The Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of Commerce Industry and Labour, Pulotu Lydon Chu Ling has cautioned non Samoan citizens who are engaging in businesses reserved for Samoans.

The warning was outlined in a public notice issued by the Ministry on Wednesday and signed by the C.E.O, highlighting that this is against the Foreign Investment Act 2000.

“All foreign investment enterprises or businesses with foreign shareholding are advised of that under section 14 (la) it is an offence for a non-citizen or a company having a shareholder who is a non-citizen to be engaged in or be employed at any business or economic activity which is specified in the prohibited list,” says the notice.

According to the notice, the prohibited list or the reserve list includes the bus transport services for the general public; taxi transports, rental vehicles, retailing food and drink items, sawmilling and traditional elei garments designing and printing.

“If a non-citizen is found to be engaged in any of the reserved activities the Ministry will take appropriate action to address this issue.

“It is also encouraged that members of the public report any cases of non-citizens involved in any of the reserved activities to the Ministry,” says the notice.

It is unclear as to what prompted the notice as attempts to seek a comment from Pulotu and the Minister, Leatinuu Wayne Fong were not successful as of press time.

Meanwhile the Ministry urged the public to contact the M.C.I.L. at 20441 with the Industry Development and Investment Promotion Division to report any illegal activities.