Introduction
The Kingdom of Tonga is the remaining monarchy in the South Pacific, located between Hawaii and New Zealand, Fiji to the northwest, Samoa to the northeast, Niue to the east, New Caledonia and Vanuatu to the far west.
There are 5 main islands – Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua, Niuafo’ou/Niuatoputapu in which the largest is Tongatapu where the capital Nuku’alofa is located.
Named as the “Friendly Islands” by Captain James Cook on his first visit in 1773
Politics
Head of State: HM King Tupou VI
Head of Executive (Cabinet): Hon. Prime Minister
- 12 Cabinet Ministers
Legislative Assembly: Hon. Speaker
- 9 Noble Representatives
- 17 People Representatives
Judiciary
- Court of Appeal
- Supreme Court
- Lands Court / Magistrate Court
Political Structure
| Constitution of Tonga | ||
| Head of State (The King) & Privy Council | ||
| Executive (Cabinet) | Legislative Assembly | Judiciary |
Culture
Social Structure
- King
- Nobles
- Commoners
Four Core Values
- Fefaka’apa’apa’aki – Mutual Respect
- Feveitokai’aki – Sharing; Cooperating and fulfilment of mutual obligation
- Tauhi vaha’a – Loyalty and Commitment
- Lototoo – Humility and Generosity
Fast Facts
- Population = 103,306 (2011 census)
- In which, 70% of the above population resides in the capital of Nuku’alofa, on the largest island of Tongatapu
- Total Area: 747 km2 (288 sq mi)
- Sea Area: 30 km2 (12 sq mi)
- Currency: Tongan Pa’anga (TOP)
- GDP: $799.3 Million
- GDP per capita: $7,738
- Tonga Labour Force: 33,422 (2011)
- Major Trading Partners
| Export | Import |
| New Zealand | New Zealand |
| Japan | Singapore |
| Australia | USA |
| USA | Fiji |
| Hong Kong | Australia |
| Fiji | China |
Investment Opportunities
- Tourism
- Hotels and Motels
- Accommodation – to expand and improve quality
- High-end Restaurants, Tour operators and other tourism- related activities
- Agriculture and Fisheries
- Agro-processing and export (maize, soy beans, eggs, beef, pork etc)
- Provision of Agricultural Stores
- Purpose-built export pack-house for seafood
- Commercial sport fishery (expanding tourism related fishing)
- Other Areas
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Service Sector
- Computer data entry facility
- Leasing or rental finance facility
- Quick printing service
- Veterinary clinic
- Transportation rental services, etc
Business Start-Up Overview
| Step 1 |
Foreign investment approval Business License Unit, Ministry of Commerce, Tourism & Labour |
| Step 2 |
Company incorporation Company Registration Division, Ministry of Commerce, Tourism & Labour |
| Step 3 |
Business license Business License Unit, Ministry of Commerce, Tourism & Labour |
| Step 4 |
Working/business permits Immigration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade |