In His opening speech at Parliament on Thursday, King Tupou VI said the government should continue to enhance agriculture, fisheries and tourism as the most important sectors to help the nations’ economy.
Speaking at the opening of the kingdom’s legislative assembly, he said there were important matters for the House to address this year, including the nation’s financial status.
He said the government had set goals to work on such as good governance and initiatives to reduce poverty, promote social welfare, development and technological education.
His Majesty said it was important for the nation to be prepared for natural disasters and become used to using renewable resources.
The king said the government had work in place to improve transportation and communication as Tonga prepared to host the South Pacific Games 2019.
His Majesty thanked foreign donors including the governments of Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of China and Japan, international non-government organisations such as European Unions and World Bank for their assistance in the development of the kingdom.
He concluded His opening speech by expressing his gratitude to the people and the government for all the work they had done in preparation for the coronation in July.
The opening of parliament was marked by a march by students from all the high schools on the mainland, Tongatapu.
They paraded along Taufa’ahau Road to parliament and through the grounds of the royal palace.
The main points
- In His opening speech at Parliament on Thursday, King Tupou VI said the government should continue to enhance agriculture, fisheries and tourism as the most important sectors to help the nations’ economy.
- His Majesty said the government had set goals to work on such as good governance and initiatives to reduce poverty, promote social welfare, development and technological education.
- He also said it was important for the nation to be prepared for natural disasters and become used to using renewable resources.
- The king said the government had work in place to improve transportation and communication as Tonga prepared to host the South Pacific Games 2019.
