China and Tonga have signed an agreement for an 8 million US dollar grant during the second China-Pacific Islands Economic and Development Cooperation Forum, being held in Guangzhou.
The Tonga prime minister's office says Lord Tu'ivakano and Chinese vice-premier Wang Yang committed to advance ties and economic cooperation.
The meeting also gave Lord Tu'ivakano the chance to thank China for deferring payment on a huge loan that it was due to start repaying two months ago.
When, or if, future payments on that loan will be made, are still to be discussed at the meeting.
Tonga is looking for Chinese help in its agriculture and fisheries sectors and hopes China will continue to provide development and technical assistance to its livestock industry.
