Fiji, Feb. 28 -- Tongan Minister for Trade and Economic Development of Tonga Viliami Uasike Latu, has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Tonga, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai undersea volcanic eruption and tsunami.

In his statement at the WTO13th Ministerial Conference(MC13) in Abu Dhabi, Tonga aligned itself with the Pacific Group, the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States, and the Small and Vulnerable Economies Group.

He emphasised the grave threat of climate change to the nation's economy and existence. Tonga is actively engaged in resilience-building and economic recovery, relying heavily on donors and external support, which hinders development for small is...