8 Nov 2007

NZ trade mission says now is right time to invest in Tonga

10:51 am on 8 November 2007

The Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission, or PITIC, says now is the right time to invest into Tonga.

This comes as a group of New Zealand based Pacific businesspeople, led by the Pacific Trade and Investment Commission, is visiting Samoa and Tonga this week to find out about new markets there.

PITIC's trade commissioner, Chris Cocker, says Tonga has a lot of business-making making potential, despite the riot last year and the pro-democracy demonstrations.

"This is an excellent opportunity. The country is in a building stage. And I think the timing is right, because I could also feel from the response we have had from the Tongan private sector, they are hungry, eager, enthusiastic to see people and try and find joint venture opportunities or business opportunities. I think the timing is right."

Chris Cocker says tourism, agriculture and fisheries are the most promising business sectors.