Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said the $US100 million ($NZ139m) project would have significantly added to the country's exposure to China which already accounts for 40 percent of its external debt.
The proposed construction in Vaiusu Bay has been a divisive issue in Samoa, playing a part in April's national election where long-serving leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi lost his parliamentary majority.
