Tonga has joined the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL), gaining access to specialist legal advice, support in trade disputes and training to help protect its interests in international trade.
Minister for Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour Hon. Dr. Viliami Latu announced the milestone, thanking Australia and New Zealand for financial support that helped make Tonga’s accession possible.
“Today marks a significant milestone for Tonga in acceding to the Advisory Center on WTO Law,” Dr Latu said. “On behalf of the Government of Tonga, I offer our sincere appreciation to the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for their timely support.”
During the accession ceremony, which was carried out virtually, Tonga was welcomed as the centre’s 48th developing country member and Australia and New Zealand thanked for funding that has helped Pacific Island countries join.
New Zealand Ambassador Clare Kelly, chair of the World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council, welcomed Tonga’s membership and said it had been a privilege for New Zealand to support the process.
Australia’s Ambassador to the WTO, James Baxter, said the centre’s services would help Tonga make the most of its WTO membership.
Australia valued the support ACWL provides to WTO members, he said, adding that it would help put Tonga in a stronger position to benefit from its membership.
Based in Geneva, the ACWL provides developing-country members with legal advice on WTO law and training on international trade rules. It also supports members involved in WTO dispute settlement proceedings at reduced rates.
The services could help Tonga better understand its rights and obligations under global trade rules and respond to trade issues affecting its interests.
Tonga has been a WTO member since 27 July 2007. Access to specialised legal expertise may be particularly valuable for a small island economy navigating complex international trade rules, although the practical benefits will depend on how the Government uses the centre’s services.
The accession adds to Tonga’s capacity to engage with the multilateral trading system, with Australia and New Zealand providing financial support for the process.
