Nuku’alofa Tonga, 27th June 2023 – In celebration of World Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in collaboration with the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), successfully launched a two-day Incubator orientation and kick-off workshop that is part of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN), a three-year regional program implemented in six Pacific Island countries.
The Incubator workshop was facilitated by Country Facilitator Mr. Siosifa Pomana and Ms. Malini Teulilo from TCCI, and commenced with welcome remarks from GGGI, QFFD, and TCCI. “We are delighted to launch the two-day Incubator orientation and kick-off workshops in Tonga, in partnership with Qatar Fund for Development and the Global Green Growth Institute,” said Mr. Pomana on behalf of TCCI. “These workshops represent our commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and driving sustainable economic growth. We believe that by fostering green entrepreneurship, we can create a resilient and prosperous future for Tonga.”
The PGEN program is funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). Mr. Fahad Al-Dehaimi, Head of International Organizations, Qatar Fund for Development said in his recorded remarks, “The Qatar Fund for Development believes deeply in the power of Entrepreneurship and innovation as catalysts for growth and prosperity.”
The 2023 Tongan Greenpreneurs Incubator cohort is comprised of four green enterprises, of whom three are women-led: Culture Fusion Tonga, Grace Nursery & Garden, MPVC Media and Tini Media.
The event brings together a diverse group of participants, including aspiring and established entrepreneurs, and stakeholders interested in green entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Through interactive sessions, engaging discussions, and practical exercises, the workshops provided valuable insights into sustainable business practices, fostering innovation, and creating positive environmental impact.
The Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator Kick off workshop is the first activity under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between GGGI and TCCI on 18th April 2023. Under this three-year MoU, GGGI and TCCI will work closely to promote sustainable development in Tonga through the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network Program (PGEN) program, that seeks to deliver economic growth that is both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive, in support of green job growth through green entrepreneurship, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Paris Climate Agreement.
“We are excited to work in partnership with the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry to implement the PGEN program, as they have a long track record supporting small businesses in Tonga and understand the local context, challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs and are well placed to provide support to green entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive environmental and social impact in Tonga.” said Ms. Esther Bates, GGGI’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network Project Manager, during her remarks.
PGEN aims to support green and inclusive job growth by supporting entrepreneurs (particularly women and youth) develop their green and sustainable businesses – contributing to their country’s climate and sustainable development goals in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
About Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI):
The Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a non-government organisation that represents the interests of its members, private sector businesses, and to promote economic growth in the country.
About Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD):
Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is a Qatari public institution committed, on behalf of the State of Qatar, to implement foreign aid projects by international best practices and standards.
Since 2012, QFFD has been providing aid to many countries in accordance with the international cooperation goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Its primary goal is to achieve inclusive and sustainable development by addressing global priority issues in education, health, and economic development. In this context, priority is given to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
1. SDG 3: “Ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all”;
2. SDG 4: “Ensuring fair and inclusive education for all and enhancing lifelong learning for all”;
3. SDG 8: “Promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and keeping full and productive employment and decent work for all.”
To realize the optimal development impact, QFFD projects are also designed to have cross-cutting co-benefits within SDG (2) on “Zero hunger” and SDG (6) on “Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” in addition to SDG (17) on “Partnerships to Achieve Goals.”
QFFD cooperates with many reputable actors through strategic partnerships both locally and internationally. These include Civil Society Organizations, government agencies, UN agencies, and the private sector.