Government extends COVID-19 business recovery assistance Featured
11 March, 2021. The Government of Tonga has considered the depth and duration of the COVID-19 global pandemic and economic downturn to be longer. Its preparations to re-open the border safely is going to be extended beyond 2021 into 2022.
Two separate surveys in the second and fourth quarters of 2020 confirmed the impact on businesses to be substantial.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu‟i‟onetoa stated that “the Government and Cabinet has committed an additional $7 million Pa‟anga from its Stimulus package to assist and support the hardship of businesses and to encourage businesses to manage the negative impact on the local economy to be available from March until the end of June 2021.”
The Government through the Minister of Finance Hon. Tevita Lavemaau is also seeking options to mobilize additional budget to support the extension of the business assistance until it is safe for the Government to open its border.
The Ministry of Trade and Economic Development will communicate to the public the details on the application and administration of the Government COVID-19 Business Assistance to commence immediately.
