In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies Tonga, where pristine waters not only sustain a vibrant marine ecosystem but also nurture a thriving fishing industry. For ROSEMARIE and EDDIE PALU, founders of local fishing business, Pacific Sunrise, trade has been instrumental in their journey from a modest operation to a flourishing enterprise employing 73 dedicated staff members.
Each week, their vessels catch premium fish, destined for markets in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Auckland, and Sydney.
“Our vessels leave weekly and are targeting, mainly Yellowfin and Bigeye tuna, which we can export, “said co-owner, Pacific Sunrise, Rosemarie Palu.
The journey of their catch mirrors Tonga’s broader economic ambitions—to leverage its natural resources responsibly for sustainable growth and global connectivity.
Streamlining Trade, Aligning with Global Standards
This is changing with support from the World Bank’s Trade Facilitation Support Programme, which is helping Tonga to streamline trade processes and align with international standards like the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
Steps to smoothen the flow of goods across borders are important for small island nations in the Pacific and elsewhere that are distant from major markets and whose economies rely heavily on trade.
For example, traders, like Pacific Sunrise, are awarded for good compliance with a ‘Trusted Trader’ status from Customs, benefiting from more efficient and streamlined clearance procedures.
These reforms not only reduce time and costs but also ensure Tonga’s seafood reach markets in peak condition, enhancing its global reputation.
However, the road to success has not been without challenges. Logistical hurdles, such as the lack of chiller facilities at the airport, meant their fish had to be pre-chilled before packing at the facility — optimizing the cooling process and preventing temperature fluctuations during transport — and then rushed five hours before departure, risking quality and market competitiveness.
“Every amount of time out of the cold chain, the fish is going to start deteriorating. It definitely affects prices at the other end,” said Rosemarie Palu.
