The New Zealand Tonga Business Council will send a business mission to Tonga next month.

Last year the Council sent a delegation to Tonga in February last year and were optimistic about the opportunities in the kingdom they believed would be generated by the 2019 Pacific Games.

The Tongan government abandoned plans to host the Games  a decision that NZTBC Chair Sione Taufa said would “disappoint” some council members.

Despite this, Taufa appears optimistic ahead of this year’s visit.

He said there was potential for the Council to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tongan Government.

The nation is still recovering from the impact of Cyclone Gita in February, which devastated much of the main island of Tongatapu.

More help from New Zealand businesses was needed after the devastation caused by Cyclone Gita in February.

He said a number of successful Tongan business people in New Zealand were beginning to identify Tonga in the wake of the Pacer Plus agreement.

Increasing tourism numbers were also important for the growth of the kingdom’s economy.

“Our neighbours in Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands have all benefited from the rise in visitor numbers, so there is significant potential and opportunity for Tonga,” Taufa said.