Publication
Summary of publication
The Tonga Economic Governance Support (TEGS) Program Design outlines how Australia is partnering with Tonga to undertake macroeconomic, fiscal and private sector reforms to reduce debt, repair the budget, improve revenue collection and promote private sector development. The program’s outcomes are supported through (1) performance linked budget support to the Government of Tonga in response to achievement of agreed policy reforms articulated in the Joint Policy Reform Matrix (JPRM); and (2) technical assistance to assist Tonga in implementing the reforms. The TEGS program started on 1 January 2020 and will finish on 31 December 2023. Four other development partners also contribute budget support under the JPRM (New Zealand, the European Union, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank) with the World Bank leading engagement with Tonga. Australia’s investment in economic policy and governance reform in Tonga reflects our commitment to ‘step up’ work in the Pacific. Australia has partnered with Tonga in support of its reform program since 2009 through three successive economic and public sector governance investments.