WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1  
21 March 2014  
(14-1779)  Page: 1/11  
Trade Policy Review Body 
11 and 13 February 2014 Original: English/anglais/inglés  
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
TONGA 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Addendum 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Joakim Reiter (Sweden) 
This document contains the advance written questions and additional questions by WTO 
Members, and replies provided by Tonga.1 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales 
11 et 13 février 2014 
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES 
TONGA 
COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION 
Addendum 
Président: S.E. M. Joakim Reiter (Suède) 
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses fournies par Tonga.1 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales 
11 y 13 de febrero de 2014 
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES 
TONGA 
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN 
Addendum 
Presidente: Excmo. Sr. Joakim Reiter (Suecia) 
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito y 
las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC, así como las respuestas facilitadas por 
Tonga.1 
                                               
1 In English only./En anglais seulement./En inglés solamente. WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
1.1  Fisheries revenue 
 Question by New Zealand 
What are Tonga's expectations for revenue in regard to both the offshore and inshore fishing 
sectors?  
 
Reply  
There are a number of variables that can affect To nga's revenue from fisheries, including climatic 
conditions, external prices (including fuel), fi sh stocks and the outcome of negotiations on 
licensing arrangements. As such, it is not possible to accurately forecast revenue, particularly in 
the short and medium term. Having said this, the objective of Tonga's policy in the fisheries sector 
is to maximize revenue while having necessary  regard for sustainability and environmental 
considerations. 
1.2  Fees and charges 
Question by Australia 
Do the import taxes (other than customs duties) referred to in Section 1.3 and reflected in 
Chart 1.1 denote fees and charges for services rendered? If so, what are the total amounts for 
each category (customs duties, and fees and charges for services rendered) when they are separated?   
 
Reply 
The only import taxes levied by Tonga are customs duties. 
2  TRADE POLICY REGIME: FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES 
2.1  Transfer of foreign trade portfolio from MCTL to MFAT 
Question by the US 
The Secretariat report notes that the Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour was responsible 
for foreign trade policy matters until mid-2012 when the foreign trade portfolio was transferred to 
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFS) without a corresponding transfer of staff. What was the 
impact of the foreign trade portfolio, and what is MFS responsible for as it pertains to foreign trade matters?  
 
Reply 
The transfer of the trade portfolio has had no im p a c t  o n  t h e  G o v e r n m e n t  o f  T o n g a ' s  a b i l i t y  t o  
discharge its functions in relation to internationa l trade. Internal discussions continue between the 
relevant stakeholders on organizational details looking forward. 
2.2  Private-sector involvement in trade policy 
Questions by the EU and Australia 
Could the Tongan authorities provide addition al information regarding the steps taken or 
envisaged to enhance a closer private-sector involvement for the promotion of regional and 
international trade? Could the Tongan authorities submit a short description of the major projects 
put in place?  
 Reply 
Private sector and civil society representatives are actively involved in implementing projects in 
several sectors, particularly in agriculture (e.g. the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access or PHAMA project). The private sector is al so actively involved in several Growth Sector 
Committees in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, fisheries and commerce. The Government of 
Tonga intends to revive the Trade Coordination Comm ittee, a public-private sector partnership that 
had been an integral part of Tonga's WTO accession process. WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  2.3  Implementation of PICTA by Tonga 
Question by the EU 
Could the Tongan authorities clarify as to which concrete steps have been taken to implement PICTA in Tongan legislation and when they expect  the implementation to be finalised? Moreover, 
according to the authorities, technical issues are still under consideration. Could the Tongan 
authorities clarify as to which technical issues these relate to?  
 
Reply  
PICTA has been ratified but steps are still under way to implement the Agreement in domestic 
legislation. The Government of Tonga is studying the potential revenue implications of PICTA tariff 
reductions, as well as the development of associated rules of origin. 
2.4  Effect of bilateral trade agreement with Fiji 
 Question by New Zealand  
Is there any available data on increased trade since the introduction of the bilateral agreement 
with Fiji, signed in 1995?   
Reply 
There is no evidence of a significant increase in bilateral trade under the agreement with Fiji. Both 
Governments are considering reviewing the bilateral agreement, with a particular focus on facilitating agricultural trade. 
2.5  Licensing arrangement for fisheries  
 Questions by the EU 
Could the Tongan authorities clarify whether such a regional FFA licensing arrangement have been 
already finalised and is it in force? Are the Tong an vessels entitled to fish outside its Exclusive 
Economic Zone by means of such regional FFA arrangement or any other legal provision? How 
many Tongan vessels are involved in such operations? Are US purse seiners active in Tongan 
waters under the mentioned Multilateral Treaty? Has Tonga signed or concluded any other agreement or arrangement relating to access of foreign vessels to fish in its Exclusive Economic Zone? How many are concerned? Is the content of such agreements publicly available?  
 
Reply 
  A regional licensing arrangement has yet to be finalized. 
  The Government of Tonga provides access for US purse seiners in the Tongan EEZ under 
the Multilateral Treaty. 
  Other than the normal arrangements for licensing of specific vessels, there are no other 
arrangements or agreements relating to foreign access to EEZ fisheries. 
2.6  Ongoing review of foreign investme nt regulations, including reserved list 
 Question by Australia  
Can Tonga please provide further details regarding the reforms to foreign investment regulations 
that have been introduced since Tonga's accession to the WTO?   
Questions by New Zealand  
When will the review of the foreign investment regulations, including the reserved list, be completed? What changes does Tonga anticipate will be made to the reserved list? 
 
Reply 
The Government of Tonga is currently engaged in a review of the Foreign Investment Act and Regulations, supported by the Asian Development Bank. The Act and Regulations, which were 
brought into force at the same time as Tonga acce ded to the WTO, clarified the scope of reserved 
activities and the thresholds for foreign investment.  
This review is intended to be completed by June  2014. The potential changes in the reserved list 
include a planned reduction in the number of reserved activities, and further clarification on their scope. WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  2.7  Investment climate, competitio n, and business licensing reforms  
 Questions by the US What major changes does Tonga intend to make in its overhaul of business license legislation and 
what is the current status of the legislation?  
 Reply 
The Business Licence (Amendment) Act has been in force since 2012, and includes a number of reforms such as a reduction in fees, indefinite licencing periods, licencing based on enterprises 
rather than specific activities, and a waiver on ancillary Government approvals for new applicants. 
 
Questions by Australia 
Could Tonga please advise: 
  The approximate time frame for issuance of a business licence?  
  What procedures there may be for applications being lodged on-line, or by post, 
including for lodgement of supporting certification?   
Reply 
The issuance of a business licence takes approx imately one business day. An online licencing 
service is currently under development, with an aim to launch the facility in July 2014.  
Questions by the US 
The report further notes that the Government of Tonga is developing plans to implement a reform 
program that includes "[p]romoting and protecting fair competition within Tonga, including 
stronger protection of intellectual property an d better border measures." Please describe in 
additional detail the steps the government and private sector stakeholders have taken to develop and implement these measures.   
 
Reply 
Tonga is employing a whole-of-government approach  to border enforcement, including a public-
private partnership between firms, Customs offici als and the Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and 
Labour to identify suspect shipments and take appropriate actions. 
 To be competitive in regional and global economies, entrepreneurs, including farmers, need access 
to capital, know-how and market information. Wh at steps has Tonga taken or plan to take to 
remove gender-based impediments, particularly those limiting ownership of property, so that women entrepreneurs, farmers and business-owners can fully participate in global trade?   
 
Reply 
The Government of Tonga is currently reviewing the legislative framework regarding land. The Government is also in the process of developing a Women in Business Strategy, to link greater 
gender opportunities with private sector development.  
2.8  Introduction of bankruptcy law 
 
Question by the US and Australia 
We understand that Tonga does not have a formal  bankruptcy law. Is Tonga considering such a 
law to protect investors?  
 
Reply 
The Government is currently developing an appropriate legislative framework on bankruptcy. 
2.9  Fight against corruption  
 
Question by the US  
Transparency International's January 2013 review  commented on Tonga's improvement in the 
ongoing battle against corruption. What steps has Tonga taken to address corruption concerns to 
encourage foreign trade with Tonga?   WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  Reply 
Tonga has taken several steps to strengthen governance, including: 
  Creating a strong legislative framework, including the Anti-Corruption Commissioner Act of 
2007 (currently in force), the Commissioner for Public Relations Act of 1998 and the Money 
Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act of 2000; 
  Increased automation of borders/Customs processes (ongoing); and 
  Increasing the independence of the Auditor General and Attorney General. 
3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 
3.1  Implementation of tariff reform; applied rates exceeding bound rates  
 Questions by Canada and New Zealand 
Tonga's applied rates have been exceeding the bound levels on 22 tariff lines. According to the 
authorities, these breaches are technical mistakes  to be corrected with the migration to HS2012. 
When does Tonga anticipate the rectification of these tariffs to be within its WTO commitments to 
be complete?   
 Reply 
The national tariff based on HS 2012 was gazetted in December 2013; implementation is planned for February 2014. The new tariff will rectify the tariff anomalies in question. 
3.2  Differentiation of excise taxes for imported and domestically produced goods 
 
Questions by Thailand and Canada  
The Secretariat Report States that Tonga levies excise taxes on certain products and the tax rates differ for some imported and domestically produced products. Please specify the reason(s) or 
principle behind the current excise tax regime, as well as the different tax rates between imported 
and locally produced goods. Is this tax regi me consistent with Tonga's WTO obligations?  
 
Question by Australia 
Australia supports Tonga's efforts to promote publ ic health and appreciates the non-discriminatory 
nature of most taxation measures taken to suppo rt this aim (S.6). We, however, encourage Tonga 
to unify the treatment of all imported and domestic like goods under its excise tax regime (S.8). 
Unified treatment of imported and domestic like goods could be achieved in a manner that neither 
reduces government revenue nor undermines legitima te public health objectives. Does Tonga have 
any plans in regards to this?  
 
Reply 
Tonga takes its WTO commitments seriously. The Government is reviewing its excise tax regime, 
including for alcohol, tobacco and non-alcoholic beverages. 
3.3  Taxation policy for "unhealthy" goods  
 Questions by New Zealand  
What steps has Tonga taken to introduce an all of government approach to non-communicable 
diseases? Has Tonga experienced any difficulties as a result of responsibility for this aspect of 
taxation policy sitting with the Ministry of Health?  
 
Reply 
The Ministry of Health heads a Healthy Food Committee, which makes suggestions to the Ministry 
of Finance and National Planning on the link between tax policy and non-communicable diseases. 
The Ministry of Finance and National Planning however remains the lead Ministry on tax policy. 
3.4  Elaboration of rules of origin  
 
Questions by the EU and Australia 
Could the Tongan authorities clarify as to how they expect to establish a future system for the issuance and recognition of certificates of origin, especially in view of ongoing government efforts 
to implement PICTA into the national legisl ation and possible future trade agreements?  
  WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  Reply 
Tonga plans to implement a system of rules of origin to support its commitments under current 
and future trade agreements. Tonga has benefi ted from a number of workshops held by the 
Oceania Customs Organisation but requires further technical assistance to draw up the necessary 
rules and relevant legislation. 
3.5  Plans, if any, to establish anti-dumping/countervailing framework  
 
Question by New Zealand 
Does Tonga have any future plans to develop legislation or an institutional framework for the investigation and imposition of anti-dumping or countervailing measures on trade?  
 
Reply 
Tonga is considering strengthening its regulatory framework on trade defence. Any further 
developments in this area will be dependent on the availability of technical assistance and financial 
and human resources. 
3.6  Fuel concessions as subsidies  
 
Question by the European Union 
Could the Tongan authorities clarify how the assistance given through fuel concession to electricity generation, air transport and domestic shipping do not qualify as subsidies in accordance with the Subsidies and Countervailing Agreement?  
 
Reply 
The Government of Tonga maintains that its provis ion of exemptions for these vital services does 
not raise any concerns under the relevant WTO Agreements. 
3.7  Establishment of a Nation al Food Authority/Food Bill 
 
Questions by Australia and the US 
Australia is interested to note that Tonga is considering a National Food Bill that would provide for a National Food Authority to oversee regulatory meas ures to ensure food safety and quality, taking 
into account relevant international standards and otherwise in compliance with the SPS and TBT 
Agreements. What is the expected timeframe for the enactment of this legislation and for the 
establishment of the National Food Authority?  
 
Reply 
The Food Act is currently awaiting Royal Assent. The establishment of the National Food Authority 
will follow both Royal Assent and the allocation of adequate resources within the Ministry of Health. 
3.8  Criteria used for the definition of state ownership  
 Questions by the US The Secretariat report discusses and lists various st ate-owned enterprises in Tonga. What criteria 
were used to identify these entities (e.g., direct  ownership, Government officials serving on the 
Board of Directors)? For each criterion listed, please identify any thresholds that were taken into account in order to identify an entity as a state-owned enterprise (e.g., minimum level of 
ownership, authority and responsibilities of Government officials within the entity).  
 Reply 
State-owned enterprises are identified as those listed under the Public Enterprises Act of 2002. The Government of Tonga is the sole shareholder of the listed companies. 
3.9  State rights in privatized companies  
 
Questions by the EU 
Could the Tongan authorities explain whether the State maintains special rights in privatised companies? Are there restrictions on foreign investments in those companies?  
 
 WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  Reply 
The Government does not maintain any special ri ghts in privatised companies. There are no 
specific foreign investment restrictions for these companies, apart from those listed in the Foreign Investment Act. 
3.10  Accession to international IP treaties and conventions 
 Question by the EU 
Could Tongan authorities provide some information on a tentative timeline for its accession 
procedure to the IP treaties and conventions ment ioned in this paragraph (3.87 of the Secretariat 
Report)?   
Reply 
Tonga continues to consider whether it is desirable to accede to more IP treaties. In this regard, 
technical assistance would be helpful in order to support an assessment of the desirability of 
acceding to such agreements. 
3.11  Efforts and plans to strengthen enforcement of intellectual property rights  
 
Question by the US 
The Secretariat Report notes that prohibited imports include "[a]ll books and any written or printed matter and sounds and visual recordings of which the Minister shall by notice declare to be prohibited imports on account of any copyright or intellectual property right laws that apply in the 
Kingdom." Please describe the operation of this practice and explain whether the Minister has 
issued any notices under this provision.   
Reply 
The Minister has not yet issued any notices under this provision. 
 
Questions by the US 
The Secretariat report states that prior to its accession, Tonga was preparing a draft law to strengthen the enforcement of intellectual property  rights. The report states that the draft law did 
not impose criminal penalties for the infringement of intellectual property rights and did not 
stipulate any specific civil penalties, but established procedures and measures to be followed by 
the court and the Tonga Customs Service in the ev ent of infringement or imminent infringement 
actions. The Secretariat report further states that consideration of the Enforcement and Border 
Measures Bill "has been delayed to minimize overlapping and inconsistencies vis-à-vis the Customs 
Act."  
 
  What is the status of this draft law on intellectual property? When might the 
Legislative Assembly be expected to begin consideration of this bill? 
  Does the new draft legislation include sufficient penalties to discourage 
infringement? If not, what type of penalt ies or enforcement will ensure compliance? 
  Further, the Secretariat report states that ""[t]he IP provisions under the Customs 
Act have not been effectively enforced to date." Please explain what additional efforts Tonga has taken, or is considering, to improve enforcement of these 
provisions.  
 Reply 
Issues arising under the draft law, including the sufficiency of penalties, are still being analysed. 
There is no fixed date for its consideration by the Legislative Assembly. Pending the finalisation of the draft law, various Ministries continue to collaborate to address border enforcement as it relates to Tonga's IP obligations. 
The Government plans to strengthen the coordination efforts of key Ministries – particularly 
Customs and the Ministry of Commerce – to effectively enforce border measures. The enactment of the draft law already referred to would further strengthen enforcement efforts. WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  3.12  IP protection of traditional knowledge and culture  
 Question by the US The Government report states that "The Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour (MCTL) is 
currently developing a national strategy for the protection of intellectual property. An area of 
interest is the protection of traditional knowledge and culture." 
 
 When will this national strategy be completed and/or available for review?  
 How does the Government of Tonga plan on implementing intellectual property laws to 
protect traditional knowledge and culture?   
 
Reply  
One of the Ministry's key goals for 2014 is the finalization of a national strategy on intellectual 
property, with particular focus on preserving traditional knowledge and culture. The Ministry is 
currently holding consultations, with support  from WIPO, with relevant stakeholders. 
 The Government is considering model legislation prepared for the Pacific region that covers 
traditional knowledge and culture. 
4  SECTORAL POLICIES 4.1  Agriculture 4.1.1  Implementation of policies/projects re lated to food security, export promotion, 
import substitution  
Question by Canada 
Could Tonga give more details on the types of initiatives and measures implemented to achieve 
these policy objectives, more specifically those related to food security, export promotion and 
those aimed at stimulating exports or substituting imports?  
 
Reply  
A number of activities are ongoing under the National Growth Committee on Agriculture, including 
an agricultural census and a national agricultural sector plan. A number of donor-supported projects are ongoing in the agricultural sect or, with further commitments in the pipeline. 
 
Questions by Australia Australia notes the importance of food security for Tonga's Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests 
and Fisheries. How does Tonga define food securi ty? Have any strategies been developed to help 
achieve food security in Tonga?   
 
Reply  
The Government of Tonga follows international guidelines and practices related to food security. 
Studies have been undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries, 
supported by donor partners. The above-mentioned national agricultural sector plan will serve as a 
key plank of Tonga's efforts towards achieving food security. 
 Question by Australia 
Can Tonga please provide further details about it s new breadfruit treatment facility? Could this 
facility be expanded for treatment of other export goods?   
 
Reply  
The facility in question – not specifically restricted to breadfruit – has been recently certified and is 
soon to begin operation.  
4.1.2  Agricultural production as renewable energy source  
Question by Canada 
Could Tonga provide examples of projects financ ed under V-Flex that pertain to agriculture, 
including those who have received funds for the development of renewable energies (e.g., 
development of bio-fuel crops)?  
 WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  Reply  
V-Flex funding was provided in the form of budg et support from the EU to support the renewable 
energy sector.  
4.1.3  SPS measures 
Questions by Australia 
Australia notes the efforts Tonga has made since accession towards implementation of the 
commitments in its Protocol of Accession and Report of the Working party of the Accession. 
Focusing specifically on Tonga's SPS-related efforts: 
  
 Can Tonga please provide details about the changes made to its SPS processes? 
 How have these changes brought Tonga into line with the SPS Agreement? 
 Can Tonga please advise which agency(s) is responsible for issuing import permits for 
agricultural goods? 
 Can Tonga please advise of the internationa l and regional SPS-related bodies of which 
it is a member?  
 Can Tonga please provide further details regarding the risk assessment processes 
undertaken in granting import permits?  
 
Reply 
  The Government has undertaken and is undertaking efforts to strengthen import risk 
assessment, including dedicated staff members to conduct such assessments. The 
provision of additional technical assistance would greatly facilitate the Government's efforts in this area. 
  The Quarantine Division of the MAFFF is responsible for issuing import permits for 
agricultural goods.  
  Tonga is a member of the International Plan t Protection Convention (IPPC), Asia-Pacific 
Plant Protection Convention (APPPC) and the Pacific Plant Protection Organisation (PPPO). 
  The Quarantine Division of the MAFFF works closely with their Australian counterparts on 
SPS and risk assessment procedures. 
4.2  Fisheries 
4.2.1  Challenges of over-harvesting  
Questions by New Zealand 
What plans are there to deal with over-fishing of some marine resources? What steps is Tonga 
taking to rebuild and protect the beche-de-mer fishery given its potential to contribute significantly 
to the Tongan economy?   
Reply  
There is a beche-de-mer moratorium currently in  p l a c e .  T h e  G o v e r n m e n t  i s  a l s o  w o r k i n g  i n  
partnership with coastal communities to ensure sustainable harvesting in Special Management Areas (SMAs). 
 
4.2.2  Impact of subsidies on fleet capacity  
Question by the EU 
Are there any national subsidies that could imply support to increased capacity or effort deployed 
with consequent increase of catches? [EU] 
 
Reply  
The Government administers some incentives related to fisheries and is analysing their impact on 
capacity and catches.  
Question by Australia 
Australia notes that the figures regarding licensed fishing vessels do not appear to align in the two TPR documents – Para 4.11 of WT TPR G 291 and Table 4.2 of WT TPR S 291 quote two different 
sets of figures for number of licensed vessels. Can Tonga please clarify these figures?  
 WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  Reply  
Part of the discrepancy may arise from the fact that the Government Report refers only to vessels 
engaged in tuna fishing, whereas the Secretariat Report refers to both tuna and snapper/grouper fishing vessels. The discrepancy may also arise from the use of different base periods in the two 
reports. 
4.3  Services 4.3.1  Financial services 
Question by Australia 
Australia is pleased to note that Tonga has a substantially open financial services sector, which includes allowing the establishment of foreign commercial banks, of which Tonga currently has four. Could Tonga please provide further information on whether this openness has contributed to 
the availability of a greater range of financial services in Tonga? 
 Reply 
The Government's approach to regulating financial services, including on the access of foreign banks, has been aimed at increasing the variety and choice of financial instruments available to consumers and firms, consistent with prudential considerations. 
4.3.2  Telecommunications 
Questions by the US 
As noted in the Secretariat report, in August 2008, the Government mandated an increase of termination rates for incoming fixed and mobile calls from US$0.13/minute to US$0.30/minute. 
The government-mandated higher termination rate s were later cancelled. However, it is our 
understanding that the higher termination rates have remained in effect, resulting in foreign 
carriers re-routing calls through other countries. Has the Government of Tonga given any 
consideration to investigating the high termination rates currently being charged by Tonga 
Communications Corporation and Digicel which negatively impact its connectivity to the rest of the world?  
 
Reply 
The higher termination rates quoted above are no longer in effect. Termination rates for Tonga are set by market considerations. 
 
Question by Australia We note that all proposed tariff changes for communication services require approval by the 
Communications Ministry; that interconnection and roaming rates are not regulated; and that 
interconnection agreements are to be negotiated between carriers in accordance with prevailing 
market conditions. Can Tonga please advise how roaming rates are currently set, and whether any 
revisions to regulation of roaming rates are being considered?   
 Reply 
Roaming rates are set by prevailing market cond itions; there are currently no regulations on 
roaming rates. 
 Question by Australia 
We note that a revision of Tonga's Communications Act is pending, and that consideration is being 
given to the establishment of an independent telecom regulator or multi-sector utilities regulator. Could Tonga please advise the expected timeframe for revision of this legislation, and for the 
establishment of any such regulator?  
 Reply 
The relevant legislation is still being reviewed, including consideration of the optimal regulatory 
model for Tonga. 
 WT/TPR/M/291/Add.1 
 
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  4.3.3  Transport 
Question by Australia 
Australia notes the importance of transport, particularly marine transport, and communication services for trade and economic growth in To nga. How has Tonga managed growth in these 
sectors?  
 Reply 
The Shipping Act, which regulates the maritime transport sector in Tonga, is currently under review by the Ministry of Infrastructure.   The Government has established a public enterprise (Tonga Cable Ltd) to manage access to 
Tonga's new submarine fibre optic cable . 
5  GOVERNMENT REPORT 5.1  Use of trade-related technical assist ance to build institutional capacity  
 
Question by Brazil In light of the role played by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) as the "leading 
agency on trade policy" and the need to ensure the hiring and training of key personnel, could 
Tonga please indicate what types of capacity-building programs have been implemented thus far?   Reply 
MFAT officials have benefitted from training opportunities provided by the WTO Secretariat. Further to the constraints identified in the Government Report, Tonga welcomes further support in this area. 
 
Question by Australia Australia notes the "urgent and critical" need for Tonga to upgrade its institutional and human 
resources capacity in order to assist with trade policy-making. Has Tonga developed any strategies 
to help address this need?  
 Reply 
Tonga has yet to develop an Aid-for-Trade Strate gy. Members are encouraged to read the Annex 
to Tonga's Government Report for initial thinking on priority areas. 
5.2  Seasonal workers 
 
Question by Thailand Please specify the criteria (such as age, English skill level or occupational level etc.) required for 
Tongan labourers under Tonga's Seasonal Employ ment Scheme with New Zealand and Australia.  
 Reply 
The criteria for the respective seasonal employme nt schemes are set by employers in New Zealand 
and Australia. 
 EU FOLLOW-UP QUESTION  
Are Tongan vessels entitled to fish outside its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by means of such 
regional FFA arrangement or any other legal provision? If so, how many vessels operating?   
Reply 
There are no bilateral/regional arrangements or agreements which provide access by Tongan 
vessels to foreign EEZ therefore there are no vessels operating under such arrangements.  
 
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