An effective framework for trade policy in Tonga

Siope Vakataki, 'Ofa (2007): An effective framework for trade policy in Tonga. Published in: Pacific Economic Bulletin , Vol. 22, No. 3 (2007): pp. 191-196.

Abstract

Tonga’s trade policy framework has gradually evolved over the past two decades. This evolution was important as in the past ten years regional and multilateral economic integration initiatives have intensified in the Pacific region. Pacific island states have responded with various level of effectiveness. The ability of Pacific island governments to participate in international trade negotiations has been the centre of attention of international institutions. Emphasis has been placed on capacity building of government officials to deal with highly legalistic regional and multilateral trade arrangements. However, less attention has been given to the effectiveness of the national trade policy architecture for implementing trade policy. This short paper discusses key challenges that have confronted the Tongan trade policy framework over the past ten years and how the policy framework has evolved in response to the pressures. The paper argues that there is room for improvement and a new, consolidated policy framework is suggested based on the lessons learnt.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Tonga, Trade Policy
• Subjects: O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development

References

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Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, 2007. Pacific Islands Trade Agreement (PICTA), Suva.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, 2007. Pacific Agreement on Close Economic Relations (PACER), Suva.

Tonga Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industries, 2007. Corporate Plan 2005–2008, Government of Tonga, Nuku’alofa.

Tonga Trade and Investment Board, 2005. Act 2005, Government of Tonga, Nuku’alofa.

World Trade Organization, 2005. Ministerial Conference Sixth Session Hong Kong, Report of the Working Party on the Accession of Tonga to the World Trade Organization, WT/ACC/ TON/17, Geneva.

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World Trade Organization, 1998. Working Party on the Accession of Tonga, Kingdom of Tonga— Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime, Geneva.