14 Jun 2012

Delegates at Tonga workshop urged to help address good governance

4:39 am on 14 June 2012

Delegates from eight Pacific states are being urged to help address the issue of good governance in their countries.

A workshop in Tonga organised by the Secretariat of Pacific Community, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Tonga, has been told improved governance will foster political stability and economic growth.

Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano told the meeting that the new submarine fibre optic cable coming into use next year, apart from the technical and commercial gains, will improve the exchange of information.

Radio Tonga reports him also saying that another important achievement, the Freedom of Information Policy, is about to be implemented.

Lord Tu'ivakano says this will contribute to effort to make Tonga as transparent and accountable as possible.

The SPC's director general, Dr Jimmie Rodgers, says the workshop will help the Pacific become a region respected for the quality of governance, and the sustainable management of its human and natural resources.