2010 Pasifiki Trade Fair - 'Niu Trades: Back in the Plus'

The ninth annual Pasifiki Trade Fair took place from October 21^st – 23^rd, 2010 at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall with the theme “Niu Trades: Back in the Plus.”

The Pasifiki Trade Fair featured over 80 participants displaying their goods and promoting their services. Participants included local organisations as well as participants from outer islands funded by New Zealand High Commission. International companies from Fiji, Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia also attended this year’s fair.

The fair was officially opened by Hon. ‘Otenili Afu’alo Matoto, Minister of Finance and National Development on Thursday 21^st October. Hon. ‘Otenili Afu’alo Matoto recognizes that the annual trade fair is an important event during these challenging times. “The economic challenges faced by Tonga calls for this type of synergy of concerted effort and collaborative partnership that brings forth new ideas, resourcefulness, ingenuity, consistent drive for competitiveness, a passion for innovation and maximum profitability and development.  Our ultimate hope is that economic growth will be achieved and the national vision of a Tongan society with a higher standards of living and better quality of life will be attained. (Download the full address).

The Pasifiki Trade Fair is a joint collaboration between the Ministry of Labour, Commerce & Industries and the Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The objectives of the committee are:

1.       To create an environment that facilitates the promotion of products and services and available in Tonga.

2.       To develop and promote an understanding of trade, investment, tourism and technology trends throughout the Pacific region; and

3.        To encourage and establish networks among agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism operators, distributive traders, construction and financial institutions and other service organizations including transportation and communications within Tonga and the Pacific Region.

As we approach the tenth year, PTF has cemented its place as the Pacific’s most important event, bringing together service providers, manufacturers, investors, buyers and distributors in a successful initiative to expand intra- and extra-regional trade.

The Pasifiki Trade Fair committee would like to thank the following sponsors: Ministry of Labour, Commerce & Industries, Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Pacific Blue, PIPSO, TCC, Asco Motors, Office Equipment, Ethnic Communications, AIS St Helens, New Zealand High Commission, JR Print, Tonga Development Bank, Manihiki Black Pearl & Education USA.