By Tupuola Terry Tavita

The Auckland business community turned up in force this morning to hear first hand why they should invest their money in Samoa.

Held at the plush Pullman Hotel in the heart of the city, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi gave an overview of the economy, finace and tax reforms, infrastructure development and the ease of doing business in Samoa.

“This meeting is as much about underscoring economic development and growth in Samoa as it is bringing both the market and tools to Auckland.�?

The Prime Minister said Samoa cannot afford to sit and wait for investors to come around. It has to go out, sell itself and entice foreign business people to come put their money here.

“That is what other island states are doing already.�?

The conference identified several growth areas in Samoa where there is huge investment opportunity, ie, tourism, energy, manufacturing, commerce, agriculture and fisheries and finance.

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Bill English hailed the InvestSamoa initiative.

“It is comforting to see confidence in doing business in Samoa at a time where confidence in doing business is hard to find around the world.�?

“It is encouraging to see this openness to offshore investment from a Pacific Island state when other countries exercise some measure of reluctance to foreign investment.�?

“It is the key to having a successful economy. We should all support Samoa. We live in a world where one’s success does not mean another has to fail. The success of Samoa in business is also the success of business in New Zealand.

Presenters included Tourism Authority chief executive Papalii Sonja Hunter, CEO of Commerce Industry and Labour, Auelua Samuelu Enari, Deputy Attorney General Papalii Melietau Malietoa who spoke at length on Samoa’s land reforms, ANZ’s Mike Poort, Environment CEO Taulealea Laavasa Malua among others.

Auckland businesses who asked questions of the panelists were particularly interested in Samoa’s tourist numbers, hotel occupancy, land reform legislation, time share laws, banking and lending policy.

Auckland city mayor Tauaaletoa Len Brown, pointing out the 100,000 Samoans who reside in Auckland, said it was integral for the business community in his district to invest their money in Samoa.

The InvestSamoa conference was organized by the New Zealand Samoa Trade Commission and sponsored by the Samoan government and the Pacific Cooperation Foundation.

The conference was convened by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Talitiga Don McKinnon.

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