Media release
11 August 2009

Manukau Mayor talks trade with Tongan PM

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says the relationship between Manukau and Tonga has been further strengthened following a meeting with the Tongan Prime Minister Fred Sevele in Nuku’alofa.

Mr Brown, deputy mayor Gary Troup, chief executive officer Leigh Auton and Cr Arthur Anae met with Mr Sevele to discuss opportunities for greater co-operation between Tonga and Manukau, particularly in the business sector.

The talks were held as part of the Pacific trade delegation to Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa that Mr Brown is leading.

“We have had some positive talks around how we can foster more two-way trade between New Zealand and Tonga. We have 22 businesses that are on the trade delegation because they see the potential in the Pacific,” says Mr Brown.

“We talked about improving exports between Tonga and New Zealand, and we also discussed the ways that we can assist with the construction, re-construction and the implementation of better infrastructure such as water and wastewater.

“We also talked about the options available for investment, development and tourism.”

The mayoral delegation also met with government ministers and officials during the three-day visit.

ENDS

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