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2
Exciting Days
Welcome to the Tonga National Business Conference 2026
This annual event is hosted by the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development in collaboration with the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate collaboration, inform policy decisions, promote economic growth, address challenges, enhance transparency, and build relationships. It serves as a platform for national, social and economic development dialogue, problem-solving, and the development of policies that benefit both and the broader economy
Theme
Charting New Frontiers For Tonga’s Private Sector: Tofa ha hala fononga fo’ou ma’ae Sekitoa Taautaha ‘a Tonga
When
Wednsday 17th - Thursday 18th June, 2026
Where
Fa'onelua Convention Centre
Who
Government & Private Sector
The Objectives of the Conference are to
1. Bring together businesses from around Tonga to share experiences, discuss ideas, explore opportunities, establish networks regarding key areas important for private sector growth.
2. Strengthen cooperation and trust between Government and the Private Sector around common goals and be able to develop appropriate set of recommendations for relevant stakeholders at the conclusion of the conference to support private sector priorities..
event program
Time
Events
Speakers
- 08:30am - 9:00am
- Foyer
Registration
OPENING CEREMONY
- 9:00am
- Conference Room
Opening Prayer
Rev. Feleti Vaka‘uta (Fasi-moe-afi)
Welcome Speech
Ms. Aloma Johansson (Vice President, Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc.)
Keynote Speech
Hon. Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua (Minister of MEIDECC)
Closing Prayer
Rev. Feleti Vaka‘uta (Fasi-moe-afi)
Break
Photo Session & Morning Tea
- 10:30am - 12:00pm
- Conference Room
Government Updates on the 100 days
Ms. ‘Akanesi Tupou
(Prime Minister’s Office)
- 12:00pm - 12:30pm
- Conference Room
Presentation of Private Sector Concerns
Ms. Naitilima Tupou (Secretary, Tonga Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Inc.)
Panel / Q&A
1. Ms. Distaquaine Tu’ihalamaka (CEO, Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation
and Labour)
2. Ms. Kilisitina Tuaimei’api (CEO, Ministry of Finance)
3. Mr. Elisaia Ika (CEO, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forest)
4. Mr. Michael Cokanasiga (CEO, Ministry of Revenue and Customs)
5. Ms. Sandradee Fifita (CEO, Ministry of Tourism)
6. Dr. Vailala Matoto (CEO, Ministry of Fisheries)
- 12:30pm - 1:30pm
- Lounge Area
Lunch
- 1:30pm - 2:30pm
- Conference Room
Private Sector Funding - Government Loans
Mr. Kaho ‘Ofa & Ms. Seini Movete (CEO &
Chief Credit Officer, Tonga Development Bank)
- 2:30pm - 3:30pm
- Conference Room
Business Link Pacific – 2026 Fuel Crisis
Mr. Paul Wendland (Deputy Director and
Enterprise Finance Lead)
- 3:30pm - 4:00pm
- Conference Room
Private Sector Competitiveness and Cost of Doing Business
Mr. Tatafu Moeaki (Governor, National Reserve Bank of Tonga)
- 4:00pm
- Conference Room
Wrap up & Closing
Ms. Distaquaine Tu‘ihalamaka (CEO, Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and
Labour)
Time
Events
Speakers
- 8:30am - 9:00am
- Foyer
Registration
- 9:00am - 9:30am
- Conference Room
Day 1 Recap
Ms. Aloma Johansson (Vice President, Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc.)
- 9:30am - 10:30am
- Conference Room
Workforce and Skill development and Labour Mobility
Ms. Kolotia Fotu (Deputy CEO, Ministry of Commerce, Consumer,
Trade, Innovation and Labour)
- 10:30am - 11:30am
- Conference Room
Logistics and National Resilience
Mr. Edwin Liava‘a (CEO, Tonga Post Ltd)
- 11:30am - 12:30pm
- Conference Room
MSME Development, Innovation & Digital Transformation
UNCDF representative
- 12:30pm - 1:30pm
- Conference Room
Lunch
- 1:30pm - 1:45pm
- Conference Room
PRIVATE SECTOR STRATEGY (Building a Stronger Business Environment)
Ms. Naitilima Tupou (Secretary, Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
- 1:45pm - 3:00pm
- Conference Room
Breakout Session - Group Discussion
Moderated by Appointed Secretariat
GROUP 1: REDUCING COST OF DOING BUSINESS
GROUP 2: WORK FORCE AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
GROUP 3: MSME DEVELOPMENT, INNOVATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
GROUP 4: LOGISTICS AND NATIONAL RESILIENCE
GROUP 5: ACCESS TO FINANCE
- 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Conference Room
Breakout Session Presentations
Moderated by Appointed Secretariat
- 4:00pm
- Conference Room
Closing & Way Forward
Ms. Aloma Johansson (Vice President, Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc.)
guest speakers
Brett O’Riley
CEO – New Zealand Employers & Manufacturers Association
Distaquaine Tu’ihalamaka
CEO – Ministry of Trade and Economic Development
Elizabeth Cowley Sullivan
Executive Director – AJ & E Ltd
Emeline Tuita
CEO - Tonga Development Bank
Fololina Eiko ‘Ahokava
Eiko-San Boutique & Clothing
Hon. Fatafehi 'o Lapaha Tuita
Principal Tourist Officer, Ministry of Tourism
Josefa Vanuaca
Business Adviser - Market Development Facility
Kolotia Fotu
Deputy CEO - Ministry of Trade & Economic Development
Lesieli Tufui Faletau
Acting CEO, Ministry of Finance
Malieta ‘Inoke
Tonga Country Coordinator - UNCDF
Marcellina R. Wolfgramm Ha’apai
Country Head, Bank of South Pacific – Tonga Ltd.
Masa Kawaguchi
General Manager and Director – South Pacific Mozuku (Tonga) Ltd
Michael Cokanasiga
CEO – Ministry of Revenue & Customs
Sam Vea
President, Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Sarah Boxall
Economic Empowerment of Women Specialist – PSDI, ADB
Simulata Taufa
Operation Manager, EZTonga
Siola’a Malimali,
Acting CEO – Ministry of Fisheries
Smitha Shanbhag
Business & Stakeholder Manager - Business Link Pacific
Tatafu Moeaki
Governor, Tonga National Reserve Bank
Teisa Tupou
Marketing Manager, Tonga Tourism Authority
Viliami Toalei Manu
CEO, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forest
conference sponsors
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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