The future of agriculture and fisheries exports to American Samoa looks bright, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt.

He revealed that one of the positive outcomes from the Atoa o Samoa discussions this year was the expansion of agriculture and fisheries exports to American Samoa.

He confirmed in an interview with the media this week when queried about the outcome of the talanoa between the two Samoas for his ministry alone as he did not want to comment on the overall outcome of the Atoa o Samoa discussions.

He stressed that the outcome of the overall meeting should be released soon but for his Ministry, discussions between appropriate authorities and entities between the two countries are underway for agriculture and fisheries.

“The inspection has been completed as well as the conference for this year and I understand there are a lot of important general aspects not only with the general communique but also with the Ministry's (M.A.F.) communique with American Samoa,” he said.

“For my ministry, there is a huge significant step in terms of working together and expanding the exportation of our agriculture and fisheries to American Samoa.

“It is very huge and it has also been approved to continue our discussions on exporting our meat to overseas as well as other goods we produce here on island such as taro, fish and other products which improves the income earning of our people.”

As part of the outcome of the meeting, Laauli added that there were agricultural and fisheries products gifted to the American Samoa Government as part of the official start of the trade after the meeting.

These included 500 giant clams, 500 tilapia, five cows, five lambs, five pigs, and limu.

“For M.A.F, discussions have been made and finalised and I understand that an official outcome should be released by now,” he said.

“The outcome of this meeting has already been signed by the Prime Minister and the Governor.”

Samoa exports to American Samoa worth US$6 million, with a partner share of 21.07 per cent. Samoa exports to the United States worth US$ 5 million, with a partner share of 18.63 per cent. Samoa exports to Australia worth US$ 2 million, with a partner share of 8.60 per cent.