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Upgraded Registry Makes Doing Business Simpler, Faster, and Less Expensive in Tonga—ADB
Tonga now has an upgraded online business, foreign investment, and personal property securities registry, which will help improve the efficiency of doing business and make it easier for businesses to access finance. The updated registry was developed by the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED) with the support of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI).
The upgraded system introduces several new functionalities, including secure online payments and online foreign investment certification. The system also makes it easier for users to file, access, and search company, business names and licenses, and personal property securities records online all from one integrated resource. It is now live at businessregistries.gov.to.
“The Government of Tonga is committed to supporting a modern, innovative business environment in Tonga,” said Hon Kapelieli Militoni Lanumata, Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Government of the Kingdom of Tonga. “The upgrade of Tonga’s online registry is one way the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development is leading by example, by ensuring we have invested in the modern technology needed to make doing business faster and easier.”
“Making it easier for businesses to start, operate, and formalize is one of the most sustainable ways to increase private sector activity and stimulate economic growth,” said Aaron Batten, Regional Director, ADB Pacific Subregional Office. “ADB is proud to have supported the development of this modern new registry system, which provides convenience for investors and makes it more efficient to do business in Tonga.”
The registry was launched today by MTED at a ceremony in Nuku’alofa. It was developed over two years of close collaboration between MTED and PSDI, with additional support from the New Zealand Companies Office.
PSDI is an ADB technical assistance program undertaken in partnership with the governments of Australia and New Zealand. It supports the ADB’s 14 Pacific developing member countries to improve the enabling environment for business and to achieve inclusive, private sector-led economic growth, including through reforms designed to enhance the enabling environment for business activity and investment.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Participants at the launch, including the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon Dr 'Aisake Valu Eke, and the Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Hon Kapelieli Lanumata
Staff from the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, New Zealand Companies Office, and the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative at the launch of Tonga's new registry.
L-R: Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon Dr 'Aisake Valu Eke, and CEO of the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, Distaquaine Tuilhalamaka, launch the new registry
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