Nuku‘alofa, Tonga – The 22nd Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) Annual Heads Meeting was officially opened on Monday, 22nd September in Nuku‘alofa by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, marking the beginning of three days of high-level discussions among Pacific tax leaders, development partners, and key stakeholders.
In his keynote address, His Royal Highness underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “Pacific Synergy: Weaving a Sustainable Future through Innovative Laws, Efficiency and Strategic Revenue Mobilization.” He emphasized that just as weaving strengthens individual strands into a resilient whole, so too must Pacific nations come together through shared vision and cooperation to build robust, sustainable, and inclusive tax systems for the region.
Welcoming delegates on behalf of the Government and the people of Tonga, the Honourable Mateni Tapueluelu, Minister for Revenue and Customs, extended warm Pacific greetings and highlighted the pride of the Kingdom in once again hosting the PITAA Annual Heads Meeting, last held in Tonga in 2009. The Minister commended PITAA member administrations for their resilience in navigating global and regional challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai eruption, and reaffirmed Tonga’s commitment to fostering strong regional collaboration.
The ceremony was also graced by His Eminence Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi, who reminded participants of the guiding values of integrity, compassion, and service in advancing the work of tax administrations across the Pacific.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Mr. Michael Cokanasiga, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Revenue and Customs Tonga, expressed appreciation to His Royal Highness for his inspiring keynote, to the Honourable Minister for his warm welcome, and to all Heads of Administrations, development partners, community leaders, and private sector representatives for their presence. He further reaffirmed PITAA’s dedication to advancing regional cooperation in building resilient and responsive tax systems.
The 22nd Annual Heads Meeting brings together PITAA member jurisdictions from across the Pacific, along with regional and international partners including PFTAC, DFAT, IMF, ATO, and OECD. The meeting will focus on strengthening tax systems, enhancing efficiency, modernizing legislation, and driving strategic revenue mobilization to support sustainable development and inclusive growth in the Blue Pacific Continent.