Tonga signs digital transformation development partnership with South Korea
Conference delegates, at the Inter-Continental COEX Hotel, Seoul, South Korea
4 June 2023.Tonga was amongst seven other Pacific Island countries to sign a partnership statement of intent with the Republic of Korea to further cooperation and partnership in digital transformation.
The signing of the partnership statement took place during the 2023 Korea-Pacific Islands Digital Ministerial ConferenceMinister of Trade and Economic Development which was held in Seoul, Korea last week 31 May 2023.
The delegation from Tonga was led by Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu Minister of Trade and Economic Development representing the Hon. Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku who is also the Minister responsible for Digital Transformation.
He was accompanied by the Director of Digital Transformation for Tonga Mr. Andrew To'imoana.
Hon. Dr. Latu signed the statement for Tonga together with the meeting chairman Korean Minister for Science and ICT Dr Lee Jong-Ho.
The others who signed the partnership intent are Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Samoa, Palau, Cook Islands and Kiribati. Australia and the World Bank also attended the meeting as supporting partners.
The Statement of Intent states;
- The partnership recognize digitalization has transformed not only daily lives but also shapes innovation in all sectors including politics, economy, society, culture and environment.
- Recognize and note that digital technology offers great potential to address various social economic challenges that come with rapid transformation of society.
- Agree on continued partnership in digital transformation inclusive of sustainable development will be the key to future prosperity of the people of Korea and the pacific.
- Agree on sharing digital vision of policies will pave way for strong partnership to digital co-prosperity.
Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu Minister for Trade and Economic Development signed the partnership statement
Korea, the global leading innovation country, has agreed to partner with Pacific countries including in digital transformation that will greatly enhance communication in a vast area like the Pacific and more so, strengthen supporting technology to better access to health, education and business.
According to Hon. Latu, Tonga welcomed the partnership with the Republic of Korea, which he says, will go a long way in progressing the digital transformation agenda for Tonga and the region.
Hon. Dr. Latu and the Director of Digital Transformation for Tonga Mr. Andrew To'imoana
The delegation from Tonga also had the opportunity to conduct bilateral meeting with their South Korean counterpart and further seeking a stronger country to country relations in digital transformation.
Hon. Minister Dr Lee Jong-Ho acknowledges long standing relationship between the kingdom and Korea dated back to 1970.
He also welcomed the newly established partnership in digital transformation between the two countries and reaffirmed its support to Tonga and the other Pacific Island countries.
Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu Minister for Trade and Economic Development and Korean Minister for Science and ICT Hon. Dr Lee Jong-Ho.
