Samoa to host 2Samoa Talks in September

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The 2Samoa Talks concluded today after their meetings were held behind closed doors at the ASCC multi-complex facility. 

The next 2Samoa Talks will be held in September and hosted by the Samoa Government. 

The first meeting to be held in 2017, the theme of the meeting is Atoa o Samoa, or Oneness of Samoa. 

After the meeting one of the issues the Samoa Government offered its assistance is the lack of commercial banks in the territory and offered their assistance, given the departure of ANZ. 

In an interview, Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o said trade is important but without banks, small businesses cannot operate.

“It’s evident the ANZ, an international bank will close its business in American Samoa, leaving behind the Territorial Bank of American Samoa. 

“And across in Samoa, we have four commercial banks and hinted to ASG this is the opportunity to set up banking services by Samoa to assist with the challenges faced by the US territory,” said Mulipola. 

“We have requested directly to the Governor to consider a proposal by banks from Samoa to open in the territory,” said Mulipola.

Adding that it has been productive meetings held with ASG leaders. 

Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo.
PC: Radio Polynesia

Furthermore, there is also an agreement by the Government leaders to host another 2Samoa Talks in Apia by September. 

On Wednesday night, ASG hosted a dinner which turned into fundraising whereas more than $20,000 was donated to the Samoa Government during the Siva by Legislature, Cabinet, and Prime Minister Fiame and her delegates. 

After the official closing, delegates from both Governments moved to the Su’igaula ole Atuvasa guest house for cultural traditional presentations, where ASG and the Senate gifted close to $70,000 USD, accompanied with (fa’aoso) gifts of 100 turkey tail cases, 100 hams and 100 tuna cases to the Samoa Government.

Chief of Staff, Tuimavave Tauapa’i Mulipola says the official communique will be issued later on the agreements endorsed by the two Governments. 

The delegation from Apia will depart tomorrow while Cabinet Members along with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and members of the FAST party who arrived in the territory yesterday will remain back for their radio thon fundraising in Utulei today. 

During the opening, Governor the two Government should continue to foster and develop economic and social policies that are mutually beneficial and promotes our common priorities.

Adding that the two Governments must explore and work collaboratively in areas where there are common ground and allows for the development of both economies to meet the challenges of the present and future.

“Developing and improving our immigration system and policies, collaborating to mitigate the negative climate change effects and improve resiliency, sustainable food security, advancing our telecommunication infrastructure, and addressing difficult social issues are just a few areas where we can come together for the common good.”