Tonga

Tonga has a small open economy which is vulnerable to external shocks. The economy is heavily reliant on foreign aid and remittances from Tongans working overseas. Foreign development assistance in the form of loans, grants and direct aid is an important component of the Tongan economy.

Construction and infrastructure projects funded by donor grants and soft loans are sources of growth. Despite its economic difficulties, Tonga remained one of the best performers in the Pacific in terms of progress against the Millennium Development Goals. Agriculture is the leading productive sector, with most Tongan exports agricultural produce, while imports cover the full range of consumer and industrial goods.

Australia's partnership with Tonga is anchored in shared values, respect and mutual benefit. The Tongan values of Feveitokai'aki (sharing and cooperating), Falala'anga (trust) and Fefaka'apa'apa'aki (mutual respect) characterise and guide the partnership. Australia and Tonga hold enduring people-to-people links, nurtured through institutional, educational, cultural, church and sporting relationships and growing diaspora connections. The Australia-Tonga development partnership supports the implementation of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework. In 2025, Australia and Tonga will celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations.

The AIFFP in Tonga

Australia’s investment in Tonga, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), includes:

Infrastructure sectors: maritime and transport; telecommunications and digital; and other infrastructure

Partners (A-Z): Asian Development Bank; Governments of the Kingdom of Tonga and New Zealand; and Tonga Cable Limited

Projects (A-Z):

Australian High Commission, Nuku'alofa

82 Salote Road
Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu
Phone: +676 20400
Email: ahctonga@dfat.gov.au

For more information on Australia and Tonga’s diplomatic relations, see the DFAT website.