Samoa’s vibrant business community is making its mark internationally as the Rugby World Cup heats up in France.
As Samoan rugby fans cheer on their team at the final group match against England, Samoan businesses are seizing the opportunity to promote their unique blend of culture and business acumen.
The International Trade Centre (ITC), and the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP), are sponsoring four Samoan companies on a trade mission to France to bring the beauty of the Pacific to Europe. Mailelani Samoa, Kuki Samoa, Women in Business Development Inc. and Wilex Samoa are participating in the mission.
Mailelani Samoa produces naturally hand-crafted products with organic, cold- pressed coconut oil and other sustainably sourced ingredients (Tamanu oil, local honey and beeswax, natural fragrances, and lemongrass oil) sourced from local farmers.
Also specializing in natural beauty products, Kuki Samoa manufactures artisan skincare remedies from the tropical plants of Samoa. Wilex Samoa is promoting their “Samoa Noni-Loa” brand of juices made from the nonu fruit which is sourced from across the island. Nonu (noni) is an important agricultural export in Samoa supporting more than 17,000 semi-subsistence farming households. It’s also a superfood known for its regenerative health benefits.
Joining these local companies, and representing various women-owned businesses is the Samoa’s Women in Business Development Incorporated (WIBDI). WIBDI supports local women to establish and maintain their own income-generation projects by providing training programmes in rural areas. The training helps to generate much-needed cash for households and links to international markets. On the sidelines of the final Rugby World Cup group match between Samoa and England in Lille, France, UKTP will host a series of B2B meetings inviting the four Samoan businesses to showcase their products to UK buyers from various
distribution and retail companies. Through this opportunity, Samoa is set to make a lasting international impression, demonstrating their world-class rugby skills, fostering business partnerships, and highlighting the beauty and potential of Samoa.
