SAME President, Tagaloa Eddie Wilson left with Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo on live radio at the 531 PI FM station in Manukau Auckland

 

By Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga

Samoa has a lot to offer for potential New Zealand investors.

That’s the invitation by Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo as a guest speaker on Manukau based 531-Pacific Islands live talk show.

Fonotoe was in Auckland as delegation leader to launch the permanent Trade Exhibition Center at the Samoa House in bids to boost trade to Aoteroa.

“I am aware that there is a lot of negative publicity by our competition.
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“But that is all hearsay.

“Samoa is one of the safest and friendly places to invest in.

“And our government stands ready to assist new investors.

“We have concessions to ensure that your investment will not be in vain.

“With respect to potential areas for investment, our agriculture sector has a lot to offer.

“The production of high value products which are well suited to Samoan soils and climatic conditions is another.

“Organic farming is one area when marketed effectively can be an advantage in growing markets.

“Other products for potential investment included cocoa, taro, banana, and cut flowers.

“To enhance and facilitate the successful achievement of this vision,” Fonotoe noted that one of the strategies under the Samoan government’s consideration is the establishment of a National Trade & Marketing Authority.

“The Authority will be responsible for the export and marketing of Samoan products/produce as well as assisting with the development of import substitution activities.”

In tourism, Fonotoe noted that it is one of the main revenue earners for Samoa.

“Our tourism industry is thriving and we need investors to share in our success.

“We need the infrastructure and capital to take Samoa’s tourism industry to the next level.

The Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the establishment of the Unit Trust of Samoa.

“The aim is to provide Samoan and overseas investors with another opportunity to invest in the future sustainable development of the country.

“Our political stability speaks volumes for Samoa.

“Our country is an excellent place to invest in.

“We have a stable political environment.

“We have changed our aligning time zone to its major trading partners

“Samoa is has a very reliable set of infrastructure conducive to conducting local and international business.

“Our Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour have streamlined its policies and processes to minimize any inconvenience.

“Among many reforms include an automated Companies Registry.

“The reforms are intended at removing barriers affecting business establishment and progress in the country.

“And we feel confident that the new Companies Act and online registry will help bridge that distance.

“Our business community may use the service to register a company, update company details or make a company search by simply going online from their office or homes.

“The registration process is paperless.

“The new, user-friendly electronic registry also allows individuals in the rural areas to form and operate companies without having to travel to Apia

“All can access the Companies Registry from anywhere, anytime, and even on a Sunday.”

“Samoa is committed to improving its trade relations with New Zealand.

“Our hope is for both countries to work together to bring this vision to fruition.

“So to all and any interested investors please do not discount Samoa.”

Fonotoe said that New Zealand’s support is critical to achieving a beneficial two-way trade between the two countries.

For Tagaloa Eddie Wilson, whose company Wilex Samoa produces chocolates, support is important.

“When investors see our government leaders and community united, that it provides that element of confidence to at least look to Samoa as an investment opportunity.

“But for the initiative to be successful, a lot depends on the Samoa and New Zealand governments backing it up with incentives.

“For example, it will be a positive impetus, if the New Zealand government offers a tax break to New Zealand investors in Samoa.

“For Wilex cocoa products, we have the facility, the equipment and the all year farming weather in Samoa.

“So I’m year not only as President of the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters but I’m also looking for investors to provide capital, management experience and export development.”

Aside from 531PI radio, the publicity coverage in Samoa’s promotion of trade and investor received media coverage from television outlets such as Tagata Pasefika and Campbell Live.

The Pacific Scoop website, Samoa Times and a number of newspapers also covered the event.

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