A proposed office for the Legislative Assembly to be built in the big island of Savaii is in the pipeline thanks to funding support from the People's Republic of China. 

The project is amongst several expansion works from the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly financed by China through partnership and mutual beneficial cooperation. 

Speaker of the House, Papalii Lio Masipau recently visited China with two other Members of Parliament in an exchange experience in legislation. 

The M.P. for Gagaifomauga No.2, Foisala Lilo Ioane and representative of Aleipata Itupa-i-Luga, Fuaava Suluimalo Amataga joined the Speaker on that China trip. 

Speaker Papalii said during the trip, China had agreed to fund the new O.C.L.A. office in Savaii, renovate the Tofilau Eti Alesana building and a new backup system.

He met with China's parliament head Zhao Leji on a two weeks trip fully funded by the Chinese Government and sought financial support on the projects. 

“We need an office building in Savaii to cut expenses when Parliamentary Committees have work in the island and need a conference room and accommodation,” he said. 

“This will help in terms of expenditure in going to Savaii with a new building that can host those meetings and after those meetings the M.Ps in the island can stay with their family. 

“Renovations work for the Tofilau building will take place once the Legislative Assembly office moves out and the M.Ps will have their own office back in Tofilau.” 

The Tofilau Eti Alesana building was initially occupied by M.Ps but now houses the Speaker and the O.C.L.A. after its previous office was dismantled. 

The construction of the Samoa Parliamentary Complex redevelopment project funded by the Commonwealth of Australia is currently in progress and costs more than $1.5 million. 

About his visit to China, the Speaker spoke highly of the Chinese modernisation and major developments he got the opportunity to see and visit. 

He last visited China in 2013 and 10 years later, Speaker Papalii said the country’s development and economy has progressed immensely. 

“Their idea of transferring funds from the millionaires to develop those in poverty has hugely lifted the standard of living and helped China tackle poverty under what we call communist rule,” he said. 

“It is interesting because they believe that the process that we call communist is democracy…they give money from the rich to the grassroot and that has helped raise the standard of living for the less fortunate.” 

According to Papalii, the approach from China can be taken as similar with the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) $1million development fund distributed to districts and villages for their development. 

“It’s similar with China in the sense that we are acknowledging the needs of those in the villages and the fund helps lift up our people, helps with school fees and in turn contribute to the economy of the country.” 

The Speaker acknowledged the work ethics of Chinese people which has also driven its economy and pushed for major developments. 

A delegation from China arrives next  Monday and will also further discuss proposed developments they can assist with.