The Tongan ministry of finance has defended its budget and says it is investing in the long term by allocating funding to skills-based education.
Photo: RNZ
The CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Tetafu Moeaki, says the record budget, at just under $260 million US dollars, is focused on helping those devastated by cyclone damage, as well as the poor and jobless.
Mr Moeaki says over a million US dollars will be allocated to training, and he hopes this will provide local jobs, as well as opportunities such as the New Zealand recognised seasonal employer scheme.
"Some technical skills in construction, in plumbing, in tourism, agriculture, and also in electrical appliances but it's basically to expand the skill base of the country."
The CEO of Tonga's finance ministry, Tetafu Moeaki.
