Delegation to Investment Summit looks to forge new economic growth

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The United States’ top foreign direct investment event – the 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit – is underway this week at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland with Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga leading a delegation of key cabinet members and staff who are hoping to promote investment opportunities in the territory and improve economic diversification and business growth.

The delegation comprises leadership from ASG departments and private business partners.

“The United States continues to lead as the world’s top FDI [Foreign Direct Investment] destination, and we believe that the U.S. territories, American Samoa in particular, can be valuable partners for investors looking to enter or expand into the U.S. market. We are our region’s gateway to the U.S. market, and so we are bringing this message to the world and are looking forward to a great summit,” Gov Lemanu said in a press statement released yesterday.

The American Samoa delegation has participated in a series of back to back investment sessions since the onset of the summit as well as ASG’s Invest American Samoa Reception on Tuesday night where Gov. Lemanu as well as Executive Director of Select USA, Mr. Jasjit Singh spoke to the guests. The Young Ambassador of American Samoa also performed in front of the more than 100 invited SelectUSA Summit guests (investors, participants, and others).

Prior to the start of the Summit, the ASG delegation had the opportunity to join with the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church - DMV, Tafatolu mo Keriso for their Worship Service this past Sunday, April 30. (Read separate story elsewhere in this issue.)

On Wednesday Governor Lemanu, alongside governors of other U.S. territories, participated in a roundtable discussion highlighting the benefits of investing in their respective the territories.

This year, over 53 States & Territories participated, more than 82+ markets were represented, and nearly 2,000 investors were in attendance.

This is American Samoa’s third appearance at the SelectUSA summit.