MANILA - The Asian Development Bank and the government of Tonga on Thursday signed grant agreements totaling $30 million as additional support to renew, rehabilitate, and expand Queen Salote Wharf in Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga.

The Manila-based bank said the port project is already underway and is expected to be completed by 2026. The project is rehabilitating port infrastructure, extending international cargo wharves, improving port operations and management, and ensuring climate resilience, the ADB added.

"More than 98 percent of Tonga's imports arrive by sea and the Queen Salote Wharf handles 95 percent of container cargo," said Tonga's Finance Minister Tiofilusi Tiueti.

ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez believed the upgraded port will be an economic lifeline for the Pacific island country, with better connection with other international ports.