The governments of Fiji and Tonga have reaffirmed their strong historical and cultural ties by agreeing to work more closely together in the area of labour and employment.
During recent bilateral discussions, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, and the Tongan Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon. Kapelieli Militoni Lanumata, highlighted the importance of building stronger cooperation between their ministries.
Both countries agreed to develop exchange programmes for labour officers, where Tongan labour officials will have opportunities to learn from Fiji’s labour inspections and compliance systems experiences. Fiji has offered to host its neighbouring country to gain practical exposure in labour law review, inspections, health and safety, and labour standards. Fiji also offered to share its expertise in terms of policy development and ILO Convention ratifications.
Fiji’s Minister for Employment added that Fiji is committed to sharing its experience and knowledge with Tonga.
“We have advanced systems in place, such as our paperless labour inspection systems, and we are ready to support Tonga in developing similar systems. Together, we can raise labour standards across the Pacific and ensure workers’ rights are protected.”
Tonga’s Minister for Labour welcomed Fiji’s offer and emphasised the benefits of working together.
“This partnership will help our officers learn from Fiji’s experience and improve the way we serve our workers. We see this as a mutual exchange, where both countries can benefit and grow stronger. Tonga is committed to working with Fiji to ensure fair treatment, decent work, and better opportunities for all workers.”
The two countries also discussed the importance of protecting migrant workers, and Fiji shared its progress towards ratifying international labour conventions to address modern slavery.
Fiji proposed the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise cooperation, particularly to protect the rights of Tongan workers as well as those out of Tonga.
Both ministers agreed that collaboration at the technical level is vital and also stressed the importance of Pacific labour ministers building strong bonds and raising a united voice on regional and international platforms.