Japan’s NPGA Handover to Ministry of Revenue and Customs
2025/10/3
On October 2, His Excellency Mr. INAGAKI Hisao, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga, handed over patrol boats, the first batch of the FY2022 Grant Aid for Tonga’s “Economic and Social Development Plan” or Non-project Grant Assistance (NPGA), to the Ministry of Revenue and Customs at the Masefield Naval Base Touliki.
In recent years the Kingdom of Tonga has faced significant challenges due to the influx of illegal drugs smuggled in containers or transshipped across the sea. This assistance, which provides customs inspection equipment such as patrol boats, a trace detection system and a portable Raman spectrometer, is expected to strengthen security and stabilize social order. It is also anticipated that it will support Tonga's economic and social development by promoting social stability.
In his speech, Ambassador Inagaki emphasized that this assistance represents a cooperative effort to contribute to Tonga's peace, stability and prosperity. He urged the Ministry of Revenue and Customs to work with other relevant ministries and agencies, including the Tonga Police, His Majesty’s Armed Forces and the Ministry of Fisheries, in tackling Tonga's illicit drugs problems.
Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke, the Prime Minister of Tonga, expressed gratitude for the support of the Japanese people and government. His stated that the patrol boats would be properly maintained and utilized to storengthen Tonga’s anti-illicit drug efforts, contributing to the building of a safe and prosperous Pacific region.
Japan will continue to provide the necessary support to enhance Tonga's maritime security and anti-illicit drug measures.
In recent years the Kingdom of Tonga has faced significant challenges due to the influx of illegal drugs smuggled in containers or transshipped across the sea. This assistance, which provides customs inspection equipment such as patrol boats, a trace detection system and a portable Raman spectrometer, is expected to strengthen security and stabilize social order. It is also anticipated that it will support Tonga's economic and social development by promoting social stability.
In his speech, Ambassador Inagaki emphasized that this assistance represents a cooperative effort to contribute to Tonga's peace, stability and prosperity. He urged the Ministry of Revenue and Customs to work with other relevant ministries and agencies, including the Tonga Police, His Majesty’s Armed Forces and the Ministry of Fisheries, in tackling Tonga's illicit drugs problems.
Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke, the Prime Minister of Tonga, expressed gratitude for the support of the Japanese people and government. His stated that the patrol boats would be properly maintained and utilized to storengthen Tonga’s anti-illicit drug efforts, contributing to the building of a safe and prosperous Pacific region.
Japan will continue to provide the necessary support to enhance Tonga's maritime security and anti-illicit drug measures.
- Press release here.(PDF)
(794KB)