AGP Executive Report
Last update: 12 hours agoSkills & Jobs: Tonga has launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), a four-year framework to grow apprenticeships and better link training to employment, building on a 2024 pilot that already placed 36 apprentices with 19 employers across cookery, accommodation services, fashion design and hairdressing, with construction set to be added. Maritime Safety: Questions are swirling after an unlicensed whale-watching boat capsized off Tongatapu, leaving 13 Anglican Church delegates in the water for nearly half an hour; Tonga’s tourism ministry says the vessel was not licensed or authorised, and authorities are assessing compliance. Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new report warns Pacific governments, including Tonga, could face costly investor-state claims if they tighten environmental rules on deep-sea mining, raising fears of a “chilling effect” on stronger protections. Trade & Agriculture: Australia’s demand for Pacific agricultural imports is surging, with a new review showing selected commodities from Pacific Island countries rising more than threefold over five years, including vanilla, taro, cassava and seafood. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan is set to return to Pacific Islands Forum events after being excluded in 2025, with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung scheduled to attend dialogue and related meetings in Palau.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
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