Ten private organizations receive $275,000 in Government grants

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 27 JUNE 2023: Ten Private Sector Organisations and 5 Workers Associations have received $275,000 of Government annual grants to support the ongoing development of the private sector.

The funds were handed over by the Minister of Commerce, Industry & Labour, Leatinu’u Wayne Sooialo yesterday.

“Every year we have this gathering as reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment in supporting our private sector and their tremendous contribution to Samoa’s economic growth,” said Leatinu’u.

The Government grants started in 1997 with a total of $30,000 for two beneficiaries, but the number has increased and so is the amount of the grant which now sits at $275,000.

Leatinu’u said the number of beneficiaries varies every year depending on the organization satisfying the qualifying and reporting criteria.

Leatinu’u and MCIL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling encouraged organizations to submit their applications for financial assistance on the timeframe set by the ministry.

Other than the grants for the private sector organisations, this is the third year since the inclusion of the Workers Associations who sit on the Samoa National Tripartite and the Samoa Medical Association.

Leatinu’u said the grant for Workers Associations is part of the Government’s commitment to promote the principles of social dialogue and tripartite consultations between the Government, Employees and Workers to ensure their voices are heard in the development of important labour and employment matters.

He emphasized the importance  of continued social  dialogue to ensure workers are well represented and their voices are heard in the development of national policies and legislation.

Private Sector Organizations

• Samoa Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. – $50,000
• Women in Business Development Inc. – $45,000
• Samoa Association of Manufacturers & Exporters Inc. – $40,000
• Samoa Hotels & Hospitality Association Inc. – $35,000
• Business of Salafai Association Inc. – $25,000
• Samoa Federated Farmers Inc.$20,000
• Samoa Information & Technology Association – $20,000
• Samoa Mamanu Designs & Manufacturers Association – $5,000
• Tautai Samoa Association – $5,000
• Asosi mo Atinae Laau Toto Savaii – $5,000

Workers Association

• Samoa Workers Congress – $5,000
• Public Servants Association – $5,000
• Samoa Nurses Association – $5,000
• Samoa Seafarers & Maritime Association – $5,000
• Samoa medical Association – $5,000.