Exporters

Since 2014, Samoa’s recorded profit for exports in general was about $27m tala.

SAME and the Government of Samoa are aiming to increase that to $100m tala in three years.

“The goal for our export plans with the Government is to at least reach three times the exports we have now by 2020. So the certification of six new local companies in Samoa is a great sign that we can achieve this goal,” said SAME President Tagaloa Eddie Wilson.

Path to Market is an export capability programme by PT&I which combines a range of export facilitation services and expertise to help export ready and export capable businesses enter the New Zealand market. The programme is an extended business model that covers a series of methodical steps that are delivered in partnership by PT&I and an Economic Development Agency in each country.

The Path to Market Workshop in Tonga will be delivered by PT&I in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour (MCCTIL).

Association President Tagaloa Eddie Wilson made reference to unfarmed family-owned lands and new markets opening up for produce export to countries like Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.

“We cannot exactly employ them all, those 700 jobless people. But we can assure you with our collaboration and their commitment through working our lands, they can become millionaires in two years tops,” he said.

Tagaloa says the decline in employment will take a toll on Samoa’s wealth but the solution is as simple as growing taro, yams, or vegetables in our backyards.