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Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Dr. Viliami Usik Ratu and his ministry yesterday launched Tonga’s first National Standardization Roadmap at the Likualofa Centre in Tofoa. The roadmap aims to implement and enforce quality standards in various sectors in Tonga in partnership with PACER Plus and Standards Australia.
“This roadmap represents a strategic move by the government to establish and maintain quality standards in our services, products and systems to facilitate trade,” Dr Ratu said. “It ensures that both imported and exported goods meet strict quality standards, benefiting consumers.”
Dr Latu highlighted the role of the roadmap in promoting competition in Tonga’s business environment. “By setting these standards, we are levelling the playing field for businesses, encouraging innovation and quality improvement.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to Tonga, Mr Brek Batley, highlighted the importance of the roadmap for trade confidence. “This initiative enables businesses to trade with confidence, knowing that all products meet the set standards.”
The roadmap outlines Tonga’s 10-year vision, focused on increasing exports by supporting market access and building consumer trust in Tongan products. The roadmap aims to protect consumers from substandard or unsafe imports, promote environmental resilience, and develop reliable infrastructure in key sectors such as energy, construction and healthcare.
“The roadmap is an investment in Tonga’s national capacity, enabling us to meet both national objectives and international trade standards,” Dr Ratu said.
The program is a joint effort between the Department of Trade and Economic Development and Standards Australia, with support from the PACER Plus implementation unit. Adam Stingemore, Chief Development Officer at Standards Australia, said: “This project lays the foundation for Tonga’s national standards infrastructure, enabling the development and adoption of standards that meet national objectives.”
The Department and Standards Australia will continue to collaborate under the PACER Plus framework as we move into the next phase of implementation.
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