According to the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Economic Monitor report, Samoa is projected to see an increase in economic growth in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report looks at the Pacific economies and the recovery efforts that will have Pacific nations bounce back with their tourism industry back on track.

Pacific nations are predicted to grow by 3.3 per cent in 2023 and 2.8 per cent in 2024 but inflationary pressures and vulnerability to natural hazards remain downside risks.

The report titled "COVID-19 and the Pacific three years on" looks at some tourism-dependent economies whilst exploring new opportunities in agriculture, digitalization, and fisheries. It also analyses ways to reduce budgetary risks and support sustainable economic growth.

“The lifting of the last pandemic mobility restrictions has enabled economic activity, such as tourism and implementation of public infrastructure projects, to resume in earnest,” said the A.D.B. Director General for the Pacific, Leah Gutierrez. “The outlook for the Pacific is subject to downside risks, such as sensitivity to international commodity prices and longstanding vulnerability to disasters.

"But A.D.B. continues to work closely with government counterparts across the Pacific to help mitigate these risks, restore development gains, and support inclusive, sustainable growth in the sub-region.”

Earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund (I.M.F.) also said that Samoa was on a recovery path following a three-year recession triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The I.M.F. outlook on Samoa for the next two years is that income could potentially be generated from rising tourism activities as well as remittances.

The economic growth will remain above the trend in the financial year for 2024/2025 as tourism inflows and the domestic economy normalize. Higher tourism receipts and resilient remittances are also projected to narrow the current account deficit. Since then the cost of living has eased now with international borders opened up.

The latest A.D.B. report also explores the development impact of the pandemic and challenges to recovery and fiscal sustainability. Other articles provide updates on post-pandemic tourism in Samoa and Tonga and outline how to offset pandemic-induced social and economic losses in the North Pacific.