On behalf of the Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TCCI) and businesses in Tonga I would like to acknowledge the very kind assistance of the House in allowing TCCI and businesses the opportunity to be consulted and make input into the Foreign Investment Bill 2019. We deeply appreciate this opportunity. The Chambers usual consultation practice is to forward the Bill to members and businesses for comment. We then collate those comments and forward to the appropriate Ministry as the TCCI and private sector submission. Given the urgent need for the House to pass the Bill, Chamber sent out the Foreign Investment Bill (FIB) 2019 on Wednesday 20 February 2019 for comment with a deadline of Friday 22 February 2019, 10am for receipt of comments. We would like to take this opportunity to make some comments on the consultation process between government Ministries in general with Chamber and the private sector. Generally, we think the current process is good, but like all processes, improvements should always be sought and made. Chamber proposes the following to improve the current consultation process for consideration. Comments on the Consultation Process and How It Could be Improved
2. Consultation on business related legislations must be timely. (a) Businesses must be given sufficient time to consider & prepare written submissions on pending legislation. Frequently in Tonga the person that should write, comment is also the manager of the business and has limited time to prepare submission as well as running the business. (b) In addition, consultations must be recent. For example,consultation conducted in say 2016 for legislation to be passed in 2019, may well be dated and need to undergo a fresh round of consultation in 2019 as business conditions & environment may have changed markedly from when the consultation took place. Specific Comments:
the final decision in what constitutes a Reserved and Restricted List and in granting the Foreign Business Certificate and not the CEO and Minister. The current proposed law may lead to favouritism if only two (2) people make all the decisions where a lot of money will be involved 2. Section 19Again, regarding this Committee, it is proposed this same Committee should handle Appeals from dissatisfied customers/clients and not the Minister alone. The process will be improved if the Committee is allowed to evaluate the worthiness of the appeals. 3. Clause 15 (1) of the Bill states:“The Registrar shall determine an application for the issue of a certificate within 5 working days after receiving the application.” Surely 5 days is far too short to make a proper assessment and proper checking of most applications…Suggest that at the very minimum a month would be a more reasonable time frame 4. Clause 6: Meaning of an overseas person In this Act, “overseas person” means (b)a body corporate that is incorporated outside Tonga Does this mean that a Tongan subject (irrespective of where he lives)? who has a company incorporated overseas will have to go through the process of applying for a certificate? Clarification is needed on this please. 5. In Part 3, perhaps make reference to the following: Reserved list mainly to assist with local and small business enterprises and in some areas where large scale investment are not necessary to start a business investment. However, there is scope for foreign investment, especially in areas beyond local financial capabilities, advanced technology and in areas of major tourism resorts etc. where investment capital of more than ToP5 million would be required as minimum investment level. Foreign investment in these areas would significantly boost Tonga's economy, create new markets and new local jobs and as a catalyst for other related small local businesses to thrive. General Comments: 6. TCCI understand that the passing of the FIB will lead to the release of $35 Million in Budget Support by aid donors. Chamber proposes that government consider using part of these funds to support import substituting business that have operated successfully in Tonga for more than 2 years eg in the manufacturing sector 7. A fair and credible system for vetting and approving foreign investment applications is needed. 8. On the whole the Bill is good; Its main drawback is that there is no mechanism in the Bill to ensure that there is ongoing and regular consultation with the Tonga Business Community, most/many of whom are represented by the Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and on whom the effects of foreign investment will be most felt. 9. This Bill when it becomes law will have significant impact on the Tongan-owned businesses. The disappearance or death of the ‘village falekoloa’ is a direct result of the Govt – over the past 20 years – not taking appropriate measures to assist and to protect the Tongan falekoloa. Ko e kolo pe ko e ‘oku ‘ikai ke ‘iai ha fale koloa muli (eg Kolonga) ko e kolo ia ‘oku kei mo’ui pe e ngaahi falekoloa ‘a e Tonga. 10. A “rethink” of our licensing system, immigration and employment laws and regulations is imperative. 11. To include in the Bill provision for the establishment of an oversight committee to oversee the administration of this Act and its regulations, membership of which will include the CEO/Registrar, as Chairman, plus a Representative of the Chamber and a Business person, and others as the Min sees fit. This will ensure constant/ongoing consultation and oversight…..NZ has the OIO – Overseas Investment Office – which oversees overseas investment in NZ – to encourage but at the same time protect those business and assets which NZ determine to reserve for New Zealanders. 12. This Committee will also consider and make recommendations on all applications for F/Inv certificates/approvals; also, be the Committee to consider/review and make recommendations to the Minister for any changes to the Reserve, Restricted and Prohibited Lists, and any other relevant issues to be included in the Regulations. 13. The consultation on Prohibited, Reserved and Restricted Lists is a must, and should be ongoing and regular. The only way that this can be done is by establishing a Standing Committee written in to the Bill, as suggested above. 14. My concern with the Foreign Investment Bill 2019 is the risk that current local businesses face when they have spent considerable time and money into developing not just their business, but the sector in which they operate as well. Some existing businesses have over the years build up their business or sector from scratch ie identified a new export market oversea and build that market over the years, taking a lot of risks along the way. Then government or aid donors, fund competing operations to operate in the same market that was first developed by existing local business who took the early risks. Also, these first local investors may have build-up supporting local industries involved in their sector value chain. Such local business that took the early risks & survived should no to compete against govt or donor funded/subsidised companies - this is not fair competition. Let other local business compete with them, but without govt or donor assistance just like the first businesses did - that is fair competition. 15.In addition, if foreign investment in the form of aid is used to start-up businesses in Tonga, once the donor leaves or funds provided is finished Tonga may not have the capacity to sustain the business and it becomes a short-term handout rather than a long-term business investment, not to mention undermining effect they would have on our local businesses. Government and donors should ensure they do their homework and work only with Tongan partners who are capable & experienced to continue on with the business once the subsidies or donor funds is finished. 16. Establishment of an advisory investment board, consisting of a good mix of representatives (public and private sector) from the key sectors such as energy, Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Association, energy, environment and planning. This Board to give advice from time to time in decision on major foreign investment and to help the Minister in making key decisions. 17. I thought somewhere in the beginning and Introduction, the overall position of Tonga in terms of foreign investment be summarised and viewed. Perhaps something like this: Tonga is committed to creating an attractive investment climate for both local and foreign investors. Tonga is politically stable with a growing economy, offer skilled, well-trained but relatively low labour costs, a favourable exchange rate, conducive environment for investment with political and economic stability. Tonga provides a highly favourable investment environment. Forty-five Tongan women and men proudly graduated with qualifications in nine technical and vocational programs, during the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) graduation ceremony in Nuku’alofa on 28 September.
The new students graduated in a range of trades including air-conditioning and refrigeration, carpentry, fabrication trade, mechanical trade, individual support, light vehicle mechanical technology, plumbing, training and assessment and the International Training and Assessment Course (ITAC). They now join over 450 Tongan nationals, of whom more than 230 are women, who have graduated from APTC - Australia’s major Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) investment in the Pacific. While delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Education and Training, Honourable Penisimani 'Epenisa Fifita congratulated the graduates on attaining an Australian qualification. He urged them to contribute their newfound skills and knowledge to their workplaces and communities. Hon. Fifita commended APTC’s continued efforts in working with organisations such as Tonga Skills for Economic Growth to deliver the International Training and Assessment Course (ITAC). ITAC is a Training of Trainers program designed by the Australian Government to meet global demand for skilled trainers. A group of 19 trainers across Tonga graduated with ITAC qualification at the ceremony. Hon. Fifita congratulated APTC on entering its third phase, and said the Ministry of Education and Training looks forward to working more closely with APTC. In the new phase, APTC will continue delivering high quality, internationally recognised training that ensures graduates have improved employment outcomes while expanding its focus to supporting greater investment in skills training and higher quality TVET delivery across the Pacific. The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, His Excellency, Andrew Ford acknowledged the Tongan Government for their continued support of APTC and development cooperation with Australia. He congratulated the graduands and specified that the skills and knowledge they have attained through their training at APTC is not only recognised locally but in Australia and internationally, enabling them to seek opportunities overseas. The High Commissioner also congratulated and welcomed the new APTC Country Director for Samoa and Tonga, Ms Cheri Robinson Moors, on her appointment and wished her well in her new role. The graduation featured 12 officers from various statutory bodies, educational institutions and government ministries, who graduated with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. APTC delivers training to citizens of 14 Pacific island countries from its campuses in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. would like to invite suitable candidates for the position of a Part-Time accounts officer.
Job Profile The successful applicant will be responsible for the maintenance of TCCI & TBEC financial systems in accordance with the Finance policies and procedures. Additionally, the Accounts Officer will be responsible for the timely provision of accurate financial reports. Key Responsibilities - Responsible for the overall financial responsibilities of the organisation, specifically the processing of: 1. Payments 2. Receipts 3. Purchase Orders 4. Journals 5. Accounts Reconciliation 6. Budget monitoring & reporting 7. Filing 8. All preparations for the external audit A detailed Job Description is available on request to ceo@tongachamber.org or telephone 25168 Qualifications & Experience/skills - Minimum qualification of a Diploma in Accounting in required - A minimum of 3 years in a similar position with proven experience - Excellent communication skills in Tongan & English - Strong experience working with QuickBooks - Knowledge and/or experience in the Chamber of Commerce and its programmes and processes preferred Hours of Work: The successful applicant will be required to work one (1) day a week from 08:30am - 05:00pm. Remuneration will be based on experience. To apply, please submit a Cover letter, along with your detailed Curriculum Vitae and copies of at least 2 references by email to: ceo@tongachamber.org Closing date for receipt of applications is 05:00pm Friday 24th August 2018. Only applicants with ability to start immediately need apply. Interviews may be held before the closing date. Meeting with Ms Helene Tuling from the U.S. Embassy today 19th July. This meeting was with the President and members of the Tonga Chamber of Commerce Council to discuss the organisation's missions and programs for the businesses here in Tonga. Ms Tuling will be here in Tongatapu til the 20th July.
The Tonga Chinese Business Council was invited to the Tonga Chamber of Commerce to brief them on all activities TCCI offers. Shown on the photos is Mr. Raymond Yu the President for the Chinese Council and their Secretary, Mr. Jeremy Wang. Also the members for the TCCI Council and TCCI CEO and other members.
Tour Guide course was delivered again here in Tongatapu on the 27th June. Great course, very effective to the participants who took part in this interesting course. Ms. Lolinita Maue delivered this course and funded by Tonga Skills in collaboration with TCCI & TBEC. This 4 days’ course ended with the participants being awarded with a certificate of accomplishment.
Basic Business Skills was delivered in Vava'u on the 26th June. This 1-day course was very effective. Great feedback from the participants. This course was delivered by TBEC Staff, Mrs. Suliana Pahulu and funded by Tonga Skills in collaboration with TCCI & TBEC.
Financial Literacy 1&2 was delivered in Vava'u on the 27th - 28th June. This course was funded by Tonga Skills in collaboration with TCCI & TBEC. Mrs. Suliana Pahulu delivered this course with a great turn out and awesome feedback.
Financial Literacy 1&2 was delivered here in Tongatapu. This 2 days’ course was awesome. Great feedback from participants. TBEC staff and trainer, Ms Ilaisaane Tupou delivered the course. Thank you Tonga Skills for funding this course in collaboration with TCCI & TBEC.
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February 2019
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