The NZ Samoa Trade & Investment Commission was officially launched by the Samoa Prime Minister, Honourable Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi at the Holiday Inn Auckland Airport on Friday 17 June 2011 at 6.00 pm.  The Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Right Honourable John Key also addressed the launch which was attended by a wide range of business, civic and church leaders.

In his key note address PM Tuilaepa said that New Zealand’s support was critical to achieving the Commission’s vision of “enhancing and facilitating mutually beneficial two-way trade between Samoa and New Zealand�?.  

He also spoke of the very special and well tested relationship between New Zealand and Samoa and said that Samoa was committed to build on this solid foundation to improve trade.

Tuilaepa then highlighted the desirability of adopting an integrated approach to export development and foreign direct investment from New Zealand and saw the Commission as having a pivotal role to play in matching investments with the identified priority sectors for Samoa’s export development.  

To enhance and facilitate the successful achievement of this vision, the Prime Minister noted that one of the strategies his government was considering is the establishment of a National Trade & Marketing Authority to be responsible for the export and marketing of Samoan products/produce as well as assisting with the development of import substitution activities.

With respect to potential areas for investment he identified, in the agriculture sector, the production of high value products which he said were well suited to Samoan soils and climatic conditions. 

He mentioned organic farming as one such area which when marketed effectively can be an advantage in growing markets.

Other products for potential investment included cocoa, taro, banana, and cut flowers.   In the tourism sector the construction of a five star holiday takes top priority.  The PM also drew attention to the establishment of the Unit Trust of Samoa and said that the aim is to provide local and overseas investors with another opportunity to invest in the future sustainable development of the country.

Reference was then made to why Samoa is an excellent place to invest in: a stable political environment; economic reform leader in the Pacific; relatively good rating in the ease with which to register new business ventures; educated workforce; change in aligning time zone to its major trading partners; and very reliable set of infrastructure conducive to conducting local and international business. 

Tuilaepa then highlighted the potential benefits accrued to membership of the Commission.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa concluded by briefly acknowledging and introducing members of the Commission’s Executive Committee and said that Government of Samoa is committed to improving its trade relations with New Zealand and expressed the hope that both countries through their entrepreneurial spirit and hard work will bring this vision to fruition.

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