Tonga’s trading community convened to validate the Blueprint for the nation’s Trade Single Window (TSW).

The Blueprint outlines the design of the future TSW for Tonga, providing a centralized platform for traders to submit trade-related information and documents.

The TSW aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase transparency, and improve competitiveness by reducing the number of manual processes carried out by each agency involved in the trade clearance process.

Speaking at the Trade Single Window Validation Workshop in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, the Minister for Revenue and Customs, Mr. Mateni Tapueluelu reiterated the Government’s commitment toward creating an enabling trade environment.

“Let me reaffirm the Government’s unwavering commitment to building an enabling trade environment—one that leverages technology, reduces barriers, and fosters economic growth,” he said.  

“The concept of Single Window is not new, but its potential to revolutionize trade processes is undeniable,” Mr. Tapueluelu said.

With support from the European Union-funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade (IMPACT) Project implemented by the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the government agencies, private sector entities, and end-users had an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process and contribute toward the blueprint.

In addition, the participants discussed the next steps toward setting up the system with a Whole-of-Economy approach.

Mr. Tapueluelu also reminded the participating stakeholders on the importance of their contributions in shaping the country’s TSW blueprint.

The engagement is crucial to ensuring that the TSW system is designed to cater to the specific needs and requirements of different stakeholders based on their roles and responsibilities.

Mr. Olivier Maes, Head of the Economic Section of the European Union Delegation to the Pacific, said, “Our goal is to make trade easier and more business-friendly in Pacific Island Countries.”

“By addressing trade problems and using technology, we can help private businesses grow, increase trade, and integrate into regional and global networks,” Mr. Maes added

During the one-day workshop, the UN Trade and Development’s expert presented the finalized Blueprint, while validating the findings and recommendations gathered earlier on Tonga’s existing trade ecosystem.

The blueprint for Tonga’s TSW was developed following a survey and research of the existing trade ecosystem including consultations with the trading community.

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