An additional AUD$20 million (WST$36.7 million) has been committed by the Australian Government in direct budget support towards Samoa’s Treasury.

This additional budget support is for preparation to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year.

There was WST$ 21 million allocated for CHOGM preparation in the budget announced last June.

The Exchange of Letters for this funding arrangement was co-signed by Samoa’s Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, and Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, William Robinson on Tuesday.

This AUD$20 million (WST$36.7 million) budget support is in addition to the AUD$50 million (WST$91 million) over eight years that was signed last year by former High Commissioner Emily Luck and Lautimuia.

 “We warmly thank the people and Government of Australia for their continued support and commitment to working in partnership for the prosperity of Samoa’s communities,” said Lautimuia.

“This support will also ensure a successful CHOGM, where we look forward to showcasing the best of fa’a-Samoa and our Pacific way on the international stage.”

“This support reflects Australia’s approach to all its partnerships, with a deep commitment to locally-led solutions.  Samoa knows the challenges it’s facing best, and this support directly into Samoa’s Treasury enhances the nation’s ability to respond to those challenges,” said Mr. Robinson.

Australia delivers its budget support in partnership with development partners that are committed to Samoa’s long-term sustainable development – New Zealand, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the European Union – through the Joint Policy Action Matrix (JPAM).

The JPAM mechanism, with dialogue across Government, provides rigour and assurance that Australia’s budget support contributes to Samoa’s pursuit of global best practice policies and reform actions that are fit for Samoa’s national priorities.