Tonga

With visits between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Tongan Royal Family, Tonga is a pro-Japan country, and its economic structure is dependent on money sent back from Tongans living overseas. In recent years, Tonga has been affected by the economic circumstances in countries such as New Zealand where some Tongans live to earn money, and in 2009, the amount of money sent from abroad dropped greatly (18 percent) compared to the previous year. Further, due to the slump in exports of crops such as kabocha squash and the effects of natural disasters such as tsunamis and cyclones, the economy overall is stagnant. JICA is providing assistance with a focus on environment, climate change measures and disaster preparedness projects. JICA also provides assistance to form an island community recycle-based society, promote the introduction of renewable energy, and strengthen monitoring and warning capacity.