Task Force established to look into proposed
Economic Integration Agreement

The leaders of the two Samoas, Governor Togiola Tulafono and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, have agreed to establish a joint Government/Private Sector Task Force to determine the feasibility of an Economic Integration Agreement between the two Samoas for the purpose of establishing a common customs union.

This was made known during the seventh meeting on cooperation issues between the two Samoas held on Sept. 21 at the Central Bank Building in Apia.

During the meeting of the two countries, both Togiola and Tuilaepa recognized the need to strengthen the relationship between the government and the private sector and therefore agreed to the formation of the said Task Force.

In addition, both government leaders have acknowledged receipt of the joint letter from the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce, the Samoa Chamber of Commerce, the Samoa Hotel Association, and the Samoa Association of Manufacturers & Exporters requesting consideration of an Economic Integration Agreement between the two Samoas.

To advance the discussion on the proposed Agreement, several individuals were nominated to serve as initial ‘points of contact.’

The nominees include American Samoa’s Attorney General Fepulea’i Afa Ripley, Department of Commerce director Faleseu Eliu Paopao, ASG Treasurer Velega Savali, Department of Port Administration director Matagi Ray Mailo McMoore, and the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce. Those who will serve the Samoa community include the CEOs of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour; Ministry of Revenue and Customs; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the Samoa Hotel Association; Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exports; and the Samoa Chamber of Commerce.

Establishing a task force to study the feasibility of the proposed Economic Integration Agreement is one of the many positive outcomes of this year’s Samoa Talks.

“We embrace this moment and know that success will come and these Samoa Talks will require the active efforts and follow up of both of our countries,” Togiola said in his closing remarks at the meeting.“We have accomplished a lot today and we are very happy that by working together, we can help build strong capabilities.”

He added, “I have repeated to the Prime Minister my commitment of this annual opportunity to meet as it holds great promise for our countries to recognize the goals of both governments. We must all show the wisdom and the will to take the outcomes of this very important meeting and make it come into fruition....We thank you for your strong support, positive response on the issues, and especially your friendship.”

Tuilaepa responded, “During our meeting between delegations, we had an exchange of views on issues related to our countries and the region. Our views are common as well as our foundations and visions. We will continue working together further as countries in closer cooperation and pursue our issues together.
Thank you for a most satisfying exchange of views here at our meeting.”

American Samoa will host Samoa Talks in 2008.