Tago Fuatamalesa Pili

 

By Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga

Questions are being asked of at least one particular New Zealand-Samoan radio talk show host’s barrage towards the successful SAME trade show at Magere.

531PI host TagoPili – in his programme last Thursday described the trade show as a “lame excuse for Samoan manufacturers to travel to New Zealand for a holiday paid for by taxpayers.”

He claimed that past trade missions have never been a success due to the “poor quality of goods because Samoan manufacturers lack the experience and ingenuity to process good quality exports.”

His comments did not sit well with Samoa’s Trade Commissioner Fonoti Dr Lafitai Iupati Fuatai.

Responding to Tago’s insults, Fonoti went live on 531PI.

“In the first place,” said Fonoti, “many of the products on show have been certified and met all of the requirements from quarantine.  From quality of products, to packaging and labelling”.

The Trade Commissioner also pointed out that unlike past exhibitions, the ‘Buy Samoa Made’ Mangere show is the first time that the Samoa and New Zealand governments – with the assistance of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)- have worked together with the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (same)to boost exports.

Fonoti added that the ‘Buy Samoa Made’ initiative is also the first time that a range of new products made in Samoa have gone on display overseas.

“Some 28 new products from beer, to cocoa, handicrafts, soft drinks, fashion, sandals, honey, as well as soap and perfume, talo, screen printing and snacks and a lot more were on display during the two day show. About all the products that were brought over from Samoa were snapped up by those who came to the show. In addition, there was a whole range of services to make doing business in Samoa easier such as tourism products, shipping services, telecommunications and internet services that were on display in Mangere.”

And the majority of the Samoan companies which were there, according to the Trade Commissioner, have received pledges and orders and are talking partnerships with interested importers and distributors in New Zealand.

“And that is the whole point of this exercise. To introduce Samoan-made products to the New Zealand market, to develop business partnerships and networking between Samoa’s business and manufacturing community and their counterparts here in New Zealand.”

Addressing Tago, he added;

“Think before you speak. Have the decency to do some research before you make any more ridiculous assumptions.

“Do not ridicule and undermine the hard work by a lot of people back home for the sake of your ratings here in New Zealand. If you just said thank you, gave them your support and went about your way, it would have been much more appreciated”

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