Foreign businesses

Three village councils this year have banned Chinese nationals from opening businesses on customary lands.

Iva's mayor, Seve Luki, told the Samoa Observer the decision is not discriminatory.

Mr Luki said the village wants to protect future business prospects for locals.

He said they are concerned that if foreign businesses are allowed to be established now, future generations will not be able to access land.

The decision by the council of Siumu district on Upolu gained the support of all local business people and has now been registered in the office of the Lands and Titles court at Mulinu'u.

The move follows ongoing discussions within the village of council of Salelologa district on Savai'i who are considering a ban on all new Chinese businesses on customary land.

Siumu village chief Tuu'u Asofa'ase'e told RNZ, the decision was made to protect future business prospects for locals.

Autagavaia said locals agree with the reasons behind the ban.