Promoting Samoan investment in NZ

Aigaletaule’ale’a F. Tauafiafi from Auckland

1 Comments

Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi will head a high level delegation to the ‘Invest Samoa’ conference to be held in Auckland, on Thursday next week.

The two day conference is aimed to attract foreign investors to Samoa by promoting business and investment opportunities available in the country.

For New Zealand investors asking the question, “Why should I go to the conference?” the answer is simple according to Anae Arthur Anae, Chairman for the New Zealand Samoa Trade and Investment Commission (NZSTIC).

“If you are interested in investing or setting up business in Samoa then you should be there,” he tells the Sunday Observer.

Anae says it’s an incredible opportunity especially for the growing group of young Samoan and Pacific islanders currently in high paying jobs to invest in Samoa.

“Our All Blacks players for example and others who are making it in the music industry, entertainment, arts and so forth, this is the time to look at investing for something in the future especially with the New Zealand dollar doing really well on the foreign exchange.”

But in general the conference targets potential investors looking for overseas opportunities.

PM Tuilaepa is bringing with him all the relevant cabinet ministers and heads of departments so that under one roof, whatever question potential investors may have can be answered right there and then.

The conference, the first of its kind, covers two important areas for investors looking to do business in Samoa.

The first, according to Anae, is bringing Samoa’s investment opportunities and showcasing them in New Zealand. Sixteen Samoan projects, specially identified will be displayed as the types of investment opportunities available in Samoa.

“What that does is it allows our New Zealand investors to look, touch and talk with the people involved, the people that make it happen, and that includes Samoan bankers who are also here,” says Anae.

What is important for New Zealanders says Anae, “They need to come so they really understand the investment opportunities available in Samoa.

For example, in this conference, Samoan bankers who are here will explain how they deal with overseas or foreign investors when they’re looking to take up an investment opportunity. They will explain how the financial system in Samoa operates. And that’s the beauty of this conference, it’s bringing the Samoan system here to New Zealand.”

Second and most important is the conference will detail Samoa’s customary land tenure system which is now available for leasing.

“Samoa’s land tenure leasing is now secured,” says Anae. “That means investors can go to Samoa, and they will be able to safely lease land and operate a business or venture.

“And if the presentations are not clear enough, then the Land Registrar, Taule’ale’ausumai La’avasa Malua will be at the conference to answer all the questions people have.”

Samoa’s Trade Commissioner in Auckland, Fonoti Lafi Dr Fuata’i adds there is confidence the conference will see a spike in investor activity in Samoa.

“This Conference is called to attract investors. Obviously the benefits are there for them to make good returns, but for our country, they are the people that can inject financial growth and stimulate developments in our private sector to bring benefits to all the people of Samoa.”

The conference will cover land reform issues and several infrastructure opportunities. But it also highlights exciting opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries, commerce, industry and labour, finance, revenue and customs, and tourism.

Although the first day is opened to registered members only, the second day will be free and open to the public.

Says Anae, “The second day we are opening it up for the Samoan community and general public to come and view the displays. It’s a time where they can meet the business community from Samoa and view their products and offerings.”

The two day conference is a high powered affair.

The opening will be blessed by Reverend Dr Featuna’i Liuaana before the official welcome by Anae Arthur Anae. Convener for the conference is Talitigā Rt. Hon. Sir Don McKinnon taking the chair before PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi delivers the keynote address.

And Tauaaletoa Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland will start presentations by addressing investors on the Super City’s role in Pacific investment.

The chief guest will be New Zealand’s deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Bill English who will be joined by the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade flying in from Fjij.

Invited guests include leaders of the business community, local government and financial and trade institutions. Mr Peter Kiely, Chairperson of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation will officially close the Conference.

For more information contact Fonoti Lafi Dr. Fuata’i, mob: 021921941

INFORMATION
Venue: Pullmans Hotel, Auckland
Date: 20 and 21 September, 2012
Day-1: Registered members only (9am to 6pm)
Day-2: Open to the public (9am onwards)
Topics:  Land reform issues, Commerce, industry and Labour, Manufacturing, Agriculture and fisheries, Finance/revenue and Customs, Tourism

Projects for display:

1.    Wilex Samoa – Koko Samoa Project (Manufacturing/Agro Processing)
2.    Unit Trust of Samoa (investment fund – finance Sector)
3.    Rehabilitation of Cocoa/Coconut Plantation (Agriculture)
4.    Industrial Processing Centre for Gluten free flour from breadfruit (Manufacturing)
5.    Herbal Teas with a functional Twist; Snacks with a natural functional Twist (Manufacturing)
6.    Frangipani oil Samoa (Agriculture)
7.    Vaisala Hotel restructuring/remodelling (Tourism)
8.    Eteline Homestay - renovations and upgrade (Tourism)
9.    Faofao beach resort (Tourism)
10.    Aganoa beach retreat (Tourism)
11.    Adventure Centre (Tourism)
12.    Over the Water restaurant and fales (Tourism)
13.    Zodiac Community Centre (Tourism)
14.    Fatu Feu’u Art resort (Tourism)
15.    Wellness Sanctuary and EcoSpa Centre, Solaua (Tourism)
16.    Tusitala National Park: The big coconut (Tourism)

Comments  

 

0 #1 2012-09-19 22:25

We would like an opportunity to attend your Samoa Investment promotion trade fare in Auckland on 20-21 Sep-2012
We are a New Zealand own International Freight Forwarding company and Samoa is our biggest volume both sea freight and air freight.
Please advise where do we register our company for your trade fare.
Here is our contact details -
Alo Leota - Business Development Manager.
Pacific Islands and Asia.
SENDIT - Freight Forwarding company.
68 Ascot Road,Airport Oaks
Auckland.
phone-09-977-3331
Email - alosendit.co.nz

 

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