Aisake Eke Photo: RNZI/ Koro Vaka'uta
One of two finance ministers sacked in the last Tongan government says the next government will get a head start when it comes to providing employment opportunities for the public.
'Aisake Eke was dismissed by interim Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva for abstaining from a vote of no-confidence in the government earlier this year.
Dr Eke is now seeking re-election for a third term in parliament this week and said he wants to continue to build and improve the pathways for unemployed youth in Tonga. "We already have an agreement with the World Bank and they will provide at least $US15 million [to] provide training for unemployed, upskill from the secondary schools, to further their studies using the local institutions."
Dr Eke said the training will be accredited to Australian standards so as to provide opportunities for work in industries in that country such as construction, nursing and other technical pursuits.