Mailelani looking to export to Europe

By Nefertiti Matatia 23 November 2017, 12:00AM

Mailelani, which makes natural beauty products, exists to make Samoa, a dot on the world map, a place known in international markets.

The owner of Mailelani, Sylvie Salanoa, was part of the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (S.A.M.E.) session on “Project – Enhancing Private Sector Export Competitiveness and Partnerships possibilities between Samoa Exporters within European Union markets” held at the M.C.I.L. conference room this week. 

“It is programmes like this where we get to view requests and to get a clear understanding of what we need to do as business people to meet the criteria to be able to export our goods to the European markets,” she said. 

Ms. Salanoa was thankful for the workshop because she said there is a demand by customers for their products in Europe.

“It is important to be aware of the regulations before we apply to enter the European markets and to meet the expectations of the European Union, so we must first be educated on what to do.” 

Ms. Salanoa says the main focus of her business is to offer job opportunities and to make the small island of Samoa known to the world which is why she supports the expansion of Samoa’s market.

“This is why Mailelani was created in the first place, to offer jobs. Anybody that has a job will be happy and I am certain about that because they will be able to provide for their families and their community. 

“This is our way of empowering youths and giving back to the community. So if we go international, this will open more opportunities for people to get jobs,” she said.

Ms. Salanoa also emphasized putting Samoa on the map. 

“We make products that people are aware of such as body care. Being able to represent Samoa and show that not only the foreign countries can make high quality products, our small country that is found in an appealing location of the world, can make something fascinating out of our natural, Samoan ingredients,” she said.

However Ms. Salanoa does admit that there are challenges associated with trying to trade on the international markets. 

She says the isolation of our country is the biggest challenge. 

Ms. Salanoa said the other issue that they have is the cost of shipping and transport which is expensive.

Despite the many challenges that they are facing, she is certain that nothing is impossible with God and that is the reason their business is called Mailelani which means ‘from heaven’.

Ms. Salanoa also acknowledged the event organised by S.A.M.E.

By Nefertiti Matatia 23 November 2017, 12:00AM
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