WT/TPR/M/386  
11 June  2019 
(19-3967) Page: 1/35 
Trade Policy Review Body  
10 and 12 April 2019   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
SAMOA 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee (Philippines)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT  BY THE REPRESENTATI VE OF SAMOA  ................................ ........  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  13 
5  REPLIES BY THE RE PRESENTATIVE OF SAMOA  AND ADDITIONAL COMM ENTS  ...........  28 
6  CONCLUDING REMARK S BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  34 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Samoa  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 386/Add.1  and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_ e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The first Trade Policy Review of Samoa was held on 10 and 12 April 2019. The Chairperson, 
H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee (Philippines), welcomed the delegation of Samoa , headed by 
Honourable Lautafi Fio Selaf i Purcell , Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour; the rest of the 
delegation; and the discussant, H.E. Dr. David Walker (New Zealand).  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of trade policy reviews and the main elements of 
procedures for the meeting. The report by Samoa  was contained in document WT/TPR/G/38 6 and 
that of the WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/38 6. 
1.3.  Before proceed ing to the review of Samoa, the Chairperson inform ed Members that as stated 
in the Addendum to the Airgram for this meeting (WTO/AIR/TPR/83/Add.1), the United Nations 
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) ha d requested to attend, as an ad hoc observer, the 
upcoming Trade Policy Review of Trinidad and Tobago. Thus, with no objections, the Chairperson  
grant ed UNIDO observer status for this meeting, and accordingly invite d the representative of UNIDO 
to participate, as ha d been done in the past.  
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Canada; Iceland; United States; Brazil; Australia; and the European Union . The following delegations 
submitted written questions after the deadline: New Zealand; Republic of Korea; and China . 
1.5.  Since its accession to the WTO in 2012, Samoa's economy experienced considerable 
fluctuations. This was mainly the consequence of the devastation caused by Category 5 Cyclone 
Evan that struck Samoa in 2012. Also, the closure of th e largest manufacturing plant in 2017 (which 
produced automobile wire harnesses for export to Australia) weakened economic growth. 
Nonetheless, driven by a dynamic services sector and reconstruction activities, the Samoan economy 
performed reasonably well on average, with an annual GDP growth rate of close to 2% in the period 
2012-18. But Samoa's vulnerability to natural disasters was undoubtedly one the most important 
challenges it faced in achieving higher economic growth and attracting more investment.  
1.6.  Samoa is a small archipelago, with around 200,000 inhabitants and a per capita income of 
about USD 4,100. Samoa graduated from LDC status in 2014. Tourism, agriculture, fisheries and 
commercial services are the main pillars of the economy, while remittances  and foreign aid also play 
an important role in sustaining the economy. The country has a large merchandise trade deficit, and 
is a net exporter of services, as tourism continues to thrive despite the cyclones.  
1.7.  Samoa grants at least MFN treatment to all it s trading partners. It is party to the Pacific Island 
Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), and benefits from preferences granted by Australia and 
New Zealand under the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Co -operation Agreement 
(SPARTECA).  
1.8.  The customs tariff is Samoa's main trade policy instrument. The applied tariff has four bands 
(duty -free; 5%; 8%; and 20%), with a few exceptions in terms of higher tariffs and non -ad valorem  
tariffs. The average applied MFN tariff was 11.5% in 2018, which has been vi rtually unchanged since 
Samoa's accession to the WTO. Samoa has bound all tariffs, and generally there is a gap between 
the bound rates and the applied tariffs. Samoa maintains several import restrictions and prohibitions 
for health, safety or environmenta l reasons. The import prohibition on turkey tails, which was applied 
on the grounds of health concerns, was lifted in 2013. The Trade Facilitation Agreement was accepted 
by Samoa in April 2016, and notifications were made regarding its Category A, B and C 
commitments.  
1.9.  Samoa is relatively open to foreign investment, although there are a few activities that are 
restricted or closed to foreign investment; these include food retail trade, transportation, saw mills, 
traditional Samoan garment design and printing , and traditional Samoan accommodation.  
1.10.   In their advance written questions, Members sought clarification on a number of issues, 
including: Samoa's compliance with its tariff bindings at the WTO; the applied tariffs for imports of 
turkey tails; the SPS impo rt list maintained by the Samoa Quarantine Services; outstanding 
notifications in various areas and Samoa's intentions to notify SPS, TBT, TRIPS and other measures; WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  offshore financial services and remittance issues; Samoa's price control policy; and FDI re strictions 
maintained on fishing.  
1.11.   Members also showed interest in Samoa's fisheries policies; its efforts to diversify the export 
base; its intention to join the GPA as an observer; its plans to join certain WIPO treaties; the state 
of the ratification of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus; and progress 
in the economic empowerment of Samoan women.  
1.12.   The meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson was looking 
forward to a fruitful and productive exchange of views.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE OF SAMOA ( HON. LAUTAFI FIO SELAFI 
PURCELL ) 
2.1.  It is my honour and privilege to deliver this statement on behalf of my Government on the 
occasion of the first Trade Policy Review of Samoa. At the outset, let me extend a warm welcome to 
all ambassadors and representatives of WTO Members and Observers pr esent here today for this 
important meeting. I acknowledge the Chairman, H.E. Ambassador Manuel Teehankee of the 
Philippines and wish to thank you for your Opening Remarks. My delegation is truly appreciative of 
the participation of H.E. Ambassador David W alker of New Zealand, whom we are pleased to have 
as our discussant.  
2.2.  Let me thank the Secretariat 's team for their work in producing the report on Samoa 's trade 
and economic policies, which, together with the Government of Samoa 's Policy Statement, provide  
a comprehensive account of Samoa 's trade policy framework. We appreciated the visit of the 
Secretariat 's team which provided the opportunity to actively engage in discussion s of issues 
involved in the review. In fact, we already see the benefit of this pr ocess of the WTO Trade Policy 
Review as a checklist of actions required for Samoa to undertake.  
2.3.  I wish to thank all WTO Members that have shown interest in this Review and for the advance 
questions posed to us. We have endeavoured to answer all of them in time as per the procedural 
guidelines of the Review.  
2.4.  Chairman, let me begin by stressing that Samoa attaches great value to the fundamental 
principles of the multilateral trading system, and prominently among them, non -discrimination and 
transparency of n ational trade policies, rules and measures. The trade policy review process itself 
has identified transparency gaps for the Government to address particularly on notifications.  
2.5.  While Samoa needs strong technical assistance to overcome the human and instit utional 
capacity gaps hindering compliance with its notification obligations, we try as much as possible to 
progress with the available limited resources, the result of which has recently been the submission 
of notifications on TRIMS, agricultural export s ubsidies and domestic support, and IP laws under the 
TRIPS agreement.  
2.6.  Chairman, distinguished delegates, both the Secretariat 's report and the report of the 
Government of Samoa describe concisely the inherent challenges that constrain our economic 
developm ent. I believe this need to be briefly highlighted, so we can place the discussions in an 
appropriate context. What are the main challenges?  
• Smallness in size: our total land area is 2,820 square kilometres,  our Exclusive Economic Zone 
(EEZ) is the smalles t of all Pacific countries (98,500 km2) and both the population and the 
labour force are small (respectively 193,483 and 48,100 people). As a consequence, we also 
have a small domestic market.  
• Remoteness places us in the tyranny of distance from major cent ers of economic activity, 
causing high trade costs.  
• Rising frequency and intensity of devastating natural disasters, largely due to impacts of 
climate change are results of our vulnerabilities. The 2009 Pacific Ocean Tsunami, Tropical 
Cyclones Evan in 2012  and Gita in 2018 left us with damages and losses that were the 
equivalent of around 25% of our GDP. Recovery involves the reconstruction of infrastructure, 
extensive program mes for revitalized plantation holdings, restoration of ecological habitats 
and ec osystems where possible and creation of new settlements for displaced populations.  
2.7.  Despite these challenges, our economy has shown remarkable resilience. Indeed, we have 
recovered from the impacts of these natural disasters but at a high price as the recon struction almost 
invariably contributes to budget deficits and breaching external debt thresholds. Nevertheless, the 
successful recovery programmes were facilitated by structural changes, policy reforms and the 
adoption of sound economic policies.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  2.8.  We are pleased to note in the Secretariat report the recognition of Samoa 's successful reform 
programmes, which promoted, I quote "macroeconomic stability and increased access to health and 
education ". In this regard, we are proud that Samoa consistently belongs to the group of countries 
ranked 'High' Human Assets Index. In particular, our gross secondary school enrolment ratio is 85% 
and the adult literacy rate is 99%. Whilst Samoa graduated from LDC status in 2014, structural 
vulnerabilities remain.  
2.9.  Our macroeco nomic policies are premised on the advice of the IMF provided at every annual 
Article IV consultation. Our goals are to reduce public debt through expenditure control and revenue 
mobilization as guided by our Medium -Term Debt Strategy (2016 -2020) and have adopted 
accommodative monetary policy. The aim is to continue to keep public debt and budget deficit within 
the thresholds, and enhance revenue collection. The Government prioriti zes the use of grant aid 
assistance and then highly concessional loans as a m eans of last resort.  
2.10.   Our structural reform efforts concentrate on improving Samoa 's business environment, 
resilience to natural disasters, financial inclusion, and enhancing performance and governance of 
State -Owned Enterprises, while also exploring opport unities for privatization. Our enterprise 
ownership and privatization policies are based on the principle that maintaining state ownership is 
justified only in the case of enterprises which have such significant strategic, security, or social 
importance. T he Divestment Policy 2015 aims to ensure that a sale process must not result in state 
monopolies becoming a private sector monopoly. We recognize that a robust competition law and 
the enforcement of an effective competition policy are necessary corollaries  to successful 
privatization.  
2.11.   As far as structural changes are concerned, whilst traditionally the economy was largely based 
on agriculture and fisheries, industry and services have now become significant contributors to GDP. 
In 2017, the services sector a ccounted for 68% of GDP, manufacturing came second with a share of 
22%, while the primary sector and public administration each contributed to 8% of GDP.  
2.12.   Samoa 's economic performance since WTO accession, shows steady growth following the 
recovery from the natural disasters of 2009 and 2012 with peak growth of 7.2% in 2015/2016 largely 
due to the expansion of the fisheries sector and construction including two lar ge hotels. The growth 
rate has since declined mainly due to industry slowdown, with the closure in August 2017 of Yazaki 
Samoa manufacturing plant, the single largest private employer in Samoa. Current projections 
indicate increases in economic growth of 3 .4%, in 2018/19, driven by infrastructure spending, the 
development of the communications sector following the completion of the Tui -Samoa Cable, and 
the hosting of the Pacific Games later this year. In the medium term,  GDP is expected to normalize 
at 2.2%  according to the latest forecast estimates of the IMF.  
2.13.   Chairman, we are conscious that any projection, any outlook is subject to downside risks as 
Samoa is highly exposed to unpredictable natural disasters. This is why we have adopted our current 
developm ent plan "Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS 2016 -2020) " with the aim to 
ensure inclusive and sustainable development. The SDS focuses on four priority areas: economic, 
social, infrastructural and environmental development which also encompasses th e three pillars for 
sustainable development. It is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the SIDS 
Accelerated Modality of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and Paris Agreement. The SDS also reflects the 
integration and mainstreaming of gender, human r ights, and climate and disaster risk resilience and 
Samoa 's commitment to regional and international protocols in national planning  
2.14.   In terms of our trade performance, I should highlight that Samoa not only has a small 
economy, but it also has a limited nu mber of tradeable sectors. Our merchandise export base has 
not diversified much since WTO accession. We have only six major export commodities, of which 
fish represents almost half of total exports, although efforts are under way to develop and diversify 
our nascent manufacturing sector. At the same time, Samoa depends highly on a wide range of 
imports and as such, international merchandise trade is characterized by a significant and persistent 
deficit. However, trade in services exhibits a positive balance , which has grown by 4.5% in the last 
five years. The surplus is attributed to tourism and travel and is expected to grow further with the 
total upgrade of the Faleolo International Airport and the increase in the number of airlines and 
flights servicing S amoa. As well , two large hotels were opened in the last five years with associated 
climate proofed upgrades of land and sea transport infrastructure.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  2.15.   Chairman, the framework for our trade policy has been progressively developed over the last 
decade through  the adoption of successive policy documents, catalysed by our WTO accession. 
Indeed, Samoa 's Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime 2000, was the first publication that 
documented Samoa 's trade policies. The subsequent policy papers, the Trade Policy Stat ement of 
2008, the National Export Strategy 2008 –2012, and the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study of 2010 
and its update of 2016 have been developed with due regard to the WTO, in terms of both our 
commitments and the opportunities that our membership prov ides to our economy and traders.  
2.16.   Samoa 's trade policy objectives, as integrated in the Trade, Commerce and Manufacturing 
Sector Plan 2012 -2016 (TCMSP), which translates the strategic trade directions of our national 
development plan relating to agriculture  and fisheries productivity, exports, tourism and the 
participation of the private sector in development into policy actions, are to:  
• Improve industrial supply and productivity;  
• Increase processing activities and value -addition; and  
• Enhance market access a nd visibility of goods and services.  
2.17.   The Government is committed to improving the conducive environment for private sector 
growth through sound economic and financial management. Economic strategic outcomes include 
an enhanced external position by setting the public debt level at below the current threshold level 
of 50% of GDP and import cover maintained at 4 to 6 months. Agriculture and fisheries productivity 
are to be increased through value addition and exports with the ratio of agricultural exports to f ood 
imports doubled. The commerce and business investment environment for exports is to be improved 
through streamlined foreign investment processes. Labour mobility opportunities are to be upscaled, 
including new work categories in the regional employment  schemes. Tourism development and 
performance is gradually being improved through destination promotion, marketing and improved 
tourism infrastructure and service delivery. These priority actions are being addressed under the 
sector plans for Trade, Commer ce and Manufacturing, Finance, Agriculture and Tourism and are 
supported by the development partners.  
2.18.   Key supply side related policy measures adopted by the Government since our WTO accession 
include the following:  
• Access to finance has been facilitated by  the Personal Property Security Act 2013 which has 
established an electronic registry of security interests. The objective was to stimulate 
economic activity by making it easier, secure and less expensive to obtain credit particularly 
for start -up and smal l businesses.  
• The setting up of the Samoa Company Electronic Registry (E -registry) in 2013 allowing 
companies to submit all forms and documents for registration online.  
• As part of the review of the national tariff structure, with a view to reduce tariffs o n inputs 
and capital goods for local production processes, the Government introduced import duty 
concessions. A Duty Concession Scheme (DCS) is in place for the manufacturing and property 
development sectors (hotels, motels and beach resorts), and the "Code 121 " scheme is in 
place for commercial businesses in manufacturing, for example  for poultry, agricultural 
processing, handicrafts and traditional print (elei) garments.  
• Under the Income Tax Amendment Act 2013, a tourism tax credit scheme was introduced t o 
support the development of the tourism industry. The scheme, which expired in 2018, 
supported the establishment of large hotels.  
2.19.   Let me turn now to our multilateral trade policy.  
2.20.   Mr. Chairman, the vital national interest of Samoa, a small country highly dependent on trade, 
is to develop and maintain strong ties with our trading partners and to fully integrate into the 
multilateral trading system. This was and remains the rationale behind our WTO membership. 
Though a small trading nation, we are committed to transparent, predictable, and equitable trade 
rules based on the principle of non -discrimination with appropriate special and differential treatment WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  of developing countries, including Small Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) and Small Island Developing 
States  (SIDs) . 
2.21.   Samoa fully supports the rules -based multilateral trading system that recognizes the special 
circumstances of, and accord Special and Differential treatment to Small Island Developing States, 
Developing Countries; Small and Vulnerable Economies; an d Least Developed Countries.  
2.22.   Since accession, the Government has deployed tremendous efforts to implement the 
accession commitments. Notable implementing measures have been around legal and regulatory 
reforms undertaken to bring non -compliant policies int o conformity with our accession package and 
WTO obligations including, but not limited to, amendments to legislation relating to intellectual 
property rights, and tax matters.  
2.23.   Let me highlight some of the most important WTO compliance measures we have taken so 
far: 
• Regarding the Turkey tail trade regime, the Government implemented its WTO accession 
obligation allowing imports only for private or personal consumption (not commercial) subject 
to a duty rate of 300%; undertook the Nutrition Profiling Study  and further removed the 
commercial restriction in 2018 allowing these products to be imported for commercial 
purposes subject to a duty of 20%, excise tax of 10% and Value -Added Goods and Services 
Tax (VAGST) of 15% as per the Customs Amendment Act 2018.  
• Concerning the Value -Added Goods and Services Tax (VAGST) regulations which exempted 
primary producers, Samoa committed to eliminating or amending the relevant Act and to bring 
its tax treatment of imported and domestic primary products into conformity wit h WTO 
provisions within three years of accession. The Value Added and Good and Services Tax 
(VAGST) Act 2015 removed the exemption of primary producers from VAGST. Considering the 
high compliance and administration costs for small businesses, the exemption  threshold was 
raised from ST $78,000 of annual sales turnover to ST$ 130,000.  
• In the area of customs valuation, a Customs Modernisation Project has been initiated, and a 
new Samoa Customs Valuation legislation was adopted; the Customs ' manuals and operati ng 
procedures have been fully revised and updated, and customs, trade and private sector staff 
have been trained to comply with the requirements of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement.  
• With respect to Trade -related Intellectual Property Rights, Samoa has i mplemented the TRIPS 
Agreement pursuant to its Accession Protocol. A review of IP Regulations was undertaken in 
April 2014 and the new Intellectual Property Regulation 2015 has been implemented, the aim 
of which is to protect the rights of owners of marks,  patents, innovation patents, plant 
breeder 's rights, design rights, registered designs, geographical indications and lay -out 
designs of integrated circuits.  
• Samoa has also passed the Intellectual Property Act 2013 for the registration and enforcement 
of rights of owners of Trademarks, Patents, Industrial designs, Geographical Indications and 
Plant varieties. Samoa is now signatory of the following WIPO -Administered Treaties: WIPO 
Convention, Berne Convention, Paris Convention, and the Beijing Treaty on Aud iovisual 
Performances. Work is now underway towards the implementation of the recommendations of 
the Samoa Law Reform Study on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of 
Culture.  
• Samoa deposited the Instrument of Accession to the Internati onal Registration of Marks 
Protocol of the Madrid Agreement on 4 December 2018, and this became effective in March 
this year making Samoa the first Pacific Island Country to accede to the Protocol.  
• Samoa has notified to the WTO its IP contact points, the IP Act 2011, the Intellectual Property 
Regulation 2015 and the IP Amendment Act 2018.  
2.24.   Other noteworthy major trade and trade -related developments since accession are highlighted 
as follows:  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  • Concerning State -Owned Enterprises, the Ministry of Public Enterprises (MPE) was established 
in 2015 to monitor and assess the performance and quality of service delivery by the 28 SOEs 
and to strengthen the governance and regulatory framework of these Public Bodies. In the 
same year, a new Divestment Policy was a dopted with the aim to ensure that the sale 
processes do not result in state monopolies being replaced by private monopolies. During the 
period under review, one Public Body, the Agricultural Store Corporation was privatized in 
2016.  
• Our new competition la w, the Competition and Consumer Act, 2016, established the 
autonomous competition authority, the Samoa Competition and Consumer Commission 
(SCCC), when it entered into force on 3 July 2018.  
• In the area of FDI incentives, we introduced the Citizenship by In vestment Act 2016 and its 
Regulations 2016 to further promote Samoa as an investment friendly country.  
• We will introduce the Tariff Harmonized System of 2017 before the end of the year.  
• Regarding TBTs and SPS, Samoa has very few technical regulations in p lace. We do not have 
a single standardization body as yet.  
o In 2017, we adopted the Food (Safety and Quality) Regulations 2017 which set out labelling  
requirements and a few mandatory standards based on the Codex Alimentarius.  
o Recently we have developed th e Samoa Food ( 'Ava) Standard 2018 to protect consumers 
and facilitate trade. It will enter into force in June this year.  
o We adopted the Energy Efficient Standard just this year  as well . 
2.25.   In the course of preparing for this Review, we had sought and received  clarity on our 
notification obligation of such standards and the process to do so. These and future measures will 
be notified through the SPS and TBT online notification systems.  
2.26.   Regarding our relations with our major trading partners, we attach particula r importance to 
further strengthening regional economic integration given the challenge of distance from big markets 
outside the region. We continue to seek opportunities to enhance market access and productive 
capacity of Samoan producers through regional  trade agreements including calling for a review of 
the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), ratification of the Pacific Agreement on Closer 
Economic Relations (PACER) Plus. Samoa also acceded to the Pacific -European Union Interim 
Economic Par tnership Agreement in December 2018.  
2.27.   Mr. Chairman, given our limited financial and human capacities, WTO participation for Samoa 
is a challenging task particularly as a non -resident Member. Despite the tremendous efforts of the 
Pacific Islands Office in Ge neva in providing updates on Geneva discussions, the lack of a physical 
presence deprives us of real -time interaction with WTO Members. The Government is considering 
the establishment of a small Permanent Mission that would ensure better participation in t he work 
of the WTO as well as have representation in other agencies headquartered in Geneva.  
2.28.   Fishery is an important Pacific resource and as such, Samoa has particular interest in the rules 
negotiations regarding fisheries subsidies. Samoa supports the cal l by the Pacific WTO Members for 
a successful agreement on fisheries subsidies that would meet the Sustainable Development Goal 
14.6 target to eliminate and prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies by 2020  We are confident that we 
can meet the mandate given b y ministers at the Buenos Aires Ministerial Conference (MC11), to 
conclude the negotiations by aiming to adopt an agreement at the 2019 Ministerial Conference. We 
support an agreement which provides for strong disciplines that target those that cause overf ishing, 
and at the same time provides appropriate and effective Special and Differential (S&D) treatment, 
including for SIDS and LDCs. Such S&D treatment for developing and LDC members should recognize 
the differing capacities of these members to have such  support for their smaller fleets, support the 
development of the sector in small island developing states in line with SDG 14.7 and preserve the 
sovereign right of coastal states over their national jurisdictions.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  2.29.   Because of our remoteness and relative ge ographical isolation, trade facilitation has become 
a critical strategic area for us. Therefore, we attach great importance to the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation which Samoa signed in 2016 making it the first Pacific WTO Member to ratify it in the 
same ye ar. We expect that implementation of trade facilitation measures along the lines of the 
agreement will reduce the extra costs for Samoan traders. However, we need technical assistance 
from the donor community to implement categories B & C commitments.  
2.30.   Chairman, allow me to elaborate more on our needs for technical assistance beyond the TFA. 
We need trade -related assistance in a wide range of areas including capacity building on the WTO 
agreements and trade negotiations, and support to address supply -side co nstraints, and marketing, 
to mention a few.  
2.31.   Although we have already benefitted from assistance by the WTO Institute for Training and 
Technical Cooperation for which we are extremely grateful, we are still at the beginning of the 
learning process. Therefore, we have highlighted in our report our priority needs for Trade Related 
Technical Assistance, and we are confident that our two -day discussions will also extend to the 
consideration of these needs by the Trade Policy Review Body.  
2.32.   We are grateful to the Geneva Office of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat for their 
assistance in facilitating arrangements for our delegation; and the technical support of Mr. Andras 
Lakatos. We thank the Enhanced Integrated Framework for enabling our delegation to b e here in 
Geneva this week.  
2.33.   In conclusion Mr. Chairman, let me reiterate Samoa 's full commitment to the multilateral 
trading system as embodied in the WTO, which remains the reference for the conduct of our trade 
policies. Thank you for your attention.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  It is an honour to have the role of discussant for this Trade Policy Review of Samoa.  
3.2.  Let me join you in welcoming the delegation of Samoa to Geneva, led by the Honourable Lautafi 
Fio Selafi Purcell , Minister of Commerce, Indust ry and Labour; and Mrs Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief 
Executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  
3.3.  It is a long journey from Samoa to Geneva  (40 hours to get to Samoa to Geneva)  and I think 
it is testament to Samoa 's commitment to its membership of t he WTO that you are all here. 
3.4.  There are a number of particular features that mark this Review.  
3.5.  It is Samoa 's first Review since it joined the WTO on 10 May 2012 and, during Samoa 's WTO 
journey since then, it has graduated from Least Developed Country (LDC)  status on 1 January 2014.  
3.6.  Events during that time also illustrate the economic and environmental vulnerability of a Small 
Island Developed State such as Samoa.  
3.7.  Most significant on the environmental side was the devastation wrought by category 5 Cyclone 
Evan in 2012. To give some sense of the dimensions of that disaster, the Secretariat report puts the 
estimated cost of the damage at more than USD  200 million or 25% of GDP at the time; with a 
decline of around 2% of real GDP in the 2012/13 fiscal year, and a fall in exports of around 30%. A 
further damaging cyclone, Gita, struck in 2018.  
3.8.  On the economic side , the Samoan economy received another significant shock with the closure 
in 2017 of the largest manufacturing plant. This resulted in the loss of 700 job s and the contraction 
of the manufacturing sector 's contribution to GDP by 3%.  
3.9.  WTO membership is seen by the Samoan Government as an important component for resilience 
of the economy in coping with such shocks.  
3.10.   Samoa is still engaged in the process of impl ementing its WTO accession commitments within 
the timeframe of 2013 -2021. This Review therefore provides Samoa and WTO Members a timely 
opportunity to reflect on progress to date, and the steps that still remain on that implementation 
journey.  
3.11.   Samoa 's tota l GDP is around USD  900 million. Just pause  on that figure for a minute , for those 
of us who are used to talking in billions and trillions. A total GDP of 900 million . And you heard 
directly from the Minister this morning some of the other aspects of the characteristics of a small 
island developing State such as Samoa, which raise challenges for its involvement in the global 
trading system and its full participation at th e WTO. Tourism, agriculture, fisheries and commercial 
services are key areas of economic activity. With a narrow manufacturing base Samoa is heavily 
import dependant.  
3.12.   Services make up the bulk - 80% - of exports, with tourism the top foreign exchange earner . 
Remittances are the second biggest foreign exchange earner accounting for over 15% of GDP. 
Official Development Assistance (ODA) also plays an important role in sustaining the economy with 
the Government putting its contribution at 16 -20% of GDP.  
3.13.   With re mittances being such a significant source of foreign exchange , it is notable that the 
average cost of remittances is high. The Secretariat puts the average cost at over 5% while the 
Government notes that the fees charged by commercial banks can average aro und 15% on the 
typical small -scale remittances that tend to dominate these flows.  
3.14.   With Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) providing lower cost services, commentary in the 
Review and associated questions identify some of the regulatory and competition challeng es in 
maintaining cost -effective options for Samoan customers.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  3.15.   This highlights one significant challenge for an economy such as Samoa in integrating with 
global systems.  
3.16.   On the goods trade front, it is interesting to note that the average applied MFN tarif f rate of 
11.5% in 2018 is virtually unchanged since Samoa 's WTO accession in 2012. Indeed , questions have 
been asked about tariffs on some product lines, including where applied rates were recently 
increased, that appear to exceed Samoa 's bound rates.  
3.17.   Answers to these questions point to health -related motivations for , and I quote  "a specific tax 
of 20% concerning food items that are high in fat, sugar and salt ". But the responses do not seem 
clear as to whether this "specific tax " is intended to be impleme nted through a customs tariff or an 
excise tax. Further clarification of this , I expect , would be useful for Members.  
3.18.   A number of questions have also been asked about outstanding notifications across a range 
of areas, including agriculture, SPS, TBT and Cu stoms issues. Samoa 's responses indicate that some 
agriculture notifications have recently been submitted and preparatory work is under way on 
outstanding notifications in other areas.  
3.19.   The WTO held an initial notifications workshop in Samoa in 2017. It is encouraging to see that 
Samoa is looking to have another workshop through the WTO 2019/2020 Technical Assistance 
Programme with specific focus on domestic capacity building for officials in areas such as SPS and 
Customs issues. Such activities can be of si gnificant assistance in helping Members such as Samoa 
build sustainable domestic capacity to gain increased benefits from their WTO membership.  
3.20.   As a smaller Member, Samoa necessarily has to prioriti ze the areas where it seeks to 
proactively engage in WTO a ctivities.  
3.21.   It is encouraging to see that Samoa was the first Pacific WTO Member to ratify the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement in 2016 , and we heard directly from the Minister this morning some of the 
reasons for the importance of well-facilitated trade for a remote economy such as Samoa. Samoa 
was also actively involved in the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, including in the 
issuance of the Pacific Group Ministerial Declaration delivered at that Ministerial Conference.  And 
those of you who , like me , were there may well remember the passionate statement that Minister 
Purcell delivered in the Plenary of that Conference.  
3.22.   At Buenos Aires, Samoa also joined a broad range of other WTO Members in signing on to the 
Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade a nd Women 's Economic Empowerment . And it's interesting if you 
saw the booklet at the front of the room highlighting the prominent role of women in Samoan 
agricultural sectors. A nd Samoa also joined 11 other Members in the Ministerial Statement on Fossil  
Fuels Subsidies Reform. Joining this latter initiative reflects Samoa 's very real concerns with the 
impacts of Climate Change as shown by its national target of 100% renewable energy by 2025.  
3.23.   Reflecting the importance of a sustainable fishery sector as one of  the pillars of the Samoan 
economy , which comprises  3% of GDP and close to 30% of merchandise exports , Samoa is also an 
active participant in the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations mandated by Ministers in Buenos Aires 
to conclude this year.  
3.24.   Like other W TO Members, Samoa has many of its eggs in the WTO basket, but not all.  
3.25.   Regionally , Samoa is a party to the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) among 
12 Forum Island Countries; and is looking, in the coming months, to become the first Pacific I sland 
country to ratify the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus agreement 
between the Forum Island Countries and Australia and New Zealand.  
3.26.   And, in December 2018, Samoa deposited an instrument of accession to the Interim 
Partnership  Agreement between the European Union, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.  
3.27.   These initiatives, together with its membership of the WTO, demonstrate the recognition by 
the Samoan Government of the "importan ce for Samoa to engage in an open, rules -based and 
predictabl e international trade regime ". WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  3.28.   In common , I'm sure with all WTO Members, the Samoan Government sees this as "vital for 
its economic development " and "the well -being of its population. " 
3.29.   I hope this Review process will be useful for Samoa as it continues its  journey of progressively 
integrating into the world trading system and making full use of its WTO membership.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
CANADA  
4.1.  In the face of a number of challenges to its economic development, Canada welcomes Samoa 's 
commitment to the multi lateral system and its support of a rules -based structure for international 
trade and commerce. Progress on comprehensive domestic policy reforms together with trade 
liberalization is key to the long -term economic growth and prosperity of Samoa.  
4.2.  In additi on, we commend Samoa 's acknowledgement of the importance of transparency and 
its commitment to submit its outstanding notifications. As Samoa indicates more time and assistance 
is required, Canada strongly encourages Samoa to seek assistance from the WTO S ecretariat to help 
it bring its notifications up to date at its earliest convenience. In addition, we are encouraged by 
Samoa 's consideration to establish a presence in Geneva to ensure better participation in the work 
of international organizations such a s the WTO.  
4.3.  Canada has a long -standing and positive relationship with Samoa and is proud to work with it 
through both the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and multilateral programming in support of 
environment and climate change. Our relationship is center ed on mutual interests such as 
sustainable development and women 's empowerment. Canada is currently engaged with Samoa in 
initiatives supporting climate change adaptation, nutrition, rural drinking water quality and women 's 
business development.  
4.4.  I would l ike to take this opportunity to highlight four areas , in particular , where Samoa has 
taken significant steps toward improving its economy . 
4.5.  First and foremost, we are pleased to see that Samoa is in the process of implementing its 
Strategy for the Developme nt of Samoa, complemented by detailed sectoral plans. We note that the 
Trade, Commerce and Manufacturing Sector Plan provides for a range of reforms of the regulatory 
framework affecting trade and investment. Canada is hopeful that this plan will lead to f urther 
improvements in the country 's business environment and strengthen the country 's resilience to 
shocks in order to ensure sustainable economic growth. On this latter point, Samoa 's support for 
the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women 's Economic  Development is welcomed.  
4.6.  Second, we are encouraged by the Government 's openness to foreign direct investment and 
recognition of the important impact it can have on economic and business development.  
4.7.  Third, Canada is also pleased to note the work of the Na tional Financial Inclusion Taskforce. 
Given that financial inclusion remains a challenge in Samoa, as nearly 50 % of the adults do not 
have a bank account, and small and medium size enterprises face high credit costs, Canada is 
hopeful that the operational  actions of the Taskforce to promote suitable financial products for the 
population, and proposing reforms for adequate policies and regulations will contribute to inclusive 
economic development. We hope that the work of the Joint Statement Initiative on M SMEs will be 
useful to Samoa efforts to face challenges in this sector.  
4.8.  Fourth, Canada is also pleased that Samoa was the first small island Pacific member to ratify 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement and has provided two notifications to the WTO regarding its 
category A, B and C commitments. We are also pleased that Samoa is considering becoming an 
observer  to the Government Procurement Agreement.  
4.9.  We also commend Samoa for its work towards expanding trade in the Pacific region though the 
Pacific Island Coun tries Trade Agreement and as a signatory to the PACER Plus agreement.  
4.10.   However, despite all this progress and these promising initiatives, there remain areas which 
would benefit from further attention on the part of the Samoan Government. We are concerned by 
Samoa 's 90th rank on the 2019 World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index, and particularly the 151st 
rank on trading across borders, the 140th rank in resolving insolvency, and the 112th rank in getting 
credit. Improving performance in these areas will fac ilitate commercial activity and contribute to 
economic growth.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  4.11.   We have submitted a few written questions with a view to deepen our understanding of 
Samoa 's trade and investment regime as well as its plans to better protect Samoan traditional 
knowledge and traditional cultural expressions.  
4.12.   In closing, we wish Samoa a very successful first Trade Policy Review, and we look forward 
to a constructive exchange of views this week.  
ICELAND  
4.13.   On the occasion of the 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires , more than 120 WTO 
Members and Observers, including Samoa, launched a joint declaration on trade women 's economic 
empowerment that aims , inter alia , at sharing best practices and working together at the WTO to 
remove barriers for women 's economic empowerme nt and increase their participation in trade. This 
declaration is the fruit of the Trade Impact Working Group that was established under the auspices 
of the International Gender Champions –Geneva, that is now co -chaired by Botswana, Iceland and 
the ITC.  
4.14.   The Trade Policy Review provides an excellent opportunity to share best practices in this field, 
and we welcome that Samoa included a specific chapter on trade and gender in their Government 
report. Iceland submitted advance written questions on the particip ation of women in the economy 
of Samoa and on initiatives that are being undertaken to make economic growth more inclusive. We 
wish to thank Samoa for the responses to our written questions. We will review the answers 
thoroughly and request clarifications as necessary during the course of this TPR. The answers, as 
well as other information presented including the interesting brochure on trade and gender, are very 
useful as we implement the joint declaration and gather best practices which we will present at  
MC12.  
4.15.   Iceland appreciates Samoa 's active engagement in WTO and their continued support for the 
multilateral trading system. We wish the delegation of Samoa every success for their first Trade 
Policy Review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.16.   We would like to begin by congratu lating Samoa on its first WTO Trade Policy Review. During 
the review period, Samoa confronted challenges following Tropical Cyclone Evan in 2012, the closing 
of the country 's largest manufacturing plant in 2017, and Tropical Cyclone Gita in 2018. Despite 
these challenges, Samoa has succeeded in maintaining a positive growth trajectory. The United 
States commends the government of Samoa for the steps it has taken to strengthen the country 's 
economic resilience. Initiatives such as the Agriculture and Fisher ies Cyclone Recovery Program and 
emphasis on developing the agricultural and tourism sectors as part of a broader structural reform 
agenda have helped Samoa to diversify its production base and revitalize exports.  
4.17.   The United States appreciates the efforts Samoa has made with regard to its WTO 
commitments. Following its accession to the WTO in 2012, Samoa became the first Pacific Islands 
member to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement and it is working to implement its WTO accession 
commitments. We would a lso like to commend Samoa for the initiative it has shown in the WTO by 
hosting the first Trade Policy Course for Pacific Island countries and by speaking on behalf of the 
Pacific Group during the 2017 Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires.  
4.18.   There have be en several positive developments within Samoa 's trade and investment regime 
during the review period; however, there are still areas where we believe Samoa could make further 
improvements. As noted in the Secretariat report, Samoa has outstanding notificat ion obligations in 
areas such as export subsidies, import licensing procedures, and SPS/TBT measures. The United 
States encourages Samoa to continue working with the WTO Secretariat to meet its notification 
requirements.  
4.19.   The Secretariat report states that the applied MFN rates of 20 tariff lines exceed their 
respective bound rates.  We encourage Samoa to use this Trade Policy Review as an opportunity to 
describe any plans to bring these tariff lines into compliance with their respective bound rates. The 
United States would also appreciate further information on Samoa 's plans to implement a 20 % excise WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  tax on food items that exceed certain nutritional thresholds as is mentioned in the Secretariat report, 
including clarity on how the tax will be applied with re spect to both domestic and imported products.  
4.20.   The United States welcomes Samoa 's accession to the Madrid Protocol and the adoption of a 
National Intellectual Property Strategy. As noted in our questions, we also ask that the Government 
of Samoa provide mor e information on any potential new legislation related to traditional knowledge 
as well as plans to establish a collective management organization for copyright issues.  
4.21.   In closing, the United States commends Samoa for its actions in trade and investment re form 
and encourages Samoa to continue serving as a proactive member of the Pacific Group within the 
WTO. We wish the delegation of Samoa a productive dialogue during its review and look forward to 
further engagement opportunities in the future.  
BRAZIL  
4.22.   It is a matter of great satisfaction for Brazil to take part in the first Trade Policy Review of 
Samoa. We commend the Government of Samoa for the promotion of sustainable development 
through the adoption of its Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS), whi ch aims to improve 
the country 's productivity, promote growth, and protect the economy from the effects of economic 
crises. Key developments were observed in all of the SDS priority areas, especially in the 
infrastructure sector, in line with the direction s set out in the National Infrastructure Strategic Plan.  
4.23.   Brazil also welcomes Samoa 's implementation of its WTO accession commitments within the 
timeframe of 2013 -21, in consonance with the Working Party Report of its accession process. 
Moreover, the incor poration of post -accession obligations into the national development strategy 
was an important step towards Samoa 's enhanced participation and integration within the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.24.   With regards to trade measures, Samoa maintains a List of App roved Import Commodities 
based on import risk analysis by the Samoa Quarantine Services. Accordingly, imports of products, 
or from countries, other than those listed are prohibited. Beef imports, for instance, are permitted 
only from five countries. Brazil  believes that by easing restrictions in the sector and increasing the 
number of approved trade partners, Samoan consumers will certainly benefit from a wider range of 
products, as well a substantial price reduction. As a positive development, we thank the  Delegation 
of Samoa for the answer provided on this subject.  
4.25.   Trade relations between Brazil and Samoa have significant potential for growth. In the last 
decade, Brazil was one of the main destinations  of Samoan exports, ranging between the fourth and 
sixth overall position. In recent years, not only the participation of Brazil in Samoa 's exports 
decreased but also two -way trade unfortunately stagnated. Brazilian exports to Samoa are 
concentrated in sugar, prepared meat and hand tools, and our imports are m ade up of electrical 
transformers, printers, broadcasting equipment and polymers. We are confident that the recent 
trade liberalization measures taken by both of our governments will boost our bilateral trade.  
4.26.   Brazil continues to follow with interest dome stic developments in Samoa regarding its trade 
policy.  
4.27.   Let me conclude  by wishing the delegation of Samoa a successful Trade Policy Review.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.28.   Australia is delighted to participate in the first Trade Policy Review of Samoa, a close friend 
and partn er in both our faraway region and the multilateral trading system.  
4.29.   We thank the Secretariat and Government of Samoa for preparing the comprehensive reports 
before us and we look forward to learning more about Samoa 's trade policy settings and reform 
efforts. We also thank Ambassador Walker for his interesting insights.  
4.30.   Australia appreciates the substantial economic, trade and sectoral reforms being undertaken 
in Samoa. These reforms have been carefully aligned with t he Strategy for the Development of 
Samoa, which maintains as its overarching goal: "an improved quality of life for all ". For example:  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  • the recent completion of Samoa 's submarine internet cable is expected to stimulate innovation 
and promote more efficient  ways of doing business;  
• Samoa 's ongoing work to broaden its revenue base and improve tax compliance will provide 
greater fiscal stability;  
• measures to strengthen the financial system will result in increased credit for businesses; and  
• Samoa 's continued leadership on sustainable management of regional tuna resources has 
helped to secure important progress in the management of South Pacific albacore, which is of 
considerable economic significance to Samoa.  
4.31.   Reflecting our shared interest in a strong, open, rules-based trading system, Australia is 
committed to supporting Samoa 's integration in the global trading system.  
4.32.   Samoa joined the WTO in May 2012 and was the first Pacific WTO Member to ratify the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement in April 2016. Australia con gratulates Samoa on its strong record of 
notifications against most categories in the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and its implementation of 
all notified Category A commitments. We strongly encourage Samoa to continue its efforts to fulfil 
outstanding WTO  notification obligations, as identified in the Secretariat report, and encourage them 
to seek technical assistance from the WTO Secretariat to complete these notifications.  
4.33.   Australia highly values Samoa 's constructive engagement in the WTO fisheries subs idies 
negotiations as part of the Pacific Group and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively 
towards a successful conclusion of these important negotiations in December.  
4.34.   We also welcome Samoa 's inclusion of reporting on its gender policies and p rogress in its 
Government Report, and its commitment to the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women 's 
Economic Empowerment. We encourage Samoa to continue its efforts to economically empower 
women and increase their participation in trade.  
4.35.   Australia n otes the significant impact that natural disasters have on Samoa 's trade, and that 
of the region more broadly. To better understand and address the trade -related challenges that arise 
from natural disasters, Australia is supporting the WTO to explore this issue in more detail, with a 
particular focus on Pacific Island countries.  
4.36.   We are also working with Samoa through a number of initiatives to strengthen Samoa 's 
resilience to economic shocks and natural disasters. For example, policy reforms through the mul ti-
partner Joint Policy Action Matrix have supported Samoa to improve the resilience of its 
infrastructure and improve building standards.  
4.37.   On the bilateral and regional trade front, Australia highly values its longstanding economic 
and trade relationship with Samoa. Our focus on improving economic opportunities in the Pacific 
through trade dates back to the early 1980s, when the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic 
Co-operation Agreement or SPARTECA entered into force, providing Samoa and other Pacifi c nations 
duty-free unrestricted access into Australia and New Zealand for a range of products.  
4.38.   Now, Australia and Samoa 's bilateral trade in services outstrips trade in goods, largely due to 
the rise of Samoa 's strong tourism industry, which contributes 20% of its GDP. As the reports 
identify, Australia is one of Samoa 's main sources of tourists, and in terms of goods, Australia is 
Samoa 's second -largest export destination and ranks fourth as a source of imports.  
4.39.   The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus, or PACER Plus provides an 
opportunity to further deepen our relationship and help boost trade and economic links in the Pacific. 
Concluded in 2017, it is a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement covering goods, services and 
investment, with a d edicated development assistance package. A key objective of PACER Plus is to 
support Pacific island countries such as Samoa to become more active partners in, and benefit from, 
regional and global trade, which in turn will create opportunities for growth, jobs and increasing 
living standards. Samoa is one of the nine Pacific island countries to have signed the Agreement, 
and we look forward to Samoa 's ratification later this year.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  4.40.   Finally, we applaud Samoa 's continued commitment to economic, trade and secto ral reforms 
and to the multilateral trading system. We wish Samoa a successful and constructive first Trade 
Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.41.   This is Samoa 's first Trade Policy Review since it joined the WTO in 2012 and the EU welcomes 
this first opportunity to discuss the developments in Samoa 's trade policies and practices since 2012.  
4.42.   The EU would like to start by highlighting some of the main positive developments that we 
have seen during the review period and commend Samoa for numerous initiatives and ref orms, as 
referred to by the Minister.  
4.43.   Firstly, Samoa is a positive example of economic development and EU -Pacific co -operation. 
The EU welcomes Samoa 's leading role in the construction of Pacific regionalism.  
4.44.   The EU is also encouraged by Samoa 's increasin g openness to international trade. We are a 
steady and major supporter of Samoa 's economic development and a key partner in the Samoa 's 
integration into the global marketplace. The EU strongly welcomes in particular Samoa 's accession 
to the Economic Partne rship Agreement (EPA) between the EU, Fiji and Papua New Guinea; this 
provides a long -term platform for our trade relations and engagement. The EU stands ready to work 
closely with Samoa to ensure effective implementation of the EPA and further development  of EU 
trade and investment.  
4.45.   The EU welcomes Samoa 's acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation. With a 
view to enhancing transparency and predictability, the EU urges Samoa to meet its outstanding 
notification requirements under the WTO.  
4.46.   There  are also however some areas where the EU believes there is scope for improvement. 
In particular, the EU encourages Samoa to make a high-level commitment with a clear action plan 
on the remaining criterion regarding the abolition of the "Exempt and Offshor e Companies " regime, 
and to implement its commitment to join the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) inclusive 
framework, established under the OECD.  
4.47.   To conclude, the EU would like to welcome the overall direction Samoa is taking in its trade 
policy. We encourage Samoa to continue on this path, and we look forward to our future cooperation. 
The EU will also continue to provide substantial assistance to Samoa through the 11th European 
Development Fund for the period 2014 -2020 in the Water sector and San itation.  
4.48.   The EU has submitted a number of questions and thanks the delegation of Samoa for the 
replies already provided.  
4.49.   On behalf of the EU, I wish Samoa the best of success during its first TPR since joining the 
WTO.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.50.   New Zealand welcomes this opportunity to comment on the inaugural Trade Policy Review of 
Samoa, following their accession to the WTO in 2012. New Zealand and Samoa share a close and 
multi-faceted relationship underpinned by our Treaty of Friendship, and built on a foundation o f 
shared Pacific geography, culture and history, and deep people to people connections.  
4.51.   New Zealand welcomes Samoa 's strong support for the multilateral trading system, as 
expressed in the Pacific Group Ministerial Declaration at the eleventh Ministerial C onference in 
Buenos Aires noting the fundamental importance of an open, transparent and predictable system 
that promotes the rights and interests of all Members, including the smallest. We encourage Samoa 
to participate in discussions under way on WTO refo rm to ensure that the multilateral trading system 
continues to deliver for all its Members.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  4.52.   We welcome Samoa 's active participation to this end in WTO negotiations and discussions, 
including , in particular , the fisheries subsidies negotiations through the Pacific Island States 
grouping, and joint initiatives launched at MCI 1 such as the Joint  
4.53.   Ministerial Statement on Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform and the Buenos Aires Declaration on 
Women 's Economic Empowerment. Samoa 's active engagement in these discussions ensures that 
the interests of Small Island Developing States, particularly in relation to artisanal  and small -scale 
fisheries and the significant effects of climate change on the Pacific, are reflected in the discus sions.  
4.54.   New Zealand and Samoa work closely in the Pacific to advance and expand economic and 
trade initiatives in the region. Like New Zealand, Samoa is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, 
most recently chairing in 2017. Samoa is a signatory to the Pacif ic Agreement on Closer Economic 
Relations (PACER) Plus - a milestone trade and development agreement for the Pacific region. PACER 
Plus is the most comprehensive and high-quality  contribution to the various trade agreements in the 
Pacific. Samoa is current ly aiming to be the first Pacific Island country to ratify this agreement, 
alongside New Zealand and Australia who have both ratified.  
4.55.   New Zealand commends this objective and encourages Samoa to conclude all domestic 
processes required to ratify PACER Plus  as soon as possible in order to support the entry into force 
of this agreement. The sooner entry into force is achieved, the sooner New Zealand and Australia 
can fund and implement priority driven aid for trade projects. New Zealand encourages Samoa to 
consider announcing its ratification of PACER Plus at the next PACER Plus signatories meeting to be 
held in May in Fiji. Any update from Samoa on ratification timeframes would be welcome.  
4.56.   New Zealand notes the growing importance of services to Samoa, totalli ng US D 252.8 million 
in 2017/18, now far exceeding the nations goods trade. Tourism is a significant contributor, making 
up 71% of Samoa 's service trade, a sector which continues to flourish despite the devastation caused 
by recent cyclones - Evan and Gita . New Zealand is interested in how Samoa will further boost the 
tourism sector following the completion of cyclone recovery, the opening of the new international 
airport terminal and the Apia waterfront project.  
4.57.   New Zealand recognises the risk of natural d isasters and the negative impacts of climate 
change on Samoa 's economy. New Zealand notes the strides made by Samoa to strengthen its 
resilience towards these shocks. New Zealand is interested in further measures  being taken by 
Samoa to strengthen climate change and disaster resilience.  
4.58.   New Zealand notes the successful completion of both the Tui -Samoa and Manatua ICT cables 
and consequent improvement in reliability, accessibility, and affordability of internet services. We 
are interested to hear how this wi ll assist in the development of Samoa 's service sector and how it 
will further enable e -commere.  
4.59.   New Zealand welcomes Samoa 's commitment to seeking a robust agreement in the WTO this 
year to discipline harmful fisheries subsidies. New Zealand recognises th e challenges faced by Samoa 
to participate in fisheries in the region in the face of competition from subsidised distant water fishing 
fleets. New Zealand notes the particular challenge Samoa has identified to participate in the southern 
long-line tuna fis heries.  
4.60.   New Zealand notes that in 2018 Samoa 's applied tariff rates on 20 lines exceeded Samoa 's 
scheduled bound tariff rate commitments (including on  a number of lamb and sheep meat lines). 
New Zealand is interested to hear how this occurred and whether S amoa has brought all such applied 
tariff in line with its scheduled commitment.  If Samoa is yet to align it s applied tariffs with its 
scheduled commitment, New Zealand strongly encourages it to do so immediately.  
4.61.   In conclusion, New Zealand commends the sig nificant and ongoing strides Samoa has made 
since their accession to the WTO in 2012, and acknowledges the challenges faced . We welcome 
Samoa 's perspective on the issues that will be raised during the course of this review.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.62.   On behalf of  the Korean Government, allow me to convey our deepest condolences to the 
victims of the recent terrorist attack in Christchurch and their families, as well as to the people and 
the Government of New Zealand. We strongly condemn such acts of violence and s tand in solidarity 
with the New Zealand people at this tragic time.  
4.63.   I would like to begin by discussing economic relations between Korea and Samoa. The two 
Members have enjoyed stable bilateral economic relations over the past several years, during which 
the trade volume increased sharply from approximately USD 7 million in 2013 to USD 32 million in 
2014. In 2018, the trade volume rose to about USD 34 million.  
4.64.   There have been a total of three transactions of bilateral investment and exchanges between 
Korea  and Samoa thus far, but Korea expects there is much potential for further constructive 
cooperation given our mutually beneficial industrial structures.  
4.65.   I would now like to make some comments on Samoa 's overall trade policy.  
4.66.   According to the Secretariat 's report, Samoa has achieved an average growth rate of 1.9%, 
following its recovery from the heavy damage caused by Cyclone Evan in 2012. Samoa 's growth rate 
has, however, declined as a result of manufacturing plant shutdowns in 2017.  
4.67.   To stimulate economic g rowth, industrial trade policy would be of utmost importance. In this 
regard, Korea highly commends the efforts of Samoa, which include establishing a legal system and 
policies for the cultivation of the domestic industry and pursuing an open trade environ ment via 
cooperation within the multilateral trading system.  
4.68.   In particular, to invigorate Samoa 's economy through the attraction of large -scale investment, 
while taking into account its geological and economic characteristics such as tourism and agricultur al 
manufacturing, Korea hopes Samoa will continue its efforts to provide liberal investment incentives 
and to establish transparent policies through which investors may be informed.  
4.69.   The Korean delegation appreciates Samoa 's response to our written questio n and looks 
forward to hearing about updates to Samoa 's trade and investment policies.  
4.70.   In closing, Korea looks forward to continuing its cooperation with Samoa to enhance 
opportunities for bilateral trade and investment. Korea would like to once again exp ress its 
appreciation to the delegation of Samoa and to the Secretariat for their hard work and wish Samoa 
every success in its first TPR.  
CHINA  
4.71.   We are very impressed and appreciate all the efforts of Samoa to develop its economy and 
improve the people 's livelihood in the context of overcoming various challenges, which including 
Global Financial Crisis, the Pacific Ocean Tsunami and the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclones 
Evan and Gita. Since Samoa became the Member of WTO in 2012, we noticed that Sa moa made 
great progress in different areas to promote its economic growth, such as Company Electronic 
Registration, reform the law or regulation on customs taxation and foreign direct investment etc. 
We are pleased to see that Samoa graduated from Least De veloped Country status on 
1 January  2014 and kept an economy growth with an average GDP growth of 1.9% with peak growth 
of 7.1% in 2015/2016. Although there are downside risks for the future 's economic growth because 
of its vulnerability to natural disaste rs, we are encouraged by the Strategy for Development of 
Samoa and its vision of An Improved Quality of Life for All. We believe Samoa will achieve a 
sustainable development and China will continue to be available to assist its efforts.  
4.72.   We value the effort s by Samoa to implement its WTO accession commitments and to ensure 
its laws and regulations compliant with WTO rules. We welcome Samoa 's ratification and notification 
on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and commend Samoa 's commitments to support to the 
multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  4.73.   Samoa was one of the first Pacific island countries that established diplomatic relations with 
China. We feel very proud that we have forged a strong and time-honoured  partnership with Samoa 
and great progress has also bee n made between the two countries in economic and trade 
cooperation. According to China 's statistics, the two -side trade reached US D 7.032 million in 2018, 
which increased about 9.2 % year on year. By the end of 2018, China had invested about 
USD 670 million  directly in Samoa. The total amount of the engineering contract signed added up to 
USD 290 million.  
4.74.   Furthermore, with strong economic complementarity and enormous cooperation potential, 
China and Samoa 's common interests and cooperation basis have expanded under new 
circumstances. China has been supporting Samoa in developing economy, improving people 's 
livelihoods and enhancing their ability in independent and sustainable development. China will 
further promote cooperation with Samoa through the Be lt and Road Initiative, strengthening synergy 
between the development strategies, boosting economic growth in Samoa.  
4.75.   Currently, the WTO is facing systemic challenges that have to be dealt with the entire 
Membership. China would work with Samoa and other Me mbers to uphold the fundamental principles 
of this Organization, resist unilateralism and protectionism, and collectively safeguard the rule -based 
multilateral trading system.  
4.76.   To conclude, we welcome Samoa 's perspective on the issues that will be raised d uring these 
two days and wish this Review a complete success.  
INDIA  
4.77.   Samoa with a per capita of around USD 4100 in 2017 is a middle -income country which 
graduated from LDC status in 2014. During the period under review, from 2012 -18, GDP of Samoa 
grew at an  average rate of 1.9% with a peak of 7.1% in 2015 -16 and projected growth reaching 
3.3% in 2018 -19. The economy of Samoa is mainly reliant on tourism, agriculture, fisheries and 
services trade. As a Small Island Developing State, Samoa also faces challenge s which include 
structural vulnerabilities, risk of natural calamities, a small domestic market, narrow economic base 
and infrastructural challenges. We commend the Government of Samoa for the measures it has been 
adopting to address these challenges under  the strategy for development of Samoa with the vision 
of "An Improvised Quality of Life for All " and for achieving high human development indices.  
4.78.   In 2014 and 2016, two Summit Forums for India -Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) have 
further strengthened  and deepened our relations with Pacific Island countries including Samoa. 
Several initiatives and projects have been launched at the forums which include setting up of a 
special adaption fund; increase in grant -in-aid projects; assistance for capacity bui lding and human 
resource development with various training programs in India under Indian Technical and Economic 
Cooperation Programme; strengthening development cooperation partnership in areas like 
healthcare, climate change, disaster risk management; pr ojects for tele -education and telemedicine; 
establishing an institute for sustainable coastal and ocean research, a centre for training in space 
applications and IT laboratories. A 'FIPIC Business Accelerator ' trade office for Pacific Island countries 
has also been set up in New Delhi to support development of MSMEs, assist for promoting trade in 
agriculture, food processing and for increasing yields of rice and sugarcane. Confederation of Indian 
Industries is also engaged for promoting trade with Pacific I sland countries.  
4.79.   India is also assisting Samoa for development with projects including setting up of a tele -
medicine centre, supply of medicines by Indian pharmaceutical companies with relaxed regulatory 
approvals, setting up of a centre of excellence in IT at the National University of Samoa and grant 
assistance in the area of health. For capacity building and human resources development, India is 
regularly offering scholarships to professionals of Samoa in various institutions in India under Indian 
Techn ical and Economic Cooperation programme.   
4.80.   Before  I conclude, let me reiterate India is committed to strengthen and deepen its 
development cooperation partnership with Pacific Island Countries including Samoa to assist them 
for their socio -economic develop ment goals under the India -Pacific Island Cooperation framework.  
4.81.   We wish the delegation of Samoa a productive and successful TPR.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  SINGAPORE  
4.82.   We congratulate Samoa on its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status on 
1 January 2014, and its contin ual progress. Despite being susceptible to natural disasters, Samoa 
has made commendable strides in strengthening its financial resilience to natural hazard shocks, 
and is prioritizing country and regional level initiatives to strengthen its economic and e nvironmental 
resilience.  
4.83.   We are encouraged to learn from Samoa 's Government Report as well as the Secretariat 
Report about Samoa 's efforts to strengthen its economic growth. This includes Samoa 's 
implementation of its eighth development plan (known as the "Strategy for the Development of 
Samoa 2016/17 —2019/20 ") and its National Intellectual Property Strategy. Additionally, we note 
that Samoa has been expanding its trade linkages through trade agreements and partnerships with 
the Pacific Island Countries, Au stralia and New Zealand, among others.  
4.84.   Samoa 's participation in the WTO has also been commendable. The WTO Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation was accepted by Samoa on 21 April 2016, and two notifications regarding its 
commitments have been submitted.  
4.85.   As a fe llow Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Singapore has been sharing our 
developmental experience with Samoa through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) since 
its inception in 1992. Close to 700 Samoan officials have participated in training courses  and study 
visits under the SCP in areas such as economic development, trade and tourism promotion, public 
administration, transport and climate change. One example is the training programme on public 
service development held in Samoa for senior Samoan pub lic officials in March 2019, which was 
opened by the Prime Minister of Samoa.  
4.86.   Singapore also sees potential to expand economic collaboration with Samoa. Singapore is a 
main trading partner for Samoa. The total trade between our countries stands at USD 78.5 million 
in 2018, with petrochemicals and food products as top exports. This represents an increase of around 
50% from 2016 .1 We look forward to growing our bilateral economic relations and identifying new 
areas of cooperation.  
4.87.   We wish Samoa every success  for this first TPR.  
MAURITIUS  
4.88.   We are pleased to participate in this Trade Policy Review and commend Samoa for its first 
WTO Trade Policy Review since it acceded to WTO in 2012.  
4.89.   As a small economy, Samoa faces a number of inherent constraints and difficulties which have 
been reflected in the Report such as limited production base, remoteness from major markets and 
vulnerability to external stocks and natural disasters. In fact, there are characteristics of Small Island 
Developing States, like Mauri tius and Samoa, which put them in a very disadvantaged position 
compared to other countries.  
4.90.   Like Mauritius, Samoa has a relatively open economy with an average applied MFN Tariff was 
11.5% in 2018.  
4.91.   Mauritius would like to also commend Samoa for its effort s towards reforming the economy 
and enacting business friendly legislation. A case in point is TRIPS compliant legislation and the 
subsequent Intellectual Property Regulations proclaimed in 2015. Accession to the Madrid Protocol 
was expected in March 2019.  
4.92.   The Mauritius delegation thanks Samoa for its active role in the fisheries subsidies 
negotiations. We support Samoa in calling for a successful agreement in the fisheries subsidies 
discussions on the understanding however that SIDS should be provided with  adequate and effective 
S&D provisions to enable them to support the development of the fisheries sector. We are agreeable 
to the need for appropriate measures to ensure the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. 
                                                
1 2016: S$50.8million . 
WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  Yet we are of the view that the d evelopmental aspect should not be relegated in the negotiations as 
developing countries need appropriate disciplines to ensure the continuous development of the 
fisheries sector.  
4.93.   We hope that in the long run, Samoa will eliminate the existing tariff peaks and those 
instances where the applied tariff rate is higher than the bound rate. We consider that Samoa should 
abide by its tariff commitments and undertake necessary tariff reforms. The tariff peak of 300% is 
also on the high side and should be addressed.  
4.94.   To conclude, Mauritius wishes a successful review to the delegation of Samoa.  
JAMAICA  ON BEHALF  OF THE ACP GROUP  
4.95.   Since its accession in May 2012, Samoa has continued to be a strong supporter of the 
multilateral trading system, with its participation in th e WTO facilitated by the Pacific Island Forum 
Secretariat Office in Geneva.  
4.96.   The country recognizes that trade plays an important role in its economic development and 
continues to undertake policy initiatives and reforms consistent with its WTO commitments and 
obligations. We commend the fact that these efforts are further geared towards the achievement of 
the country 's national development strategy - The Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) 
2016/17 -2019/20 with its vision of An Improved Quality of Lif e for All closely aligned with the 2030 
Agenda for Sustainable Development.  
4.97.   In terms of macroeconomic indicators, Samoa 's economy has experienced relatively steady 
growth over the review period which is projected to reach 3.7% in 2019/2020. At the same tim e, 
measures aimed at curbing inflation and reducing public debt have also been yielding success.  
4.98.   Samoa graduated from Least Developed Country (LDC) status on 1 January 2014; however, 
structural vulnerabilities remain due to a high level of economic and en vironmental volatility, 
distance from major centres of economic activity and a small domestic market. Also, like many ACP 
countries, Samoa is highly susceptible to natural disasters largely due to climate change. The 
country 's economy has also suffered sig nificantly from the impacts of the Global Financial Crisis, the 
Pacific Ocean Tsunami of 2009, and the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclones Evan (2012) and 
Gita (2018).  
4.99.   Samoa 's domestic economy, though largely based on agriculture and fisheries, has be en 
transforming. Similar to many ACP members, the services sector, including tourism, has been 
increasing in importance. Along with manufacturing, services currently account for significant 
contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. A range of large infrastructural 
and development projects being pursued by the Government have led to strong confidence in its 
economy and growth in these sectors.  
4.100.   Among the ongoing initiatives at the domestic level are measures to reform the regulatory 
framework affecting trade and investment of the country, including the strengthening of its 
competition policy. In addition, positive mention must also be made of Samoa 's ratification of the 
WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in April 2016, following which the  country has submitted two 
notifications regarding its Category A, B and C commitments. A new Customs Act and customs 
regulations have also been implemented, including an upgrade to ASYCUDA++.  
4.101.   The ACP Group congratulates Samoa for its deliberate and consc ientious efforts towards 
strengthening its participation within the WTO and the multilateral trading system. We wish Samoa 
every success in implementing additional initiatives and reforms that will serve to further improve 
its economic and development traj ectory and call on all Members to continue to support Samoa in 
seizing opportunities and overcoming the challenges ahead.  
JAPAN  
4.102.   Since its accession to the WTO in 2012, Samoa has achieved 1.9% annual economic growth 
on average, even accounting for the recov ery period from the damages caused by the category 5 
Cyclone Evan. Consequently, Samoa achieved its graduation from LDC status in 2014. Samoa also WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  achieved a slight fiscal surplus as well as a current account surplus recently. We truly respect these 
achiev ements.  
4.103.   However, due to certain challenges such as the closure of its largest manufacturing plant in 
2017, economic growth in Samoa has been significantly weakened recently. Therefore, we expect 
Samoa to make further efforts in opening up its economy as th is would attract foreign investment 
and develop competitive environments for business. In this regard, we appreciate Samoa 's efforts 
in reforming its competition regime with new legislation.  
4.104.   There are, however, areas that can be improved on. We recognize t hat Samoa has 
outstanding notifications to the WTO. Therefore, we encourage Samoa to further strengthen its 
efforts in the area of notifications, including TBT and SPS notifications, in order to foster a predictable 
and transparent business environment. We  also encourage Samoa to further reform its IPR regime 
through its 2012 National Intellectual Property Strategy.  
4.105.   We appreciate Samoa 's commitment to the multilateral trading system. Samoa has already 
ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2016. Samoa is also planning to become an 
observer to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), even though it is not a member of the 
GPA. We hope Samoa will consider joining the GPA in the future in order to strengthen its open 
government procurement re gime.  
4.106.   Looking into specific sectors, as we are all aware the agriculture sector is highly important 
for Samoa 's economy. Japan is also aware of the importance of the fisheries sector  — notably the 
tuna sector  — for Samoa 's economy. In this regard, in order  to achieve a sustainable and fair 
fisheries industry, we encourage Samoa to be more actively engaged in the ongoing fisheries 
negotiation in the WTO. We also recognize that the services sector, which corresponds to over two 
thirds of Samoa 's GDP, is truly  important in the country. In particular, the tourism sector is highly 
promising as Samoa can attract many foreign tourists with its traditional culture and beautiful blue 
oceans. In addition, we believe the digital technology sector is also promising, as these technologies 
will definitely provide MSMEs in small countries with opportunities to join the global market. In this 
regard, in order to unleash the full potential of digitalization in Samoa, we encourage Samoa to 
participate in the Joint Statement In itiative on Electronic Commerce in the WTO.  
4.107.   In conclusion, we are sure that Samoa will be well placed to continue pursuing open, 
transparent and non -discriminatory markets by observing its commitments to the WTO. We wish 
Samoa a successful and productive T PR and look forward to hearing of further progress regarding 
its trade and investment policies at its next TPR.  
4.108.   And lastly, Japan will host the Rugby World Cup this year. We look forward to having a 
wonderful match between our two national teams in October .  
SOLOMON  ISLANDS  ON BEHALF  OF THE PACIFIC  GROUP  
4.109.   The Pacific Group also supports the statement made by the ACP Group.  
4.110.   Although it is a non -resident WTO Member, Samoa is a valued member of the Pacific Group, 
a fellow Member of the Pacific Islands Forum as well as a co -signatory to a number of regional trade 
agreements such as the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), the South Pacific Reginal 
Trade & Co -operation Agreement (SPARTECA) and the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic 
Relations or PACE R Plus Agreement recently concluded in 2016.  
4.111.   The Group wishes to thank the Government of the Samoa and the WTO Secretariat for their 
comprehensive and informative reports. Both reports provide a good overview of the Trade and 
related policies and trade str ategies of Samoa.  
4.112.   The Pacific Group welcomes , in particular , the various trade reforms that have been 
undertaken by Samoa since its accession to the WTO in 2012. These include:  
• the adoption of a new Customs Act 2014 and upgraded clearance procedures through 
ASYCUDA World system to improve clearance processes at the border ; WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  • a new Competition and Consumer Act 2016 to promote competition and provide product 
standards ; 
• Food Act 2015 to regulate food standards including Codex -based standards ;  
• the taxation  reforms to broaden the tax base and new investment measures to promote an 
investment . 
4.113.   In addition to this, Samoa is doing its best to implement its WTO obligations. On the WTO 
Trade Facilitation Agreement, Samoa was the first of the Pacific Members to sub mit notifications and 
subsequently ratify the Agreement in 2016. At the same time , the Group notes that while 
notifications on some WTO Agreements have been made, Samoa is working to complete its 
remaining notifications. The Group also notes from the reports that other reforms are ongoing or 
contemplated to improve Samoa 's trade, business and investment environment  
4.114.   In addition, Samoa has mainstreamed trade into sectoral strategies in its attempt to diversify 
its exports and boost trade and investment i n order to contribute to the Government 's Strategy for 
the Development of Samoa.  
4.115.   Samoa is a small open developing economy driven by a few sectors, namely services, mainly 
tourism and remittances; agriculture and fisheries. Like most Pacific countries, Samo a's merchandise 
trade balance is marked by continuing trade deficits due to its dependence on a narrow range of 
exports while heavily reliant on increasing levels of imports to meet basic needs and support the 
productive sectors such as manufacturing. In f act, Samoa 's Country report states that there are only 
six key export commodities of which fish accounts for almost half and these exports rely heavily on 
trade preferences. Although Samoa graduated from LDC status in 2014, structural vulnerabilities 
remai n due to its smallness and remoteness from major markets as reflected in the Secretariat 
report. Samoa 's graduation has added to these vulnerabilities, due to the loss of trade preferences 
for some of its key exports which are starting to be felt, combined  with the withdrawal  of EIF facility 
which is no longer available to support its successful adjustment including export capacity 
development and diversification.  
4.116.   As small open economies, Samoa as with most of the Pacific countries, are also susceptible 
to external economic shocks and our geographical location makes us susceptible to natural disasters 
which are increasing in frequency and intensity. In fact, the high fluctuations in economic growth 
experienced by Samoa in recent years, as shown in the Secret ariat's report, is a direct reflection of 
the effects of the three cyclones that devastated the Samoan economy in recent years. Years of 
investment and development could be brought to nought in one natural disaster, which adds to the 
already high trade cos ts in the Pacific region.  
4.117.   Therefore, the Pacific Group underscores the important role of the WTO and Aid for Trade in 
addressing the challenges faced by Members, and those with particular vulnerabilities. The WTO, in 
providing an open, transparent, stable and fairer multilateral trading system for small countries like 
Samoa to increase and diversify their trade and to successfully integrate into the global economy. 
This includes new WTO rules on fisheries subsidies that are under negotiations, which should prohibit 
harmful subsidies and provide policy space for small vulnerable economies that depend on fisheries. 
Aid for Trade, plays an important role in strengthening export capacities, promoting value adding 
and diversifying exports and in creating a resili ent economy as envisaged in the Strategy for the 
Development of Samoa. In this connection , the Pacific Group would like to draw the attention of 
Members, development partners and donors to Samoa 's technical assistance needs in 
paragraph  7.13 of the country  report to assist Samoa with the implementation of the remaining 
reforms and in building its supply capacity to achieve its trade and economic policy objectives.  
4.118.   The Pacific Group thanks the Government of Samoa for its commitment towards the 
multilateral t rading rules and extends its best wishes for a successful Trade Policy Review.  
VANUATU  
4.119.   Vanuatu aligns itself with the statement delivered by Solomon Islands on behalf of the Pacific 
Group, and Jamaica on behalf of the ACP Group.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  4.120.   As a fellow Pacific island WTO Member, we are pleased that Samoa has undertaken its first 
Trade Policy Review since it 's accession to the WTO in 2012.  
4.121.   We acknowledge the efforts of the discussant H .E. Ambassador David Walker of New Zealand 
and the Trade Po licy Review team within the WTO Secretariat and commend Samoa for the national 
report.  
4.122.   Samoa graduated from the LDC status in January 2014 on the basis of its high Human 
Development Index. Samoa, like Vanuatu, is  a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). As  an LDC 
graduated country and as a SIDS, Samoa continues to face vulnerabilities as set out in their report. 
We are able to see in the report that natural disasters such as the cyclones experienced in the recent 
past elevated the vulnerability of Samoa, dr agging down the economy and impacting on the overall 
performance of their trade. The measurement of downward trends in the volume and value of both 
trade in goods and trade in services performance after the cyclones, a natural disaster, are a 
testament to the vulnerability of the country. Graduating from LDC, primarily due to the Human 
Development Index does not relinquish its susceptibility towards these natural disasters.  
4.123.   As a SIDS with the tyranny of the vast distances to major markets, the external shoc ks to 
the economy, which are beyond the control of the small economies, have also affected them. The 
combination of natural disasters and man -made ones, including the negative effects and the threat 
of adverse climate change means Samoa remains one of the most vulnerable Members of this 
Organization.  
4.124.   Vanuatu acknowledges Samoa for its efforts for its Strategy for the Development of Samoa 
2010/17 –2019 which is aligned to the SDGs and the Samoa Pathway. This Strategy covers 4 broad 
priority areas covering th e economic sector, social, infrastructure and environment sectors.  
4.125.   Samoa commits itself to the Framework for Pacific Regionalism and the Paris Agreement and 
to which Vanuatu also aligns itself.  
4.126.   Noting Samoa 's continuous technical assistance and capacity building support from the WTO 
and other sources of significance, we would like to draw attention to the Enhanced Integrated 
Framework support to Samoa. In light of the vulnerability already mentioned and as set out in the 
TPR report, we call on WTO Members  to continue many more years of EIF support – which must be 
over and above the LDC graduation transition period.   
4.127.   Vanuatu welcomes the developments in the Customs administration, notes the reforms in 
taxation and Samoa 's efforts in their Intellectual Prop erty Rights regime, commends Samoa on their 
efforts on the environment and their management and resilience in light of climate change 
challenges.  
4.128.   The sectoral updates covering agriculture and livestock, fisheries, manufacturing, ICT, 
energy and the target  of 100% renewable energy use in Samoa by 2025 is to be commended.  
4.129.   Vanuatu conveys its best wishes to Samoa for a successful first Trade Policy Review.   
ARGENTINA  
4.130.   Argentina congratulates Samoa on its first Trade Policy Review since the country's accession  
in 2012, and also on its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2014.  
4.131.   We are grateful for the reports circulated, which have enabled us to update and expand our 
knowledge of this Member's trade policies and practices.  
4.132.   Argentina cons iders that Samoa has made commendable efforts towards recovery after the 
tsunami of 2009 and Cyclone Evan in 2012. In this context, we welcome the performance observed; 
according to IMF data, per capita GDP in 2018 was 28% greater than in 2010. In addition , Samoa's 
economic prospects are favourable, with expected GDP growth rising from 3.1% in 2019 to 5% 
in 2020.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  4.133.   Argentina is pleased to note that Samoa recorded a fiscal balance in surplus in 2017 -2018, 
maintaining inflation below 3%. We also welcome the fac t that trade occupies a prominent position 
in the Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS), and that the modernization of the trade regime 
is a central focus of policy reforms aimed at removing constraints on entrepreneurship, productivity 
and growth.  
4.134.   We welcome the fact that Samoa is pursuing greater trade integration with the world: it 
joined the WTO in 2012, is a Member of the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), and 
is in the process of ratifying the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus.  
4.135.   We would also like to underline the commitment of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group 
of States (ACP) – to which Samoa belongs – to the negotiations on fisheries subsidies and to reaching 
an agreement to prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and 
overfishing, and to eliminate those that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.  
4.136.   We highlight Samoa's instrumental changes after joining the WTO relating to tariff 
reductions, ta x reforms, and improvement of the business environment, and we wish it every success 
in implementing the SDS 2016 -2020, particularly with regard to increasing agricultural exports and 
developing tourism.  
4.137.   The bilateral relationship between Samoa and Argenti na is primarily founded on political and 
cooperation -related aspects, with the two countries celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations  in 
2018. We are now facing the challenge of complementing our bilateral relationship with increased 
trade, and are esp ecially interested in the possibility of establishing agricultural cooperation 
programmes as part of the South -South cooperation strategy.  
4.138.   Lastly, while reiterating our appreciation for this new opportunity to exchange points of view 
and reflections concerning Samoa's trade policies and practices, allow us to highlight once again the 
relevance of all aspects of this exercise in transparency and to wish the Samoan authorities a 
successful conclusion to the present review.  
PAPUA  NEW  GUINEA  
4.139.   Papua New Gui nea supports the statements delivered by Solomon Islands  on behalf of the 
Pacific Group and the ACP Group delivered by Jamaica.  
4.140.   We join the WTO Members to congratulate Samoa on its first Trade Policy Review as the 
recently acceded Member from the Pacific r egion. We commend Samoa for fulfilling its obligation 
and commitment in upholding the WTO 's transparency requirement to undertake the review as 
reflected in its country report.  
4.141.   We thank the discussant, Mr . David Walker, Ambassador of New Zealand for the an alytical 
overview of Samoa 's trade policy, and WTO for the technical work in preparing the Secretariat report.  
4.142.   Samoa 's country report and the WTO Secretariat 's report provided detail insight on the level 
of contribution from the trade to the general econom ic and development of the country. The two 
reports reflect Samoa 's government commitment to the open and rules -based trade regime in the 
WTO, and the multilateral trading system. Samoa demonstrates this commitment to integrate its 
trade policy in the Natio nal Development Strategy, investment and trade -related policies in 
embracing trade as a vehicle for economic growth and development.  
4.143.   Samoa, like other island countries, faces multiple challenges in implementing its trade policy, 
its WTO obligations and nat ional development plans. These challenges include; isolation to major 
markets, narrow market based, prone to climate change and natural disaster, which hinder its 
development aspirations. Climate Change and natural disasters remain a grave concern for the 
country as per the reports. The two natural disasters in recent times had a devastating impact on 
the trade and economy of the country, confirming the vulnerability of the country to natural 
disasters. Nevertheless, Samoa endeavours to be a disaster resili ent island country to overcome 
such challenges.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  4.144.   The report indicated a number of areas requiring trade -related capacity building and 
technical assistance to support the country in implementing its WTO obligations and commitments. 
We believe that trade -related assistance should include targeted assistance towards reducing and 
mitigating the impacts of climate change and natural disaster on Samoa 's economy in future.  
4.145.   Mr Chair, we noted the importance of agriculture, fisheries, Manufacturing, ICT, energy, 
transport and tourism sectors to Samoa 's economy. The trade in services sector contributes 68% of 
the nominal GDP with significant contribution from the remittance, and tourism sector. This 
demonstrates the growing importance of services to Samoa 's development . Contribution of the 
services trade is a same trend to many Islands nations where services trade contributes more than 
50% towards their GDPs and economic growth.  
4.146.   In conclusion, we believe that the Samoa TPR would enlighten WTO Members of the trade 
policy  regime in the country and it spelt out areas requiring improvements, and we thank the country 
for its response to the written questions raised by Members.  
4.147.   We wish Minister Lautafi Purcell and his officials all the best in the trade policy in the 
remain ing days.  
  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF SAMOA  AND ADDITIONAL COMM ENTS  
5.1.  I would like on behalf of my delegation and I, to extend to you all, our appreciation of the 
constructive spirit and manner with which Samoa 's Trade Policy review is being conducted to  date, 
with its continuation this morning.  
5.2.  Eighteen interventions were made following our introductory statement and the remarks of the 
discussant. We are heartened by your recognition of the progress Samoa has  made as well as the 
encouragement you have pr ovided for us to remain on track towards achieving our targets and 
beyond as follow up to our first Trade Policy Review. It is my hope that all the delegations will have 
had access to our written responses and that they would have addressed some of the con cerns 
raised.  
5.3.  Today , we would like to focus on the common concerns raised in the majority of interventions 
made on Wednesday and  I am pleased to provide responses to the matters raised by Members as 
follows . 
5.4.  We appreciate the call by Members for Samoa to a ddress outstanding notifications. The trade 
policy review process has prompted Samoa to take action to address these , including the submission 
of notifications on TRIMS, agricultural export subsidies, domestic support and IP laws. Samoa 's SPS 
National Noti fication Authority is formali zing access to the SPS online notification system and will 
proceed to notify the Food Act 2015 and the Food (Safety and Quality) Regulations 2017. The 
outcomes of the 2017 National Workshop on WTO Notifications correctly highli ght the challenges for 
Samoa including the lack of understanding and awareness of the complex notification requirements. 
Samoa intends to request another notification workshop through the WTO Technical Assistance 
Programme to consider options on strengthen ing internal processes and coordination of all 
notification obligations.  
5.5.  One of the recommendations of the Study on Options for Controlling Nutrition Related Health 
Problems in Samoa 2015 is to apply a 20% excise tax on food categories where the majority of foods 
exceed thresholds in the Nutrient Profiling System. The Customs Tariff Amendment Act 2018 includes 
an excise tax of 10% on turkey tails. We acknowledge that the 2018 amendment should have 
included the frozen turkey tail tariff line 02072710. The c orrection will be made through a 
modification order before the end of the year , which will also address the call to eliminate the 300% 
tariff peak.  
5.6.  We note the concern of Members on the applied import duty for food items in the Customs 
Tariff Amendment Ac t 2018. Addressing Non -Communicable Diseases particularly obesity in children, 
is a national health priority as these diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and 
mortality in Samoa. It is therefore important that trade policy , as a tool , is avai lable to address these 
important health issues. It is Samoa 's intention to undertake an assessment of the impact of these 
recent tariff measures on the health and consumption patterns of Samoa 's population. The 
assessment will include consideration of Samo a's WTO commitments. We seek the support of WTO 
Members in this regard.  
5.7.  A strong message came through on the importance of Samoa prioritizing areas in which to 
engage with the WTO. There was reaffirmation of Samoa 's commitment to engage in an open 
rules-based and predictable trade regime as these are important for inclusive economic development 
and wellbeing of its population. Similarly , Samoa has identified its priority TA needs in TBT, SPS 
custom issues and assistance with updating notifications through WTO.  
5.8.  Even though there is commendation of Samoa 's progress to date , there is also a reminder for 
Samoa to review its low rankings with regard to the ease of doing business index and its indicators 
of trading across borders, resolving insolvency, and gettin g credit because improved performance 
will facilitate commercial activity and economic growth. This is work in progress not only in fully 
understanding the bases of such assessments but also looking at institutional arrangements in place 
if they are conduc ive for the creation of an enabling environment for commercial activity.  
5.9.  Many of the delegations made reference to Samoa 's role in and support for the Buenos Aires 
Declaration on Trade and Women 's economic empowerment – and speaking on behalf of the Pacifi c 
group during MC11 thus urging Samoa 's continuing role as a proactive member of the Pacific group WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  within WTO , as well as its lead role in promoting regionalism. Samoa is committed to advocacy and 
the promotion of the Blue Pacific narrative which attribute s strength in the collective and is the 
foundation for engagement of the Pacific with the key development partners through, for example, 
the Japan PALM process, the China Pacific summit and the Korea Pacific summit.  
5.10.   Further trade reform areas that Samoa is  encouraged to carry out include: looking at new 
legislation related to traditional knowledge and setting up a management organisation for copyright 
issues, consideration of easing restrictions in certain sectors resulting in more trade partners, further 
reform in the IP regime with a call to join the Joint Statement Initiative on e -Commerce in the WTO , 
as well as looking at ways to encourage investment.  
5.11.   On investment in the transport sector, there are no restrictions on foreign investment in port 
services , civil airports and domestic maritime operations. Domestic and foreign companies including 
joint ventures are required to apply for the relevant licenses which will be considered by the 
appropriate authorities.  
5.12.   Further consultations were undertaken in February 2019 on the Samoa Law Reform 
Commission 's 2015 Final Report on the Protection of Samoa 's Traditional Knowledge. The Ministry 
of Education, Sports and Culture will take the lead in implementing the recommendations of the 
report which will include t he development of a legislative framework for the protection of traditional 
knowledge in Samoa. We will update Members on the development of these proposed laws.  
5.13.   The World Intellectual Property Organisation is providing support to establish Samoa 's 
collect ive management organisation for copyrights. WIPO 's support will include the development of 
TORs for the set -up of the National CMO framework which will then determine the rights and works 
to be covered under the CMO.  
5.14.   Samoa 's expected timeframe to ratify a nd implement the WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO 
Performances and Phonograms Treaty, the Marrakesh Treaty, the Patent Cooperation Treaty and the 
Lisbon and Hague Agreements is 2022.   
5.15.   Mr. Chairman, Samoa will ratify the PACER Plus by June 2019.  
5.16.   On the matter o f Samoa to make a high level commitment with a clear action plan towards 
having in place a tax compliant jurisdiction, the Government has established a Minister of Finance -led 
Working group comprising ministries of Revenue, Finance, Central Bank including its Financial 
Intelligence Unit, Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Offshore Finance Authority to put in place an 
Action Plan , including the identification of EU technical assistance that Samoa could request help 
from towards possible compliance. There will  be regular monitoring of progress towards the end of 
2019.  
5.17.   The submarine internet cables will deliver affordable high -speed internet access which will 
improve the enabling environment for the conduct of business and service delivery. This will also 
contri bute to our efforts in improving Samoa 's position in the World Bank rankings.  
5.18.   We will continue to participate in the fisheries subsidies negotiations and we take note of the 
encouragement for Samoa to participate in the discussions on the WTO Reforms to en sure that the 
multilateral trading system remains relevant.  
5.19.   Mr Chairman, I have already highlighted the inherent challenges that constrain our economic 
development – our smallness, remoteness and vulnerability to the rising frequency and intensity of 
devastating natural disasters. The Strategy for the Development of Samoa 2016 -2020 is therefore 
the key reference document for inclusive and sustainable development as it was developed through 
a wide consultative process; is aligned to the Sustainable Developm ent Goals and the SAMOA 
Pathway; it reflects the integration and mainstreaming of gender and human rights; as well as 
Samoa 's commitment to regional and international protocols including the Framework for Pacific 
Regionalism and the Paris Agreement.  
5.20.   Mr. C hairman, Excellencies Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my sincere hope that we have 
adequately addressed your issues and concerns through our written responses, our national 
statement as well as the consultations today. Should that not be the case, we look forw ard to WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  receiving your written feedback as soon as it is possible for you and we shall respond in the required 
timeframe . 
5.21.   Finally, I would like, again , to reiterate Samoa 's appreciation of the conduct of its first Trade 
Policy review. We are indebted to all  of those who have contributed to the preparation and 
implementation of the review. The TPR is a useful opportunity for us to take stock of where we are 
in our journey to progressively integrate into the world trading system , as well as to make full use 
of our WTO membership.  Thank you for your attention.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.22.   It has been an honour and a pleasure to have participated in this First Trade Policy Review of 
Samoa as discussant.  
5.23.   Minister Purcell, in his opening statement, drew attention to a number of the particularities of 
Samoa as a Small Island Developing State  – including its remoteness, small size, and vulnerability 
to natural disasters.  
5.24.   These were well recogni zed by Members in their statements, together with the resilience of 
the Samoan people in cont inuing to reform and grow their economy throughout the period under 
review despite the significant natural disasters and economic shocks suffered during that time.  
5.25.   Members complimented Samoa on its promotion of sustainable development through its 
Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) and the place of WTO membership and progressive 
integration into the global trading system in its development strategy.  
5.26.   Members also highlighted and welcomed a number of reforms Samoa has enacted during the 
on-going imple mentation period of its WTO accession, including in the areas of customs, SPS, 
competition policy and intellectual property protection.  
5.27.   Members also congratulated Samoa for the leading role it has taken among Forum Island 
Countries in regional integration processes in the Pacific, which Samoa has signalled it continues to 
look to do in the PACER Plus context  as Minister Purcell again reiterated this morning with the 
commitment to ratify PACER Plus by June.  
5.28.   At the same time, Members also raised a number of i ssues – both in advance written questions 
and in their interventions - across areas such as outstanding notifications, the relationship between 
applied and bound tariff rates, excise tax implementation, and SPS measures.  
5.29.   Samoa responded to a number of thes e points in its answers to written questions and Minister 
Purcell supplemented in some areas in his opening statement and again this morning , for example 
with respect of notifications . In some other areas I expect Samoa will be reflecting further based 
upon the discussions at this meeting as it looks to complete this Review.  
5.30.   Minister Purcell noted that Samoa 's process of structural reform continues highlighting areas 
such as governance and performance of state-owned enterprises, and competition law and poli cy. 
He noted that work is also under way domestically in the area of protection of traditional knowledge 
and expressions of culture.  
5.31.   Members welcomed indication of these areas of on -going focus and were interested in further 
information as work progresses.  
5.32.   Members also welcomed areas of active Samoan participation in  the WTO such as in its 
membership of the T rade Facilitation Agreement , its profile at MC11 and its engagement as part of 
the Pacific Group in the fisheries subsidies ' negotiations.  
5.33.   Suggestions were made that Samoa might wish to look at involvement in other areas of WTO 
activity also. In this context , it was noted that with recent completion of enhanced internet 
connectivity WTO processes on digital trade/electronic commerce may be of interest. S amoa 's 
interest in Government Procurement Agreement observership was also highlighted.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  5.34.   Samoa indicated it would be looking to make further use of WTO technical assistance and 
capacity building activities – for example to build domestic capacity among offic ials in the areas of 
SPS and customs issues. Answers to questions indicate that Samoa has also been looking to take 
advantage of capacity building activities in the area of government procurement.  
5.35.   Overall , there was much encouragement from Members for Samo a to continue its journey of 
progressively integrating into the world trading system and making full use of its WTO membership 
– as a Small Island Developing State - to foster and support ongoing reforms to promote sustainable 
development and a competitive  business environment.  
5.36.   I hope , Minister Purcell, that you and your delegation from Samoa have enjoyed this process 
of Trade Policy Review and have much food for thought to take home to your colleagues as you 
begin the 40 -hour journey back to Apia.  Thank yo u Chair.  
FIJI 
5.37.   Fiji aligns itself to the statement delivered by Jamaica on behalf of the ACP group and the 
statement by Solomon Islands on behalf of the Pacific  .  
5.38.   Fiji welcomes Samoa 's first Trade Policy Review, since its WTO Membership in 2012. Fiji and 
Samoa have been trading partners for a number of years and Samoa is an important trading partner 
for Fiji in the region. The two -way trade between Fiji and Samoa has increased by 33%.   
5.39.   In 2017, imports from Samoa to Fiji increased by 59%, compared to a 3% increase in terms 
of Fijian exports to Samoa. Two -way trade between Fiji and Samoa in 2017, was approximately 
USD 50 million.  
5.40.   Fiji and Samoa play a leading role in the efforts to enhance regional trade integration through 
the modification of the Rules of Origin of the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA).  
5.41.   Moreover, Samoa has shown interest to accede to the Interim Economic Partnership 
Agreement (IEPA) the Pacific and the European Union (EU).  Fiji stands ready to facilitate Samoa 's 
accession t o the IEPA so that Samoa and Fiji can be strong allies.  
5.42.   Fiji and Samoa face common challenges such as geographical isolation from its key markets, 
effects of climate change and extreme weather conditions on our livelihoods, capacity and resource 
constrain ts to undertake research and development in -house and most importantly construction of 
proper infrastructure that is not only climate resilient but also sustainable.  
5.43.   Hence, our countries are working closely to tackle such challenges through stronger regional 
corporation and its active participation at the multilateral arena, so that the voice of the Pacific can 
be heard.   
5.44.   Also, it is important to note that the Pacific  region relies on the rules of the multilateral trading 
system, even though some of the rules are burdensome, since these rules apply to all members 
equally.  
5.45.   WTO is one of the major platforms where discussions and negotiations on disciplining fisheries 
resources is taking place. Fisheries is an integral part of our culture and the way of life. It is a key 
resource and a source of livelihood for many in the Pacific region.  
5.46.   Fisheries subsidies is a long impending decision, which is in with the global commit ments 
made in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is the least that should be achieved. 
Therefore, it is utmost important for the Pacific region that fisheries resources are well managed and 
in a sustained manner so that activities of the present generation do not compromise the needs of 
the future generation.  
5.47.   Fiji and Samoa also have the unenviable distinction of being part of the European Union 's tax 
blacklist. This undermines the development aspirations of small island developing states such as  
ours, in the guise of tax cooperation. The approach taken by the EU is arbitrary, unilateral and WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  non-transparent. Issues such as these are usually discussed at multilateral forums openly and 
actions are transparent.  
5.48.   The EU blacklist targets tax incentives , which have been introduced to support investment, 
job creation and economic growth.  
5.49.   In closing, Fiji appreciates the opportunity to participate in this review. We look forward to 
continued cooperation with Samoa and deepening our common interest in futu re. 
5.50.   Fiji also acknowledges Samoa 's efforts over the period covered by this report and wishes the 
Samoan delegation a successful conclusion to their country 's first Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION   
5.51.   Let me first thank Samoa for the comprehensive overview  presented last Wednesday and this 
morning on the main development s that  occurred during the review period.  
5.52.   The E uropean Union is pleased to note that this Review has been useful to better understand 
the trade policy of Samoa , and we hope that Samoa will d uly take into account some of the few 
challenges highlighted by Members.  
5.53.   The E uropean Union appreciates the timely replies provided to all EU questions , and we do 
not have any follow -up questions.  
5.54.   In conclusion, on behalf of the E uropean Union, we thank yo u for your participation in this 
exercise.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.55.   The United States congratulates Samoa on its first WTO Trade Policy Review and appreciates 
the efforts Samoa has made with regard to its WTO commitment.  
5.56.   We have submitted a few follow -up questions in  the area of intellectual property policies and 
we look forward to Samoa 's responses.  
5.57.   The United States commends Samoa for its actions in trade and investment reform and we 
wish the delegation a safe journey home.  
HON.  LAUTAFI  FIO SELAFI  PURCELL  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
5.58.   Thank you, Mr. Chairman and discussant, Ambassador David Walker. I would just like to thank 
the Members again that raised some issues. And I also hope that the lack of any other interventions 
would suggest that we have responded adequately to th e questions that were provided to us after 
Wednesday.  
5.59.   This is Samoa's first Review. There is a common knowledge that a first -time experience of 
any kind can be quite a harrowing experience. I look at Samoa's situation as a country that has been 
in the wild erness, so to speak, and now has come into this Organization that is firmly run by rules 
and processes and procedures that are very strict, and us trying in the last seven years to fulfil all 
these commitments to be able to satisfy WTO's requirements has n ot been an easy task. This Review 
is a great opportunity for us because it now tells us where we are in the scale of things. We have 
only been here seven years and I, personally, am proud of where we are, and I hope that, through 
our first Review, we will be able to now continue the good work, now we know where we need to 
go, through some of the interventions and our experience here now. We look forward to continuing 
the work that we have done on the right track, realigning our actions in other areas that m aybe 
have not been as aligned as they should have been, and we ask the WTO and other Members for 
assistance in this process. We look forward to our next Review. I am confident that the areas that 
have been identified in this Review will not be raised again  in the next Review, as we will work hard 
to make sure that we are aligned with the multilateral trading system encouraged by the WTO, and 
also to make the most of our membership in the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  5.60.   My delegation and I have enjoyed the challenge of this first Revi ew, and we thank you again 
for your encouragement and your sincere comments. We take it all on board and I know that it will 
help us become a mature Member of the WTO by the time our next Review comes around.  
5.61.   We thank you for your best wishes for our long journey back. I am thankful that we only do 
this journey once every two or three years. We enjoyed being here. Some of these issues will be 
raised when our Permanent Mission is set up here in Geneva. We will get to see you more and more 
every day. I thank you again, Mr. Chairman, the discussant and all the Members here for your efforts 
to support Samoa. I thank everyone for the comments, and we wish you well.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The first Trade Policy Review of Samoa has provided us an e xcellent opportunity to deepen our 
understanding of Samoa 's economic and trade policies since its accession to the WTO in 2012. More 
than 70 written questions were submitted by Members and 19 delegations took the floor, and this 
reflects Members ' interest in Samoa 's trade and investment policies.  
6.2.  My sincere thanks go to the Samoan delegation, led by the Honourable Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell , 
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, for its active participation in this exercise. I would also 
like to thank H.E. Dr. David Walker, Ambassador of New Zealand, for his insightful remarks as 
discussant.  
6.3.  Members praised Samoa for the overall good pe rformance of the economy, with an annual GDP 
growth rate of close to 2% in the period 2012 -18. The economy proved resilient in the face of the 
devastation caused by cyclones Evan in 2012 and Gita in 2018, as well as the closure of the country 's 
largest man ufacturing plant in 2017. Members recognized that Samoa faces major challenges in 
achieving higher economic growth and attracting more investment, owing to its remoteness and 
small domestic market, and vulnerability to natural disasters.  
6.4.  Members commended Samoa on its commitment to engage in an open, non -discriminatory and 
transparent multilateral trading system. They invited it to further enhance its participation in the 
WTO, by fulfilling outstanding notification obligations in areas such as agriculture, customs valuation, 
and SPS and TBT measures. It was noted that Samoa was the first Pacific Island WTO Member to 
ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016. Members welcomed Samoa 's active 
participation in the WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidie s and its sponsorship of the MC11 
Ministerial Statement on Fossil Fuels Subsidies Reform, and of the Joint Declaration on Trade and 
Women 's Economic Empowerment.  
6.5.  Members congratulated Samoa on the reforms undertaken since its accession in areas such as 
customs legislation and clearance procedures; taxation; SPS legislation; and competition policy. 
They also welcomed the reforms aimed at strengthening its IP regime and joining certain WIPO 
treaties, while recognizing Samoa 's recent accession to the Internat ional Registration of Marks 
Protocol of the Madrid Agreement. The Samoan delegation noted that ongoing structural reforms 
focus on, amongst others, improving the business environment, financial inclusion, and enhancing 
the governance and performance of sta te-owned enterprises.  
6.6.  Members noted that Samoa is a party to the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), 
and benefits from preferences granted by Australia and New Zealand under the South Pacific 
Regional Trade and Economic Co -operation Agreement  (SPARTECA). In response to questions, 
Samoa informed Members that it is in the process of finalizing its ratification of the Pacific Agreement 
on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) between the Forum Island Countries, and Australia 
and New Zealand , by June 2019.  
6.7.  Members noted that the average applied MFN tariff rate of 11.5% in 2018 is virtually unchanged 
since Samoa 's WTO accession in 2012. However, some Members invited Samoa to reduce the tariff 
peaks in its Customs tariff. The Samoan delegation announced that the HS 2017 nomenclature would 
be introduced this year. Several Members noted with concern that the applied tariff rates on certain 
products appear to exceed Samoa 's tariff bindings, and encouraged it to bring these tariff lines into 
complia nce with its scheduled WTO commitments. Some Members sought clarification regarding the 
implementation of the planned 20% excise tax on food items with a high fat, sugar or salt content.  
6.8.  In their oral interventions and written questions, Members sought cla rification from Samoa on 
a number of issues, including: the SPS import list maintained by the Samoa Quarantine Services; 
its intention to join the Agreement on Government Procurement as an observer; price control policy; 
FDI restrictions maintained on fish ing; regulatory challenges regarding Money Transfer Operators; 
and the regulatory regime for offshore financial services providers. Members also showed interest in 
Samoa 's fisheries policies; efforts to diversify the export base; the economic benefits of t he new 
submarine cables; and progress in the economic empowerment of Samoan women.  
6.9.  In conclusion, Members encouraged Samoa to maintain its generally open trade and investment 
policies, and supported its efforts to continually improve its business environm ent. Samoa was WT/TPR/M/3 86 • Samoa  
 
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  reminded that a WTO -consistent trade and investment regime should help it achieve its own 
development goals. The need for technical assistance to enhance Samoa 's institutional capacity was 
widely recognized.  
6.10.   Members welcomed that this first Trade Policy Review of Samoa provided an opportunity to 
assess progress to date and identify areas of further work and reform. I hope that the Samoan 
delegation will further reflect on the issues raised, and on the many constructive comments that it 
receiv ed during this Review. In closing, I would like to thank the Samoan delegation, the discussant 
and all the other delegations that participated. This Trade Policy Review will be successfully 
concluded within a month, once Samoa has responded to any outstand ing questions.  
__________