Atoa o Samoa Executive talks in Apia wrapped up this past Friday

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — To date there has been no official document issued on the outcome of the Atoa o Samoa Executive talks that concluded last Friday in Apia. After previous talks a communique was routinely released for public information.

Last week a memorandum of understanding was signed between Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and American Samoa Governor, Lemanu P.S. Mauga.

Independent media was banned from the meetings, with only government media allowed into the talks, such as KVZK TV from American Samoa, and Savali — the Samoa government owned newspaper.

KVZK.TV reported that promoting government to government relations and inclusive growth, sustainable infrastructure and interconnectivity and strengthening investments and good governance are the priorities outlined in the MOU. 

The goal of the memorandum is to reinforce cooperation between the two Samoas thus fostering the common objective to promote economic development and cooperation to obtain fuller opportunities for social progress. 

Prime Minister Fiame expressed gratitude for the cooperation and stressed the importance of the implementation of the priorities in the memorandum laying emphasis on the rule of law, promoting transparency and addressing the issue of the economy, as a precondition for growing investment activities.

Governor Lemanu said that despite the numerous challenges and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ASG’s mid- and long-term commitment was to contribute to overall economic prosperity through systemic measures.

At the press conference ASG confirmed granting a long-term request from the Samoa Government to import meat into the territory.

While this is now effective, there are guidelines that need to be ironed out, such as the quantity.

Lemanu confirmed that American Samoa is accepting raw meat for personal use at the moment.

He also confirmed that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has already conducted its inspection of Samoa’s meat processing procedures, re raw meat, and has given the green light.

In 2016, the USDOA put a ban on raw meat from Samoa on the basis that they did not have a USDA-certified abattoir, which raised food security concerns, it was then lifted in 2019 by ASG for personal consumption and funerals, however, not long after it was banned again by the USDA. 

Last month, the USDA approved the importation into the United States and its territories of fresh turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome based on the findings of a pest risk analysis.

They have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh turmeric ( Curcuma longa) rhizome from Samoa.

The Atoa o Samoa executive talks that concluded last Friday was hailed a success by the two government leaders.

During their joint press conference in Apia, both leaders said they are glad to support these vital efforts with a contribution of our own. In these times in which greater engagement is necessary, it is more important than ever to join forces not only in order to deal with the current challenges but also in order to put our country's long-term goals in perspective.

According to KVZK.TV reports, strengthening exports and manufacturing between the two Samosas was well covered by DOC Director Petti Matila who said that strengthening exports helps support diversification of our local economies.

Matila proposed that the two Samoas should hold trade shows to further promote trade between the two and also noted opportunities available for business investments and expansion in American Samoa.

The DOC Director also addressed the importance of tourism in the development of both countries in  particular as part of COVID 19 recovery efforts.

Adding the importance of joint marketing opportunities to promote the two Samoas in global tourist markets, including travels to Manu’a.

The vital links between the tourism industries and air travel as a contributing factor for economic growth and development was also highlighted

Director Matila recognized the significance of human capital development for both Samoas. The Samoan Government acknowledged a proposal by ASG to develop an exchange program to address the development of the workforce, movement of workers and seasonal work between the two Samoas and that existing recruitment processes would need to be adapted to the specific context of workers for the StarKist Samoa operations

Meanwhile up to 200 police officers were allocated as security details for the ASG delegation comprising 88 people.

Delegates included ASG leaders, Speaker of the House, representatives, directors, governor’s special advisors, deputy directors and staff of the governor’s office.

This was confirmed by Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Keti during the weekly media press conference in Samoa last week.

She said the officers serving as their protective details and drivers worked 24-7 to ensure the “safety” of the delegation and it’s normal procedure for the Ministry of Police and Prisons when they have delegations from overseas.