RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/G/386  
28 February 2019  
(19-1160) Page: 1/13 
Trade Policy Review Body   Original: English  
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
REPORT BY  
SAMOA 
Pursuant to the Agreement Establishing the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex 3 of the 
Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization), the policy statement by Samoa  
is attached.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press embargo until the end of the first 
session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on Samoa . WT/TPR/G/386 • Samoa  
 
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  Contents  
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  3 
2   ECONOMIC ENVIRON MENT  ................................ ................................ .........................  3 
3   TRADE PERFORMANC E ................................ ................................ ................................  4 
4   ECONOMIC DEVELOP MENT FRAMEWORK  ................................ ................................ .... 4 
5   TRADE POLICY DEV ELOPMENTS  ................................ ................................ .................  5 
5.1   Access to Finance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 5 
5.2   Financial Inclusion  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 5 
5.3   Company registration  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 5 
5.4   Customs  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  6 
5.5   Taxation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  6 
5.6   Foreign Direct Investment  ................................ ................................ ...........................  6 
5.7   Privatisation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  6 
5.8   Intellectual Property Rights  ................................ ................................ ..........................  7 
5.9   Gender  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  7 
5.10   Environment and Res ilience  ................................ ................................ .......................  7 
6   SECTORAL DEVELOP MENTS  ................................ ................................ ........................  8 
6.1   Agriculture and Livestock ................................ ................................ .............................  8 
6.2   Fisheries  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  9 
6.3   Manufacturing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  10 
6.4   Information and Communications Technology (ICT)  ................................ ......................  10 
6.5   Energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  10 
6.6   Transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  10 
6.7   Tourism  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  11 
7   INTERNATIONAL TR ADE ARRANGEMENTS  ................................ ................................  11 
7.1   Multilateral  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  11 
7.2   Regional  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  12 
7.3   Trade -related technical assistance needs  ................................ ................................ ..... 12 
8   CONCLUSIONS ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  12 
 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  This is the first report of the Government of Samoa to the World Trade Organization (WTO) 
Trade Policy Review Body. It therefore covers the period since Samoa became a member of the 
WTO, on 10 May 2012.  
1.2.  Samoa 's total land area is 2,820 km2 and is made up of the two main islands of Upolu and 
Savai 'i and seven small islands, with around 43% of the land being arable. Samoa 's Exclusive 
Economic Zone (EEZ) – at 98,500 km2 – is the smallest of all Pacific countries. Samoa has an 
estimated population of 193,483 people and a labour force of 48,100.  
1.3.  Samoa graduated from Least Developed Country (LDC) status on 1 January 2014, however, 
structural vulnerabilities remain. Samoa is cla ssified as a Small Islands Developing State (SIDS) and 
as a country with a high human development with regards to the Human Development Index (HDI).  
1.4.  Samoa is subject to economi c and environmental volatility. Its economic development 
opportunities are cons trained by inherent challenges including distance from major centres of 
economic activity, a small domestic market, as well as high frequency and intensity of natural 
disasters largely due to climate change. The economy has suffered significantly 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).  
1.5.  Traditionally, the economy was largely based on agriculture and fisheries, however, industry 
and service s have now become significant contributors to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  
2  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
2.1.  Economic growth has been steady following the recovery from the Pacific Ocean Tsunami in 
2009 and Tropical Cyclone Evan in 2012 with peak growth of 7.1% in 20 15/2016 largely due to the 
expansion of the fisheries sector and construction including  two large hotels and construction related 
to Samoa hosting international events such as the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games. The economic 
growth rate has since declined m ainly due to industry slowdown, with the Yazaki Samoa 
manufacturing plant closure in August 2017.  
2.2.  Projections indicate increases in economic growth of 3.3%, 3.7%, and 3.5% for 2018/19, 
2019/20 and 2020/21 respectively, expected from the operation of two n ew businesses which now 
occupy the old Yazaki Samoa plant; Tropical Cyclone Gita recovery work; construction of new 
bridges, road extensions and completion of the new international airport terminal; activities related 
to the hosting of the Pacific Games 20 19 in Apia; prospects from the Tui -Samoa Cable; and the Apia 
Waterfront Project which will support tourism development.  However, the Government is aware 
that this outlook is subject to downside risks including Samoa 's high vulnerability to natural disaste rs 
as highlighted by the IMF 2018 Article IV Consultation Staff -Report.  
2.3.  The reconstruction program mes following the natural disasters of 2009 and 2012 contributed 
to the growing Government budget deficits, with external debt nearing the 50% threshold in 20 17. 
The Government acknowledges the need to continue strengthening the fiscal framework to ensure 
that public debt is maintained at a sustainable level. In the short and medium term, the government 
plans to continue to control expenditure, keep public debt  and budget deficit within the thresholds, 
improve performance of State -Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and enhance revenue collection. On public 
debt management, the Government is guided by its Medium -Term Debt Strategy (2016 -2020) which 
prioritizes loans with softer conditions.  
2.4.  In 2017, the services sector accounted for 68% of nominal GDP. Manufacturing was the second 
largest sector with a share of 22%. The primary sector accounted for 8% of GDP whilst the public 
administration 's share (part of the services sector) was 8%.  
2.5.  Internal price stability has improved since 2010 with the average inflation rate dropping below 
2% per annum since 2012. Whilst the external position has not strengthened since 2010 with the 
widening imbalance in merchandise trade, the incr easing contributions from services and increased 
development assistance linked to the disaster recovery program mes have held the international 
reserves at 5.4 months of import cover in 2017/8 which is within the 4 -6 months threshold.  WT/TPR/G/386 • Samoa  
 
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  2.6.  Remittances are the second biggest source of foreign exchange (after export of travel services) 
accounting for over 15% of GDP and contribute to narrowing the current account deficit and 
economic stability and resilience, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters.  
2.7.  Official Development Assistance (ODA) remains important to the economy, totalling  around 16 -
20% of GDP. Samoa received USD 88 million net disbursements in 2016, but the yearly average 
over the period 2010 -16 was USD 96 million, double the yearly average disburs ement during the 
period 2000 -09. Aid flows have increased considerably in recent years particularly since the Tsunami 
in 2009. Samoa receives aid from a large number of donors, primarily from New Zealand, Australia, 
the EU, Japan and increasingly China, wh o have funded large infrastructure projects in the country.  
3  TRADE PERFORMANCE  
3.1.  Samoa has a limited number of tradeable sectors and the merchandise export base has not 
diversified much since WTO accession.  
3.2.  There are only six major export commodities, of whic h fish represents almost half of total 
exports, followed by nonu juice, beer, taro, coconut and virgin coconut oil. Emerging export products 
include bottled spring water, cocoa products (pods and beans), cigarettes, scrap metal and bananas.  
3.3.  The vulnerabil ity of fisheries and agricultural -based production and trade -related infrastructure 
to natural disasters are reflected in contractions in exports following natural disasters. For example, 
exports fell in 2013 by some 30% following Cyclone Evan in 2012.  
3.4.  The main export markets are American Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Tokelau, 
Japan, Fiji and China.  
3.5.  Given the small domestic production base, Samoa depends highly on a wide range of imports 
and as such, international merchandise trade is characterise d by a significant deficit. The trade in 
goods deficit was 2.3% of GDP in 2017 valued at approximately US D 312 million with imports and 
exports, respectively valued at approximately US D 356 million and US D 44 million.  
3.6.  Samoa 's main imports are mineral produ cts, vehicles and parts and accessories thereof, meat 
and edible meat offal and electrical machinery from source markets in New Zealand, Singapore, 
China, USA, Australia, Japan and Fiji.  
3.7.  Samoa 's economy continues to be dominated by services with 80% attrib uted to service -based 
industries. The balance of trade in services growth trend has been 4.5% in the over the last five 
years. The surplus is attributed to travel and expected to grow further with the revamping of the 
Faleolo International Airport and the increase in the number of airlines and flights servicing Samoa.  
4  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  FRAMEWORK  
4.1.  The Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) 2016/17 -2019/20 presents the Government 
of Samoa 's priorities with the vision of An Improved Quality of Life for All. To ensure inclusive 
development, the SDS was developed through a wide consultative process through the engagement 
of civil society, private sector, parliamentarians as well as development partners. The SDS is aligned 
with the globally agreed Sustainab le Development Goals (SDGs) and the SIDS Accelerated Modality 
of Action (SAMOA) Pathway. The SDS also reflects the integration and mainstreaming of gender, 
human rights, and climate and disaster resilience in national planning; and Samoa 's commitment to 
regional and international protocols including the Framework for Pacific Regionalism and the Paris 
Agreement.  
4.2.  The SDS has four broad priority areas: economic, social, infrastructure and the environment, 
which are implemented through 14 sector plans with the  theme of Accelerating Sustainable 
Development and Broadening Opportunities for All . This sectoral approach was adopted for a greater 
outreach and as part of public finance management reforms to enhance the link between sector 
planning and the budgetary pr ocess.  
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  4.3.  Samoa 's Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime 2000, prepared as part of the WTO 
accession process, was the first publication that documented Samoa 's trade policies and 
development. Since then, the Trade Policy Statement 2008, the National Export Strategy 2008 – 
2012, and the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) 2010 have been developed. The Trade, 
Commerce and Manufacturing Sector Plan 2012 -2016 (TCMSP) was then developed based on these 
documents.  
4.4.  The TCMSP 2017/2018 – 2020/2021 is the curren t sectoral plan for the trade sector. It was 
informed by the DTIS Update 2016 and follows the strategic directions of the SDS relating to 
agriculture and fisheries productivity, exports, tourism and the participation of the private sector in 
development. S amoa 's trade policy objectives as integrated in the TCMSP 2017/18 – 2020/21 are 
to: 
• Improve industrial supply and productivity;  
• Increase processing activities and value -addition; and  
• Enhance market access and visibility of goods and services.  
 
4.5.  The cross -sectoral links are acknowledged as reflected in other sector plans including the 
Finance Sector Plan 2013/2014 -2017/2018, the Agriculture Sector Plan 2016 -2020 and Tourism 
Sector Plan 2014 -2019.  
4.6.  Support received from the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) accelerated the 
establishment of the TCM Sector Coordinating Unit in 2012. The Government acknowledges the need 
to strengthen inter -agency coordination to ensure that there is no overlap in design and 
implementation of Aid -for-Trade support from developmen t partners.  
5  TRADE POLICY DEVELOP MENTS  
5.1  Access to Finance  
5.1.  Access to finance has been facilitated by the Personal Property Security Act 2013 which has 
established an electronic registry of security interests. The objective is to stimulate economic activity 
by making it easier, secure and less expensive to obtain credit particularly for start -up and small 
businesses.  
5.2  Financial Inclusion  
5.2.  Remittances are worth about 20% of Samoa 's GDP. Approximately 85% of remittances are 
channelled  through Money Transfer Operat ors (MTOs) mainly for families, as they offer a lower cost 
alternative for cash transfers compared to the commercial banks. MTOs handle over half a million 
inward money transfers per year and are an essential tool of financial inclusion. The main source 
markets are New Zealand, Australia, the USA and American Samoa with growth in all markets since 
2010 except for the USA, which has dropped by 25%.  
5.3.  The withdrawal of international banks ' correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) or 'de-
risking ' in Samoa has increased the costs and reduced ease of remittance transactions. The banks ' 
termination of accounts of Money or Value Transfer Services (MVTS) increases the fragility of 
remittance corridors to Samoa, risks undermining recent progress on financial inclusio n and 
significantly impacts Samoa 's economic growth, while increasing the hand -carrying of cash in the 
region.  
5.4.  Of the 12 licensed MTOs operating in Samoa, 9 have lost at least one CBR since 2013, 
particularly in USD. However, the overall volume of remittances has been maintained reflecting the 
substantial share of remittances come from New Zealand and Australia.  
5.3  Company registration  
5.5.  The operation of the Samoa Company Electronic Registry (E -registry) since February 2013 
allowed companies to submit al l forms and documents for registration online which has been 
convenient for companies and the public to access information.  WT/TPR/G/386 • Samoa  
 
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  5.4  Customs  
5.6.  The Customs Prohibition Order (Turkey Tails) 2013 removed the import ban on turkey tails and 
allowed imports only for priva te or personal consumption (not commercial) subject to a duty rate of 
300%. The commercial restriction was removed 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.  
5.7.  The Government supports the private sector through 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 including poultry, agri -based, handicrafts and elei garment.  
5.8.  Samoa aims to officially introduce the HS 2017 by June 2019 after parliamentary passage of 
the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill.  
5.5  Taxation   
5.9.  The Income Tax Amendment Act 2013 established the tourism tax credit scheme to support 
the development of the tourism industry. The scheme expired in 2018 and had supported the 
establishment of large hotels inclu ding the Taumeasina Island Resort.  
5.10.   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 sa les turnover to 
WST 130,000.  
5.11.   In 2016 the Government reviewed its taxation regime with the objective of identifying 
measures to broaden the tax base and improve tax collection and enforcement. Tax reforms include:  
• The Income Tax Amendment Act 2017, removing  the income tax exemption for church 
ministers; and the tax -free threshold increased from WST 12,000 to WST 15,000 (about 
USD 4,700 to US D 5,900); and  
• Increase in excise duty on tobacco (5%), alcoholic beverages (3%), sweetened 
beverages (5% and 8%) and p etroleum fuels (1.8%)  
 
5.12.   While the reforms implemented are expected to raise revenue, the impact will largely depend 
on implementation and improved compliance.  
5.6  Foreign Direct Investment  
5.13.   Seventy -Four Foreign Investment Enterprises (FIEs) were registered in 2 016/17 bringing into 
Samoa an estimated total initial working capital of US D 15 million.  
5.14.   The Citizenship by Investment Act 2016 and its Regulations 2016 were introduced to further 
promote Samoa as an investment friendly country.  
5.7  Privatisation  
5.15.   SOEs are im portant providers of goods and services in Samoa and their performance has 
therefore a significant impact on the public and the economy in general. The Ministry of Public 
Enterprises (MPE) was established in 2015 to monitor and assess the performance and q uality of 
service delivery by the 28 State -Owned Enterprises (SOEs) or Public Bodies; and to strengthen Public 
Bodies ' governance and regulatory framework.  
5.16.   The Government 's policy on enterprise ownership and privatisation is based on the principle 
that ma intaining state ownership is justified only in the case of enterprises which have such 
significant strategic, security, or social importance. The Divestment Policy 2015 aims to ensure that 
a sale process must not result in state monopolies becoming a priva te sector monopoly. The 
Government recognises that a robust competition law and the enforcement of an effective 
competition policy are necessary corollaries to successful privatisation.  WT/TPR/G/386 • Samoa  
 
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  5.17.   The Agricultural Store Corporation was privatised in 2016 .  
5.8  Intellect ual Property Rights  
5.18.   Regulated through the Intellectual Property Regulations 2015, the Samoa Intellectual 
Property Act 2011 aims to protect the of rights of owners of marks, patents, innovation patents, 
plant breeder 's rights, design rights, registered des igns, geographical indications and lay -out designs 
of integrated circuits. Samoa is a signatory of the World Intellectual Propriety Organization (WIPO) 
Convention, Berne Convention, Paris Convention and the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual 
Performances. Samoa  has initiated work to develop legislation on Traditional Knowledge and 
Expressions of Culture including a review undertaken in 2015.  
5.19.   Samoa deposited the Instrument of Accession to the International Registration of Marks 
Protocol of the Madrid Agreement on  4 December 2018, and this will be effective in March 2019 
making Samoa the first Pacific Island Country to accede to Protocol. Membership of the Protocol will 
enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Samoa to register their marks in over 118-member  
countries.  
5.20.   This achievement complements the WIPO Enabling Intellectual Property Environment in the 
Pacific Region pilot project which aims to build the capacity of SMEs to better use branding tools 
such as trademarks and designs to add value to their busin esses. Samoa hosted the Sub- Regional  
Multi- Stakeholder Workshop on Intellectual Property (IP), Brands & Designs for Industry and 
Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Pacific Islands in November 2018.  
5.21.   Samoa has notified to the WTO the IP contact p oints, the IP Act 2011. the Regulations 2015 
and the IP Amendment Act 2018.  
5.9  Gender  
5.22.   Samoa supports gender equality, the empowerment of women and youth, and disability 
inclusion. The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) is responsible  for 
promoting the advancement of women including through the provision of livelihood skills training in 
sewing, weaving the traditional arts and crafts and screen printing.  
5.23.   The Economic Empowerment pillar of the Samoa Women Shaping Development (SWSD) 
Programme has seen an increase in the number of vulnerable women establishing micro businesses 
after having acquired basic financial literacy skills and knowledge through financial inclusion 
program mes, as well as access to start -up finances.   
5.24.   These efforts are in line with the Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade, which Samoa 
supports.  
5.10  Environment and Resilience  
5.25.   In the face of climate change, the government 's goal is to enhance environmental 
sustainability and climate and disaster resilience. Samoa has taken steps to strengthen Disaster Risk 
Management (DRM). In 2007, the government passed the Disaster and Emergency Management Act 
2007, an act supporting the management of disasters and emergencies in the country through 
enhanced planning, risk reduction, response, and recovery, as well as better coordination among 
relevant agencies. Additional policy measures have been taken, such as the Samoa National Action 
Plan for DRM 2011 –2016. Institutionally, both DRM and climate change adaptation are int egrated 
into the Ministry of Natural Resources, helping to streamline these efforts.  
5.26.   The government also has made strides in strengthening its financial resilience to natural 
hazard shocks, and participates in the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and  Recovery (GFDRR) 
- supported Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment  and Financing Initiative (PCRAFI) pilot 
program me.   
5.27.   To advance its DRM agenda, Samoa is prioritizing country  and regional  level initiatives to 
strengthen resilience to climate change; and increasing the resilience of infrastructure to natural 
hazards and climate change.  WT/TPR/G/386 • Samoa  
 
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  6  SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT S 
6.1  Agriculture and Livestock  
6.1.  Agriculture is one of the key commercial sectors contributing 7.8% to the GDP in 2017. The 
agriculture sector goal is to ensu re food security, good nutrition and to contribute to rural livelihoods 
and incomes. The government recognizes the importance of strengthening partnerships to leverage 
agriculture 's potential to achieve these goals.  
6.2.  Family farming forms the core of smallho lder agriculture systems in Samoa. The Agriculture 
Survey 2015 identified 97% of the 28,119 households were engaged in agricultural activities mostly 
for subsistence purposes but also as a secondary activity. As such, the Government recognizes that 
enhanci ng smallholder productivity, production capacity and related food supply chain quality and 
reducing post -harvest losses will be critical for protecting and sustaining food security and nutrition 
in Samoa. The latter is essential to help mitigate the rising  level of diet -related Non -Communicable 
Diseases (NCDs) in Samoa.  
6.3.  The main agriculture export products are nonu juice, taro, coconut and virgin coconut oil.  
6.4.  The World Bank – funded Samoa Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Project (SACEP) 
has supporte d agriculture research and development activities since 2013 with a focus on 
diversification of fruit, vegetable and livestock where there is a comparative advantage to reduce 
dependence on imported agricultural produce; and improve exports, food quality a nd safety. With 
the conclusion of SACEP in December 2018, the successor programme, Samoa Agriculture and 
Fisheries Productivity and Marketing Project (SAFPROM), is expected to be launched later in 2019. 
SAFPROM is co -financed by the World Bank and the Inte rnational Fund for Agricultural Development 
(IFAD).  
6.5.  As part of the Government of Samoa 's program me to revitalise banana exports, two improved 
varieties of the Cavendish cultivar were brought to Samoa in 2016 from South Africa to trial.  The 
improved varie ties were expected to be harvested earlier than existing varieties and be free from 
diseases such as banana bunchy top (laufeti 'iti'i) and banana black leaf streak (lausului). Through 
support from SACEP and the Australia - New Zealand 's Pacific Horticultur al Agricultural Market 
Access (PHAMA) programme, Samoa was able to secure market access to New Zealand with the first 
shipment taking place in October 2018.  
6.6.  Biosecurity requirements associated with exports of fresh produce remain a challenge. As such, 
frozen agricultural export has been targeted and frozen produce such as taro, yams and breadfruit 
has been successful exported to Australia and New Zealand since 2017.  
6.7.  The kava industry is set to be revitalised following the removal of the ban in certain Europ ean 
Union (EU) Member States because of fears over its toxicity. With support from the PHAMA, the 
Samoa Food ( 'Ava) Standard 2018 was developed and launched in May 2018. The standard provides 
guidance on minimum requirements to ensure quality production by  all participants of the kava value 
chain. The Food ( 'Ava) Regulations 2018 which aims to protect consumers and facilitate trade by 
ensuring product safety and quality standards of kava and related products for human consumption, 
will enter into force in J une 2019.  
6.8.  To meet the growing global demand for copra products, Samoa is engaged in replanting its 
aging coconut population since about 80% of the trees are old. Support towards replanting efforts 
includes that from the EU -funded Coconut Industry Developme nt for the Pacific (CIDP), of which 
Samoa is a beneficiary; and the EIF Trade Sector Support Programme (TSSP).  
6.9.  There is considerable potential to raise the production and productivity of livestock (e.g. pigs, 
poultry and sheep) to supply the local market a nd raise household incomes in rural areas; and export 
to neighbouring markets such as American Samoa. However, Samoa has yet to obtain approval from 
the US Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA) to allow exports of meat and meat products to the 
US Territory . Samoa submitted its initial request to the USFDA in 2012 and the subsequent Self 
Reporting Tool in April 2015. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United 
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirms that in order to send fre sh beef or pork to 
American Samoa, Samoa would have to be recognized as free of foot -and-mouth disease, rinderpest, WT/TPR/G/386 • Samoa  
 
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  classical swine fever, and swine vesicular disease. Work is still in slow progress to obtain this 
recognition.  
6.10.   A persistent challenge in pl anning and monitoring developments in the agriculture sector is 
the timely availability of relevant accurate agriculture statistics. The Government recognizes the 
need to strengthen agriculture data (collection) systems to ensure evidence -based policy deci sions 
particularly relating to addressing challenges and capturing opportunities in the competitive global 
trade environment and addressing the threat of climate change.  
6.11.   The ability of small agriculture producers to access and service commercial loans is 
constrained by the limited returns of primary production and inconsistent income flows due to long 
gestation periods and seasonal harvests. The Development Bank of Samoa 's (DBS) role in the 
agriculture sector is to make financing accessible to meet the spe cific needs of agricultural borrowers 
for each level of development – microfinance, working capital and medium to longer -term capital 
investments.  
6.2  Fisheries  
6.12.   The fisheries contribution to GDP rose from 2.5% in 2012 to 3.0% in 2017.  
6.13.   Government efforts are aimed to strengthen fisheries management practices for development, 
food security, climate resilience and disaster relief efforts.  
6.14.   The Community Based Fisheries Management Programme (CBFMP) assists coastal village 
communities effectively manage, conserve a nd protect the limited inshore resources by encouraging 
local communities to identify problems, determine solutions and propose possible actions that would 
lead to the sustainable management of fisheries resources.  
6.15.   Samoa relies on sustainable catch practi ces and adopts an ecosystem approach to fisheries 
management using best available scientific information. The size of the fishing fleet operating in 
Samoa 's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has increased since 2015, when foreign fleets have been 
licensed to f ish in Samoa 's EEZ. Foreign vessels have increased from 10 in 2015 to 14 in 2016 to 29 
in 2017.  
6.16.   The establishment of the Apia Deep Sea Fishing Company Limited, a fish processing and 
packing plant, in 2015 is associated with the increase in fish exports ob served in 2017. The majority 
of fish is exported frozen to canneries in American Samoa, while the rest is exported either frozen , 
fresh or chilled to Fiji, Japan  and USA   
6.17.   The Commercial Fisheries Management Advisory Committee (CFMAC) overlooks the 
manageme nt of Samoa 's commercial fisheries to ensure its long -term sustainability. Yields from the 
tuna fisheries are collected through various means including daily catch logs from fishing trips, port 
sampling and unloading data. These data are critical as they p rovide key inputs to stock assessment 
models which then generate the estimated status of tuna stocks. The status of tuna stocks is used 
as a basis for the formulation of advice to manage the tuna fisheries in the Western and Central 
Pacific Ocean. This pra ctice is in line with Samoa 's commitment to ensure full elimination of Illegal, 
Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The collection of catch and effort data is an obligation for 
Samoa under the Convention for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks 
in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC).  
6.18.   Samoa supports the call by the Pacific WTO Members for  a successful agreement in the 
Fisheries Subsidies discussion that will  fulfil the two aspec ts of SDG14.6 and MC11 mandates which 
provides for  strong disciplines that target those that cause overfishing and at the same time provide 
appropriate and effective special and differential treatment, including for small island states and 
LDCs.  The Special and differential treatment for deve loping and LDC members will recognize the 
differing capacities of these members to have such support for their smaller fleets, support the 
development of the sector in small island developi ng states in line with SDG 14.7 and will preserve 
the sovereign rig ht of coastal states over their national jurisdictions . 
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  6.3  Manufacturing  
6.19.   The manufacturing sector is dominated by food and beverage industries, and contributed on 
average about 10% to the GDP during the recent past. Its contribution declined to 7% contributi on 
in 2018 due to the closure of Yazaki Samoa, a foreign company producing wire harnesses for the 
automotive industry in Australia. Yazaki was the single largest private employer in Samoa until its 
closure in August 2017. Samoa 's manufacturing exports have  since been reduced to primary and 
agro-processed products. Two companies have now been established at Yazaki 's former premises - 
Sleepwell Samoa International and Fero Wire Cabling.  
6.20.   International certification of compliance with specific International Sta ndards Organization 
(ISO) and Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) standards certification for local 
manufacturing companies as well as the Ministry of Agriculture 's Pack House and Mobile Abattoir 
were secured since Samoa 's accession to WTO and represented important improvements for the 
sector to meet international requirements for food products.  
6.4  Information and Communications Technology (ICT)  
6.21.   The expansion of the communications sector, with Samoa links to the Southern Cross Cable 
Network ( Tui-Samoa Cable) in 2017 and the Manatua Cable in 2018, is expected to provide more 
reliable, accessible and affordable internet services and therefore stimulate innovative developments 
in information and communication technology. Positive spill over  effects are expected in other 
sectors of the economy including public services (e.g. on e -government) and business operations 
(e.g. on e -commerce).  
6.22.   The EIF/United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) e -Trade Readiness 
Assessment undertaken for  Samoa in 2017 took stock of Samoa 's e-commerce readiness 
environment. Challenges identified include trade logistics; expensive air transport; lack of postal 
addressing system to facilitate e -commerce; expensive internet connection; high percentage of 
unbanked population; and conservative attitude towards mobile payments. UNCTAD is undertaking 
a legislative review of Samoa 's e-commerce framework.  
6.5  Energy  
6.23.   Samoa 's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the UN Framework Convention on 
Climate Change inc ludes the target of 100% renewable energy by 2025.  
6.24.   This reflects Samoa 's commitment to address the need for energy in a sustainable way, whilst 
reduce the energy import bill. A reduction of approximately WST 55.0 million per annum of petroleum 
(particularl y diesel) imports for the period 2017 -2021 is envisaged based on  the NDC target 
commitment.  
6.25.   Several projects are being implemented including the New Zealand funded solar farms in 
Faleata and Salelologa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) funded wind farm in Va iloa Aleipata, and 
solar facilities all around Upolu and Savaii funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency 
(JICA). The Government also organizes nationwide public awareness and education programmes on 
energy efficiency and conservation.  
6.6  Trans port 
6.26.   Samoa has invested substantially in its transport infrastructure with the view of increasing 
competitiveness and facilitating trade in goods and services . 
6.27.   There are five primary ports including three on Upolu (Aleipata, Apia and Mulifanua) and two 
on Savaii (Asau and Salelologa). All of the ports service both passengers and cargo, and the ports 
of Mulifanua and Salelologa offer important inter -island passenger services. Almost all of Samoa 's 
international sea freight goes through the Port of Apia, whic h also is the base for costal vessel 
passenger and freight movements. The port offers two international berths and costal/domestic 
facilities, as well as a container park and space for port -related activities. Samoa has made 
significant investment in the i nfrastructure at the Apia international port and domestic ports including WT/TPR/G/386 • Samoa  
 
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  wharf extension and upgrades for both Mulifanua and Saleleoga wharfs to cater for increase in trade 
and travelling population  
6.28.   Samoa 's main airport has undergone major structural ren ovations to cater to the growing 
tourism industry needs and to modernise the airport complying with international safety and security 
standards and attract more airlines to Samoa.  
6.7  Tourism  
6.29.   Tourism is one of the key drivers of economic growth given the indu stry's increasing 
contribution to GDP, foreign exchange earnings, employment and emerging services. For the fiscal 
year 2017/2018 tourism contribution to GDP was WST 400m with visitor arrivals recorded at 
172,000 .  
6.30.   The Samoa Tourism Sector Development Plan  (2014 -2019) is designed to identify and address 
sector related impediments, and to facilitate increased employment and economic growth whilst 
supporting the cultural values and environmental assets of Samoa. Planned activities focus on 
destination marketi ng, human resource development and training, product development, investment 
and an improved business enabling environment and transport infrastructure to deliver the 
government 's key outcome of improved tourism development and performance.  
6.31.   Samoa hosting o f international meetings and sporting activities are becoming important 
aspects of Samoa 's hospitality industry.  
7  INTERNATIONAL TRADE ARRANGEMENTS  
7.1.  Samoa 's small market, limited production base, long distance from international markets, high 
dependence on imports and vulnerability to external shocks are key factors driving the Government 's 
efforts to strengthen foreign trade relations in the pursuit of new opportunities. As such, participation 
in international trade arrangements supports the achievement of trade policy objectives including 
improved market access and trade development assistance to build productive capacity.  
7.2.  Securing market access for Samoan exports in overseas markets and addressing supply -side 
constraints are in line with Samoa 's efforts t o improve the merchandise trade imbalance. This is also 
important given the loss of LDC preferential market access after Samoa graduated from LDC status 
in 2014. Only China and the EU granted transitional periods for Samoa after graduation, but this 
ended in in December 2017 and December 2018, respectively.  
7.3.  Samoa is engaged in multiple trade negotiations and faces the challenges of implementation 
of multiple, often overlapping trade agreements.  
7.1  Multilateral  
7.4.  Samoa 's 13-year accession process to the WTO and membership in 2012 was the result of 
strong political commitment and well -coordinated national multi -stakeholder efforts. Notable 
implemented actions since accession have been around legal and regulatory reforms undertaken to 
bring non -compliant policies i nto conformity with WTO systems  including amendments to legislation 
relating to the import of turkey tails, IP and tax matters.  
7.5.  The Government acknowledges the importance of complying with the general transparency and 
specific notification obligations  for both the functioning of the multilateral trading system and good 
governance to the benefit of the public and businesses, and is working towards submitting the 
outstanding notifications. However, more time and assistance are required and to complete all 
notification obligations.  
7.6.  Samoa signed the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and became the first Pacific WTO Member 
to ratify the agreement in 2016. The implementation of the TFA is expected to reduce costs to 
Samoan traders and help boosting Samoa 's expo rt base, however support is required to implement 
categories B & C commitments.    WT/TPR/G/386 • Samoa  
 
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  7.7.  With no permanent office in Geneva, Samoa receives WTO updates electronically and through 
the Permanent Delegation of the Pacific Islands Forum in Geneva. The Government is considering 
establishment of a presence in Geneva to ensure better participation in the work of international 
institutions headquartered there.  
7.2  Regional  
7.8.  The Government continues to seek opportunities to enhance market access and productive 
capacity of Samoan producers through regional trade agreements.  
7.9.  While Samoa does not have any bilateral trade agreement, it is party to the Pacific Island 
Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) and the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations 
(PACER). Samoa is also a  signatory of the PACER Plus.  
7.10.   Samoa acceded to the Pacific -EU Interim Economic Partnership Agreement in December 2018.  
7.3  Trade -related technical assistance needs  
7.11.   As a small developing country with limited institutional resources and human capacities, 
Samoa requires support to expand trade opportunities including for capacity building, trade 
negotiations, trade infrastructure, addressing supply -side constraints, and marketing.  
7.12.   Samoa has benefitted from assistance by WTO Institute for Training and Technical 
Cooperation (ITTC) including capacity building and internship program mes. Samoa is also pleased 
to have hosted the Short Trade Policy Course for Pacific Island Countries in Apia in September 2018. 
This was a welcomed opportunity for government officials, the  private sector and civil society 
representatives that do not get the opportunity to attend face-to-face courses  in Geneva or the 
region to enhance knowledge on WTO disciplines and principles and be updated on discussions at 
the WTO in areas of interest to  Samoa.  
7.13.   Trade -related capacity building needs include:  
• Implementation of the TFA according to the notification of categories B and C 
commitments. which was circulated on 28 August 2018 and includes indication of 
assistance required to implement the agreeme nt  
• Setting up of a Competent Authority required for exports of fish to the EU, China and 
other markets with equivalent standards  
• Setting up a statistical data collection and analysis system at Samoa Bureau of Statistics 
(SBS), Central Bank of Samoa (CBS),  Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (MCIL) 
for trade in services, with particular focus on Foreign Affiliates Trade in Services (FATS) 
statistics.  
• Support for trade negotiations and implementation of trade agreements  
• Capacity building on WTO law  
• Set up a notification system across Government, including establishing enquiry points  
• Building productive capacity  
  
8  CONCLUSIONS  
8.1.  As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Pacific, remotely situated from the main world 
trade centres, subject to economic  volatility and the negative impacts of climate change, it is 
important for Samoa to engage in an open, rules -based and predictable international trade regime. 
This is vital for its economic development, the wellbeing of its population, as well as for its resilience 
to environmental shocks. This recognition was and remains the rationale for Samoa joining the WTO 
and progressively integrate into the world trading system.  
8.2.  Over the last two decades, the economic strategies adopted by the Government have all 
emphasized the importance of trade for development and poverty reduction. Trade features 
prominently in Samoa 's National Development Strategy (SDS) and the modernization of the trade 
regime is a central focus of policy reforms aimed at removing constraints t o entrepreneurship, 
productivity, and growth.  WT/TPR/G/386 • Samoa  
 
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  8.3.  With a limited number of tradeable sectors and a narrow export base , Samoa 's economy suffers 
from a permanent and ever widening merchandise trade deficit worsened by recurring natural 
disasters. Therefore, sec uring unfet tered market access for its limited number of exportable 
merchandises, with fish representing half of its exports, is at the heart of Samoa 's trade policy.  
8.4.  As remittances remain such an important source of foreign exchange  and income for Samoans , 
the partial withdrawal of CBRs have seriously impacted the country 's public and private finances. 
We therefore call on banks concerned to objectively revise their policies towards Samoa, whilst also 
recognizing the importance of implementing mitigating m easures.  
8.5.  The Government is pursuing a prudent SOE divestment and privatization policy in a bid to avoid 
the emergence of private sector monopolies. In this respect, the Government recognizes that a 
robust competition law and an effective competition policy  are necessary corollaries to successful 
privatizations.  
8.6.  The Government attaches great importance to developing a modern, services -based economy, 
capable of exporting both traditional services and a growing number of ICT -enabled services. It is 
in this con text that the Government recognizes the formidable potential of e -commerce for easing 
the constraints from remoteness and cutting trading costs. The priority now is to implement the 
relevant recommendations from the UNCTAD e -Trade readiness assessment.  
8.7.  In 2011, a Joint Policy Matrix was developed by the Government and its major development 
partners to ensure a more coordinated sector -focused approach for the delivery of perfor mance -
linked aid.  Joint program me development, implementation and monitoring are to ensure coherent 
actions to enhance synergies from these linkages and to reduce duplication and policy conflicts.  
8.8.  Samoa remains fully committed to the multilateral trading system as embodied in the WTO and 
that the rules of the multilateral trading system remain the reference to pursue its trade reforms.  
 
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