Parliament passes the establishment of the Samoa Export Authority

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 21 August 2024 – Parliament has approved the establishment of the Samoa Export Authority with the passing of the SEA Bill 2024 discussed under the certificate of urgency yesterday.

SEA was one of the projects highlighted in the Fa’atuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party’s 2021 election manifesto.

Driven by a Task Force headed by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the objectives of the new government entity are contained in the Samoa Export Authority 2024 legislation that was tabled by the Minister for the Ministry of Public Enterprises, Leatinu’u Wayne Sooialo.

“Its goal is to ensure farmers understand policies and process for exporting goods overseas,” said Leatinu’u.

SEA will also be charged with exploring and securing overseas markets for local products as it works to close the trade deficit that stands at $1b in annual imports compared to $30m in exports.

Like other government owned entities, SEA will operate under a Board who will work closely with other Government Ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (MAF), Ministry of Commerce Industry & Labour (MCIL), Scientific Research Organisation (SROS), the Samoa Association of Exporters (SAME) the Farmers Association, Women in Business and other related agencies.

Government recently announced the appointment of Pouli Dr. Faulalo as the Samoa Export Authority’s Chief Executive Officer.

Sustainability & production a concern
During Parliament debate, the Opposition members supported the initiative but their main concern was about the sustainability of export supplies.

Whilst SEA is new, the idea behind exporting local produce overseas is not, hence the reason for securing a property in Otahuhu in Auckland by the former government to be used as the centre for Samoan produce in the New Zealand market. However, the property is not being properly utilized.

Under the SEA initiative, the entity will look at securing public lands to be developed commercially in an effort to address the sustainability of supply for the overseas markets.

Already, government is leasing STEC land at Mulifanua to projects such as Frankies Poultry and processing farm as a kind of commercial operation entertained under the Samoa Export Authority initiative.

The Samoa Export Authority legislation will be reviewed after five years.