12 Oct 2011

Tonga Chamber of Commerce seeks talks over fee hikes

1:00 pm on 12 October 2011

The president of Tonga's Chamber of Commerce is calling on the government to have more dialogue with the private sector about the impact of fees and licensing levies.

Aloma Johansson says many businesses are frustrated and struggling with a huge fee increase imposed over the past two years.

She says businesses are willing to comply and pay if the rise is justified, particularly during an economic downturn.

Ms Johansson says many fees have doubled or jumped by up to 700 percent.

"I'm just hoping that those responsible, or those in positions of authority, who can help do something, do so. And do so because they really are interested in lifting this economy out of the recessive position that it is in."

Tonga's Chamber of Commerce president, Aloma Johansson.