Tonga and ADB

The economy of Tonga is highly dependent on subsistence agriculture, extremely vulnerable to natural hazards, and heavily reliant on external income (donor aid and remittances). Its medium-term development depends on the continued implementation of structural reforms to improve productivity, remove bottlenecks to growth, and strengthen macroeconomic resilience.

ADB and other development partners are working closely with the government to implement a multiyear joint policy reform matrix , which will ensure that Tonga’s development priorities are addressed and policy reforms are realized. The medium-term policy goals for the government include maintaining macroeconomic stability—particularly in light of high public debt—and improving economic management. Policy reforms also seek to achieve sustained economic growth led by the private sector, while maintaining the country’s health and education standards.