‘Trust Is More Important Than Money’: Inside One Chinese Businessman’s Vision for Tonga
Chinese restaurateur Dave Wu shares why he chose Tonga, how Chinese businesses operate, and why he believes trust and cooperation are the keys to improving relations with local enterprises.
The growth of Chinese-owned businesses in Tonga has sparked debate about competitiveness, access to capital, and the long-term impact on the economy. Some view these enterprises as signs of investment and activity. Others fear they are squeezing out local operators who lack similar resources.
To understand the view from inside the Chinese business community, Tonga Independent News spoke with Dave Wu, owner of Family Restaurant in Nuku’alofa. His eatery, located at the old Leiola Shop opposite Funds Management, opened just last month. His message throughout the conversation was consistent: trust is the key.
Dave said he chose Tonga after visiting many countries. He was drawn by the warmth of the people and the friendships he formed. Starting the restaurant, which serves Chinese cuisine, was straightforward.
He acknowledged that in some sectors, such as fale koloa, most businesses are Chinese-owned. He put this down to hard work and a habit of reinvesting profits. “Chinese people work very hard, save money, and then build another business again,” he said.
Most Chinese in Tonga come from Fujian and Guangdong provinces. According to Dave, they arrive with modest means, often on the recommendation of friends. They borrow money from their networks to start a business, repay those debts, and then help the next newcomer. “That is the Chinese system,” he said. “They work together.”
He believes strong family and community networks give Chinese businesses an advantage that is harder for Tongans to match. “We help each other, and that makes it easier to start again and grow.”
On the question of public frustration, Dave focused on the need for legal compliance and relationship-building. “The first thing is trust. If people trust each other, they can learn from each other and grow together.”
Dave also runs a loan business, but says not everyone honours their commitments. “Some people borrow and then fail to repay as promised, which is disappointing. I place my trust in them, but they let me down,” he said.
While some Tongans say they struggle to compete because of limited capital, Dave noted that some local businesses succeed. He cited one Tongan-owned store in Nuku’alofa that had expanded twice in recent years as proof that local enterprises can thrive. The difference, he argued, is in forming reliable partnerships. “Trust is more important than money,” he said.
He believes relations can improve through engagement and cooperation. “We need to work together and help each other. Don’t listen to bad rumours. Treat everyone as people, not separate Chinese and Tongan.”
Dave said the Tongan government has not yet met directly with the Chinese business community on these issues. “Maybe we need to talk within the community first, and then we will know what’s really happening.”
For him, the solution is simple: open dialogue, practical cooperation, and trust. In his words, “If we stand together, we can all grow together.”
