anisi Bloomfield says they have requested TP$2 million from the 2017/18 budget to support the project.
Bloomfield and Head of the Business Support and Facilitation Division, Tevita Lautaha, led a Tongan delegation which struck a deal to export food, fish and handicrafts direct to New Zealand suppliers.
As reported by Kaniva News last month, Tonga would export crops including taro, yams, manioke, kape, taro and pele leaves.
A spokesman for J & P Turner Ltd, the parent company of importer Fresh Direct Ltd, said the company had had discussions regarding the receiving and distribution of Tongan produce.
“We have a long and deep connection with Tonga and are certainly keen to be doing all we can to help with Tonga economy which in turn helps the individual growers and farmers in Tonga,” Jeff Turner said.
It is understood the company is now waiting for further developments in Tonga.
Bloomfield said last month his delegation would call a meeting with prospective suppliers in Tonga.
“The government is trying to put into practice a vision that has been with Tongan growers for many, many years,” Bloomfield said.
The government wanted to help get Tongan growers’ and handicraft makers’ products directly to the market.
The government’s budget has to be approved by Parliament in June.
Photo file: Tongan taro