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WT/TPR/W/165  
15 May 2019  
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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
SAMOA 
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 10 AND 12 APRIL 2019  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 29 May 2019 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
SAMOA 
PROJET DE COMPTE REN DU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 10 ET 12 AVRIL 2019  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 29 mai 2019  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
SAMOA 
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 10 Y 12 DE ABRIL DE 2 019 
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 29 de mayo de 2019  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaracion es. 
 
 
_______________  
 
  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
 
SAMOA 
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEET ING 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee (Philippines)  
CONTENTS  
 
1   INTRODUCTORY REM ARKS BY THE CHAIRPER SON ................................ .....................  3 
2   OPENING STATEMEN T BY THE REPRESENTAT IVE OF SAMOA  ................................ ...... 5 
3   STATEMENT BY THE  DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ............  11 
4   STATEMENTS BY ME MBERS  ................................ ................................ .......................  14 
5   REPLIES BY THE R EPRESENTATIVE OF SAM OA AND ADDITIONAL CO MMENTS  .........  29 
6   CONCLUDING REMAR KS BY THE CHAIRPERSO N ................................ .......................  35 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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/W/ 165 • 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 Selafi Purcell, Minister of Commerce, Industry and La bour; 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/TP R/G/386 and 
that of the WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/386.  
1.3.  Before proceeding to the review of Samoa, the Chairperson informed Members that as stated 
in the Addendum to the Airgram for this meeting (WTO/AIR/TPR/83/Add.1), the United Nations 
Industria l Development Organization (UNIDO) had requested to attend, as an ad hoc observer, the 
upcoming Trade Policy Review of Trinidad and Tobago. Thus, with no objections, the Chairperson 
granted UNIDO observer status for this meeting, and accordingly invited th e representative of UNIDO 
to participate, as had 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 deleg ations 
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 Ca tegory 5 Cyclone 
Evan that struck Samoa in 2012. Also, the closure of the 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 fac ed 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 th rive despite the cyclones.  
1.7.  Samoa grants at least MFN treatment to all its 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 Regi onal 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 virtually 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 environmental 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 Ap ril 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, t ransportation, 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 a t the WTO; the applied tariffs for imports of 
turkey tails; the SPS import 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/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  offshore financial services and remittance issues; Samoa's price control policy; and FDI restrictions 
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; it s 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/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE OF SAMOA (HON. LAUTA FI FI O 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 Member s and Observers present 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 Walker 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 discussions of issues 
involved in the review. In fact, we already see the benefit of this process 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 answ er 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 national 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 th e human and institutional 
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, agr icultural export subsidies 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 
development. 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 smallest 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 distan ce from major centers 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 programmes for revitalized plantation holdings, restoration of ecolo gical habitats 
and ecosystems 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 hi gh price as the reconstruction 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 econom ic policies.  
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 WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  education". In this regard, we are proud that Samoa c onsistently 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 macroeconomic 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 prioritizes the use of grant aid 
assistance and then highly conce ssional loans as a means 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 a lso exploring opportunities 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. The 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 n ecessary 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, t he services sector accounted 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 th e 
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 large hotels. The growth 
rate has since declined mainly due to industry slowdow n, 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 c ommunications 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 con scious 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 
development plan "Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS 2016 -2020)" with the ai m to 
ensure inclusive and sustainable development. The SDS focuses on four priority areas: economic, 
social, infrastructural and environmental development which also encompasses the three pillars for 
sustainable development. It is aligned with the UN Susta inable 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 rights, and climate and disaster risk resilience and 
Samoa's commitment to re gional 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 number of tradeable sectors. Our merchandise export base has 
not diversified m uch 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 Samoa. As well, two large hotels were opened in the last five years with asso ciated 
climate proofed upgrades of land and sea transport infrastructure.  
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 . WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  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 Statement of 
2008, the National Export Strategy 2008 –2012, and the Diagnostic Tr ade 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 provides to our economy and traders.  
2.16.   Samoa's trade policy objectives, as integra ted 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 p rivate sector in development into policy actions, are to:  
• Improve industrial supply and productivity;  
• Increase processing activities and value -addition; and  
• Enhance market access and visibility of goods and services.  
2.17.   The Government is committed to improvin g 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 food 
imports doubled. The commerce and business investment environment for ex ports 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 th rough destination promotion, marketing and improved 
tourism infrastructure and service delivery. These priority actions are being addressed under the 
sector plans for Trade, Commerce 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 small 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 on inputs 
and capital goods for local production processes, the Government in troduced 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 ex ample for poultry, agricultural 
processing, handicrafts and traditional print (elei) garments.  
• Under the Income Tax Amendment Act 2013, a tourism tax credit scheme was introduced to 
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 principl e of non -discrimination with appropriate special and differential treatment 
of developing countries, including Small Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) and Small Island Developing 
States (SIDs).  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  2.21.   Samoa fully supports the rules -based multilateral trading system tha t recognizes the special 
circumstances of, and accord Special and Differential treatment to Small Island Developing States, 
Developing Countries; Small and Vulnerable Economies; and Least Developed Countries.  
2.22.   Since accession, the Government has deployed t remendous efforts to implement the 
accession commitments. Notable implementing measures have been around legal and regulatory 
reforms undertaken to bring non -compliant policies into conformity with our accession package and 
WTO obligations including, but n ot 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 exem pted 
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 with WTO 
provisions within three years of accession. The Value Added and Good and S ervices 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 operating 
procedures have been fully revised and updated, and customs, trade and privat e 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 implemented the TRIPS 
Agreement pursuant to its Accession Protocol. A review of I P 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 Indicat ions and 
Plant varieties. Samoa is now signatory of the following WIPO -Administered Treaties: WIPO 
Convention, Berne Convention, Paris Convention, and the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual 
Performances. Work is now underway towards the implementation of the re commendations of 
the Samoa Law Reform Study on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of 
Culture.  
• Samoa deposited the Instrument of Accession to the International 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:  
• Concerning State -Owned Enterprises, the Ministry of Public Enterprises (MPE) was established 
in 2015 to monitor and assess the performance and qua lity of service delivery by the 28 SOEs 
and to strengthen the governance and regulatory framework of these Public Bodies. In the WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  same year, a new Divestment Policy was adopted 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 law, the Competition and Consumer Act, 2016, established the 
autonomous competition autho rity, 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 Investment Act 2016 and its 
Regulations 2016 to further promote Samoa as an investment fr iendly 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 place. 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 the Samoa Food ('Ava) Standard 2018 to protect consumers 
and facilitate trade. It will en ter 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. The se 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 particular 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 agree ments 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 Partnership Agr eement 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 Geneva in prov iding 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 the 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 call by the Pac ific 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 by 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 overfishing, 
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.  
2.29.   Because of our remoteness and relative geographical i solation, 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 year. We expec t that implementation of trade facilitation measures along the lines of the WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  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 constraints, a nd 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 h ighlighted 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 be here in 
Geneva thi s 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/W/ 165 • 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, Industry and Labour; and M rs 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 the 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 jobs and the contractio n 
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 implementing its WTO acc ession 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 total 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 the WTO. Tourism, agriculture, fisheries and commercial 
services are key areas of economic activity. With a n arrow 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 Devel opment 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 remittances being such a significant source of foreign exchange, it is notable that the 
average cost of remit tances is high. The Secretariat puts the average cost at over 5% while the 
Government notes that the fees charged by commercial banks can average around 15% on the 
typical small -scale remittances that tend to dominate these flows.  
3.14.   With Money Transfer Opera tors (MTOs) providing lower cost services, commentary in the 
Review and associated questions identify some of the regulatory and competition challenges in 
maintaining cost -effective options for Samoan customers.  
3.15.   This highlights one significant challenge fo r an economy such as Samoa in integrating with 
global systems.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  3.16.   On the goods trade front, it is interesting to note that the average applied MFN tariff 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% concern ing 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 implemented through a customs tariff or an 
excise tax. Further clarification of this, I expect, would be useful fo r Members.  
3.18.   A number of questions have also been asked about outstanding notifications across a range 
of areas, including agriculture, SPS, TBT and Customs issues. Samoa's responses indicate that some 
agriculture notifications have recently been submitted a nd 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 Assis tance 
Programme with specific focus on domestic capacity building for officials in areas such as SPS and 
Customs issues. Such activities can be of significant 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 prioritize the areas where it seeks to 
proactively engage in WTO activities.  
3.21.   It is encouraging to see that Samoa was the first Pacific WTO Member to ratify the Trade 
Facilit ation 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 Bu enos 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 and Women's Economic Empowerment. And it's interesting if you 
saw the booklet at the front of the room highlig hting the prominent role of women in Samoan 
agricultural sectors. And 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 C limate 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 WTO Members, Samoa has many of its eggs in the WTO basket, but not all.  
3.25.   Regionally, Samoa is a party to the Pa cific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) among 
12 Forum Island Countries; and is looking, in the coming months, to become the first Pacific Island 
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 member ship of the WTO, demonstrate the recognition by 
the Samoan Government of the "importance for Samoa to engage in an open, rules -based and 
predictable international trade regime".  
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."  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  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/W/ 165 • 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 multilateral 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 addition, we commend Samoa's acknowledgement of the importance of transparency and 
its commitment to submit its outstanding notifications. As Samoa indicates more time and as sistance 
is required, Canada strongly encourages Samoa to seek assistance from the WTO Secretariat 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 as 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 multilate ral programming in support of 
environment and climate change. Our relationship is centered on mutual interests such as 
sustainable development and women's empowerment. Canada is currently engaged with Samoa in 
initiatives supporting climate change adaptati on, nutrition, rural drinking water quality and women's 
business development.  
4.4.  I would like 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 pl eased to see that Samoa is in the process of implementing its 
Strategy for the Development 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 further 
improvements in the country's business environment and strengthen the country's resilience to 
shocks in order to ensure sustainable economic growth. On this latt er 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 eco nomic and business development.  
4.7.  Third, Canada is also pleased to note the work of the National 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 an d 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 incl usive 
economic development. We hope that the work of the Joint Statement Initiative on MSMEs 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 Countries 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 insolv ency, and the 112th rank in getting 
credit. Improving performance in these areas will facilitate commercial activity and contribute to 
economic growth.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • 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 i nvestment 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 w eek. 
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 a nd working together at the WTO to 
remove barriers for women's economic empowerment 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 Gende r 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 thei r Government 
report. Iceland submitted advance written questions on the participation 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 writ ten 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 im plement 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 t heir first Trade 
Policy Review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.16.   We would like to begin by congratulating 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 l argest 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 th e country's 
economic resilience. Initiatives such as the Agriculture and Fisheries 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 pro duction 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 Agr eement and it is working to implement its WTO accession 
commitments. We would also 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 been 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 notification 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 Secreta riat 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 brin g 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/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  tax on food items that exceed certain nutritional thresholds as is mentioned in t he Secretariat report, 
including clarity on how the tax will be applied with respect 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 more 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 closi ng, the United States commends Samoa for its actions in trade and investment reform 
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 developme nt 
through the adoption of its Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS), which 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 prio rity areas, especially in the 
infrastructure sector, in line with the directions 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 consona nce with the Working Party Report of its accession process. 
Moreover, the incorporation of post -accession obligations into the national development strategy 
was an important step towards Samoa's enhanced participation and integration within the 
multilatera l trading system.  
4.24.   With regards to trade measures, Samoa maintains a List of Approved Import Commodities 
based on import risk analysis by the Samoa Quarantine Services. Accordingly, imports of products, 
or from countries, other than those listed are prohibi ted. 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 made 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 domestic 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 partner 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 refo rms have been carefully aligned with the Strategy for the Development of 
Samoa, which maintains as its overarching goal: "an improved quality of life for all". For example:  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • 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 stabil ity;  
• 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 Pacif ic 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 congratulates Samoa on its strong record of 
notifications against most categories in the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and its implementati on 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 Secreta riat to complete these notifications.  
4.33.   Australia highly values Samoa's constructive engagement in the WTO fisheries subsidies 
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 progress in its 
Government Report, and its commitment to the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women's 
Economic Empowerment. We encou rage Samoa to continue its efforts to economically empower 
women and increase their participation in trade.  
4.35.   Australia notes 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 initiative s to strengthen Samoa's 
resilience to economic shocks and natural disasters. For example, policy reforms through the multi -
partner Joint Policy Action Matrix have supported Samoa to improve the resilience of its 
infrastructure and improve building standard s.  
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 Pac ific Regional Trade and Economic 
Co-operation Agreement or SPARTECA entered into force, providing Samoa and other Pacific nations 
duty-free unrestricted access into Australia and New Zealand for a range of products.  
4.38.   Now, Australia and Samoa's bilateral tr ade 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 dedicated development assistance package. A key objective of PACER Plus is to 
support Pacific island countries such as Samoa to become mo re 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 forwar d to Samoa's ratification later this year.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  4.40.   Finally, we applaud Samoa's continued commitment to economic, trade and sectoral reforms 
and to the multilateral trading system. We wish Samoa a successful and constructive first Trade 
Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNIO N 
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 m ain positive developments that we 
have seen during the review period and commend Samoa for numerous initiatives and reforms, as 
referred to by the Minister.  
4.43.   Firstly, Samoa is a positive example of economic development and EU -Pacific co -operation. 
The EU we lcomes Samoa's leading role in the construction of Pacific regionalism.  
4.44.   The EU is also encouraged by Samoa's increasing 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 Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU, Fiji and Papua New Guinea; this 
provides a long -term platform for our trade relations and engagemen t. 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 tran sparency 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 Offshore 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 substant ial assistance to Samoa through the 11th European 
Development Fund for the period 2014 -2020 in the Water sector and Sanitation.  
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 th e 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 of 
shared Pacific geography, culture and history, and deep people to people connections.  
4.51.   New Zealand welcomes Samoa's strong support for t he multilateral trading system, as 
expressed in the Pacific Group Ministerial Declaration at the eleventh Ministerial Conference in 
Buenos Aires noting the fundamental importance of an open, transparent and predictable system 
that promotes the rights and i nterests of all Members, including the smallest. We encourage Samoa 
to participate in discussions under way on WTO reform to ensure that the multilateral trading system 
continues to deliver for all its Members.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  4.52.   We welcome Samoa's active participation to th is 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 Re form 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 sign ificant effects of climate change on the Pacific, are reflected in the discussions.  
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 Isl ands Forum, 
most recently chairing in 2017. Samoa is a signatory to the Pacific 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 currently 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 enco urages 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 impleme nt 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 we lcome.  
4.56.   New Zealand notes the growing importance of services to Samoa, totalling USD 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 disasters 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 will 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 t his 
year to discipline harmful fisheries subsidies. New Zealand recognises the 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 cha llenge Samoa has identified to participate in the southern 
long-line tuna fisheries.  
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 m eat lines). 
New Zealand is interested to hear how this occurred and whether Samoa has brought all such applied 
tariff in line with its scheduled commitment. If Samoa is yet to align its applied tariffs with its 
scheduled commitment, New Zealand strongly en courages it to do so immediately.  
4.61.   In conclusion, New Zealand commends the significant 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/W/ 165 • 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 stand 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 st able 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 to tal 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 s ome 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 growth, 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 fo r the cultivation of the domestic industry and pursuing an open trade environment 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 accou nt its geological and economic characteristics such as tourism and agricultural 
manufacturing, Korea hopes Samoa will continue its efforts to provide liberal investment incentives 
and to establish transparent policies through which investors may be informe d.  
4.69.   The Korean delegation appreciates Samoa's response to our written question 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 
opportu nities for bilateral trade and investment. Korea would like to once again express 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 apprecia te 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 Samoa 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 direc t investment etc. 
We are pleased to see that Samoa graduated from Least Developed 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 th e future's economic growth because 
of its vulnerability to natural disasters, 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 Chin a will continue to be available to assist its efforts.  
4.72.   We value the efforts 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 commitm ents to support to the 
multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • 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 pr ogress has also been made between the two countries in economic and trade 
cooperation. According to China's statistics, the two -side trade reached USD 7.032 million in 2018, 
which increased about 9.2% year on year. By the end of 2018, China had invested ab out 
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 cooperatio n 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 t hrough the Belt 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 Members 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 wil l be raised during 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 Sam oa 
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 fa ces challenges 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 cha llenges 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 building 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 m anagement; projects 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 c ountries 
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 w ith Pacific Island 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 e xcellence 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 
Technical 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 development goals under the India -Pacific Island Cooperation framework.  
4.81.   We wish the delegation of Samoa a productive and successful TPR.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • 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 continual 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 environmental 
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 ha s been expanding its trade linkages through trade agreements and partnerships with 
the Pacific Island Countries, Australia and New Zealand, among others.  
4.84.   Samoa's participation in the WTO has also been commendable. The WTO Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation w as accepted by Samoa on 21 April 2016, and two notifications regarding its 
commitments have been submitted.  
4.85.   As a fellow Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Singapore has been sharing our 
developmental experience with Samoa through the Singapore Cooperati on 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 clim ate change. One example is the training programme on public 
service development held in Samoa for senior Samoan public 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 forwar d 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 Rev iew 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 stoc ks and natural disasters. In fact, there are characteristics of Small Island 
Developing States, like Mauritius 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 efforts towards reforming the economy 
and enacting business friendly legislation. A case in point is TRIPS compliant legislation and the 
subsequent Intellec tual 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 agree ment 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/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  Yet we are of the view that the developmental aspect should not be relegated in the negotiations as 
developing countries need appropriate disciplines to ensure the continuous developm ent 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 und ertake 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 the WTO facilitated by the Pacific Island Forum 
Secretariat Office in Geneva.  
4.96.   The country recognizes that trade plays an important role in its econom ic 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 Life for All closely aligned with the 2030 
Agenda for Sustainable Development.  
4.97.   In terms of macroeconomic indicators, Samoa's economy has experienced r elatively steady 
growth over the review period which is projected to reach 3.7% in 2019/2020. At the same time, 
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 environmental volatility, 
distance from major centres of economic activity and a small domestic market. Also, like many ACP 
countries, Samoa is highl y susceptible to natural disasters largely due to climate change. The 
country's economy has also 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).  
4.99.   Samoa's domestic economy, though largely based on agriculture and fisheries, has been 
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 i n 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 al so 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 im plemented, including an upgrade to ASYCUDA++.  
4.101.   The ACP Group congratulates Samoa for its deliberate and conscientious efforts towards 
strengthening its participation within the WTO and the multilateral trading system. We wish Samoa 
every success in impleme nting additional initiatives and reforms that will serve to further improve 
its economic and development trajectory 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 recovery 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/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  achieved a slight fiscal surplus as well as a current account surplus recently. We truly respect these 
achievements.  
4.103.   However, due to certain challenges such as the closure of its largest manufacturing plant in 
2017, economic growth in Samoa has been signif icantly weakened recently. Therefore, we expect 
Samoa to make further efforts in opening up its economy as this would attract foreign investment 
and develop competitive environments for business. In this regard, we appreciate Samoa's efforts 
in reforming i ts competition regime with new legislation.  
4.104.   There are, however, areas that can be improved on. We recognize that Samoa has 
outstanding notifications to the WTO. Therefore, we encourage Samoa to further strengthen its 
efforts in the area of notifications, i ncluding 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 Sa moa will consider joining the GPA in the future in order to strengthen its open 
government procurement regime.  
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 imp ortance 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 cultur e 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 t he full potential of digitalization in Samoa, we encourage Samoa to 
participate in the Joint Statement Initiative 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 TPR 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 W orld 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 WT O 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 PACER 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 strategies 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 WT O 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/W/ 165 • 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 submit notifications and 
subsequently ratify the Agreement in 2016. At the same time, the Group notes that while 
notifications on some WTO Agreements have b een 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 in order to contribute to the Government's Strategy for 
the Development of Samoa.  
4.115.   Samoa is a small open developing eco nomy driven by a few sectors, namely services, mainly 
tourism and remittances; agriculture and fisheries. Like most Pacific countries, Samoa's merchandise 
trade balance is marked by continuing trade deficits due to its dependence on a narrow range of 
expor ts while heavily reliant on increasing levels of imports to meet basic needs and support the 
productive sectors such as manufacturing. In fact, Samoa's Country report states that there are only 
six key export commodities of which fish accounts for almost h alf and these exports rely heavily on 
trade preferences. Although Samoa graduated from LDC status in 2014, structural vulnerabilities 
remain due to its smallness and remoteness from major markets as reflected in the Secretariat 
report. Samoa's graduation h as 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 expo rt 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 Secretariat's report, is a direct reflection of 
the effects of the three cyclones that devastated the Samoan economy in rec ent years. Years of 
investment and development could be brought to nought in one natural disaster, which adds to the 
already high trade costs 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 su ccessfully 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 resilient economy as envisaged in the Strategy for the 
Development of Samoa. In this connection, the Pacific Group would li ke 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 achie ve its trade and economic policy objectives.  
4.118.   The Pacific Group thanks the Government of Samoa for its commitment towards the 
multilateral trading 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/W/ 165 • 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 Policy 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 t he 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 th at natural disasters such as the cyclones experienced in the recent 
past elevated the vulnerability of Samoa, dragging down the economy and impacting on the overall 
performance of their trade. The measurement of downward trends in the volume and value of b oth 
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 towar ds these natural disasters.  
4.123.   As a SIDS with the tyranny of the vast distances to major markets, the external shocks 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 the 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 developm ents in the Customs administration, notes the reforms in 
taxation and Samoa's efforts in their Intellectual Property 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.   La Argentina felicita a Samoa por la realización de su primer Examen de Políticas 
Comerciales, luego de su accesión en el año 2012, como así también por su graduación de la 
categoría de "País Menos Adelantado" en 2014.  
4.131.   Agradecemos los i nformes circulados, los cuales nos permitieron actualizar y profundizar 
nuestro conocimiento de las políticas y prácticas comerciales de este Miembro.  
4.132.   Para la Argentina resultan encomiables los esfuerzos realizados por Samoa para su 
recuperación luego del  Tsunami de 2009 y del ciclón Evan en 2012. En este contexto, valoramos el 
desempeño observado ya que, de acuerdo con los datos del FMI, en 2018 el PBI per cápita fue un 
28% mayor al de 2010. Además, las perspectivas económicas de Samoa son auspiciosas, es perando 
un crecimiento de su Producto Bruto del 3,1% en 2019 a 5% en 2020.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  4.133.   La Argentina observa con beneplácito que Samoa haya registrado un saldo fiscal con 
superávit en 2017 -2018 manteniendo una inflación por debajo del 3%. Asimismo, celebramos que 
el comercio ocupe un lugar destacado en la Estrategia para el de Desarrollo de Samoa, y que la 
modernización del régimen comercial sea uno de los aspectos clave de las reformas de políticas 
destinadas a eliminar las restricciones a la actividad empresarial, la productividad y el crecimiento.  
4.134.   Celebramos el hecho de que Samoa persiga una mayor integración comercial con el mundo, 
habiendo adherido a la OMC en 2012, siendo miembro del "Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement" 
(PICTA) y estando en proceso de ratific ar el "Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations 
(PACER) Plus".  
4.135.   Asimismo, queremos destacar el compromiso del Grupo de los países de África, el Caribe y 
el Pacifico (ACP) - del que Samoa forma parte - en las negociaciones sobre los Subsidios a la Pesc a 
con miras de llegar a un acuerdo para prohibir ciertas formas de subvenciones a la pesca que 
contribuyen a la sobrecapacidad y la sobrepesca, y eliminación de aquellas que contribuyen a la 
pesca ilegal no declara y no reglamentada.  
4.136.   Destacamos los cambio s instrumentales de Samoa luego del acceso a la OMC, en materia 
de reducción de aranceles, reformas impositivas, y mejora del ambiente de negocios y les deseamos 
éxito en la implementación del "Plan Estratégico para el Desarrollo 2016 -2020", en particular en lo 
que refiere al incremento de las exportaciones agrícolas y el desarrollo del turismo.  
4.137.   La relación bilateral entre Samoa y Argentina se asienta mayormente sobre temas políticos 
y de cooperación, habiendo celebrado en 2018 los 25 años del establecimie nto de relaciones 
diplomáticas. Tenemos por delante el desafió de complementar la relación bilateral con un mayor 
intercambio comercial, en especial respecto a posibilidades de establecer programas de cooperación 
agrícola en el marco de la estrategia de co operación Sur -Sur.  
4.138.   Finalizando, y al tiempo de reiterar nuestro reconocimiento por esta nueva oportunidad de 
intercambiar elementos de juicio y consideraciones sobre las políticas y prácticas comerciales de 
Samoa, permítanos señalar, una vez más, la relev ancia de este ejercicio de transparencia en todos 
sus aspectos y desear a las autoridades samoanas la exitosa conclusión del presente examen.  
PAPUA  NEW  GUINEA  
4.139.   Papua New Guinea 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 region. 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 analytical 
overview of Samoa's trade policy, and WTO for the technical work in prepa ring 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 economic and development of the country. The two 
reports reflect Samoa's government comm itment 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 National 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 national development plans. These challenges include; isolation to major 
markets, nar row 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 devast ating 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 resilient island country to overcome 
such challenges.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  4.144.   The report indicated a number of a reas 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 contrib utes 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 
remaining days.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF SAMOA A ND ADDITIONAL COMMEN TS 
5.1.  I would li ke 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 follow ing 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 provided for us to remain on track towards achieving our targets and 
beyond as follo w 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 concerns 
raised.  
5.3.  Today, we would like to focus on the common concerns raised in the m ajority 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 address outstanding notifications. The trade 
policy review process has prompted Sam oa 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 Notification Authority is formalizing 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 highlight 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 strengthening internal processes and coordination of all 
notification obligations.  
5.5.  One of t he 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 Am endment 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 correction will be made through a 
modification order before the end of the year, wh ich 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 Act 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 available to address these 
important health issues. It is Samoa's intention to underta ke 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 Samoa'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 de velopment 
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 getting credit because improved performance 
will facilitate commercial activity and econ omic 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 conducive for the creation of an enabling environment for commercial activity.  
5.9.  Many of t he 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 Pacific 
group during MC11 thus urging Samoa's continuing role as a proactive member of t he Pacific group WT/TPR/W/ 165 • 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 attributes strength in the collective and is the 
foundation for engagement of the Pacific w ith 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 traditiona l 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 Protecti on 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 the development of a legislative framework for the protection of traditional 
knowledg e 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 
collective 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 deter mine the rights and works 
to be covered under the CMO.  
5.14.   Samoa's expected timeframe to ratify and implement the WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO 
Performances and Phonograms Treaty, the Marrakesh Treaty, the Patent Cooperation Treaty and the 
Lisbon and Hague Agre ements is 2022.   
5.15.   Mr. Chairman, Samoa will ratify the PACER Plus by June 2019.  
5.16.   On the matter of 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 o f 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 t echnical 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 th e enabling environment for the conduct of business and service delivery. This will also 
contribute 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 ensure that the 
multilateral trading system remains relevant.  
5.19.   Mr Chairman, I have already highlighted the inherent challenges that constrain our economic 
developme nt – 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 a s it was developed through 
a wide consultative process; is aligned to the Sustainable Development 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 internati onal protocols including the Framework for Pacific 
Regionalism and the Paris Agreement.  
5.20.   Mr. Chairman, Excellencies Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my sincere hope that we have 
adequately addressed your issues and concerns through our written responses, our na tional 
statement as well as the consultations today. Should that not be the case, we look forward to WT/TPR/W/ 165 • 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 reiterat e 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 jo urney 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 recogn ized by Members in their statements, together with the resilience of 
the Samoan people in continuing 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 implementation 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 th e 
commitment to ratify PACER Plus by June.  
5.28.   At the same time, Members also raised a number of issues – 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 these 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 res pect 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 are as 
such as governance and performance of state -owned enterprises, and competition law and policy. 
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 o f 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 Trade 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. Samoa's 
interest in Government Procurement Agreement observership was also highlighted.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  5.34.   Samoa indicated it would be looking to make further use of WTO technical as sistance and 
capacity building activities – for example to build domestic capacity among officials 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 t he area of government procurement.  
5.35.   Overall, there was much encouragement from Members for Samoa 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 Stat e - 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 t hought to take home to your colleagues as you 
begin the 40 -hour journey back to Apia. Thank you 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. T wo-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 Ag reement (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 to 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 
constraints 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 liveliho od for many in the Pacific region.  
5.46.   Fisheries subsidies is a long impending decision, which is in with the global commitments 
made in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is the least that should be achieved. 
Therefore, it is utmost important for t he 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 t he 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/W/ 165 • 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 p articipate in this review. We look forward to 
continued cooperation with Samoa and deepening our common interest in future.  
5.50.   Fiji also acknowledges Samoa's efforts over the period covered by this report and wishes the 
Samoan delegation a successful conclusi on 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 developments that occurred during the review period.  
5.52.   The European Union is please d to note that this review has been useful to better understand 
the trade policy of Samoa, and we hope that Samoa will duly take into account some of the few 
challenges highlighted by Members.  
5.53.   The European Union appreciates the timely replies provided to a ll EU questions, and we do 
not have any follow -up questions.  
5.54.   In conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, we thank you 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 i n 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 som e issues. And I also hope that the lack of any other interventions 
would suggest that we have responded adequately to the 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 experi ence of 
any kind can be quite a harrowing experience. I look at Samoa's situation as a country that has been 
in the wilderness, so to speak, and now has come into this Organization that is firmly run by rules 
and processes and procedures that are very stri ct, and us trying in the last seven years to fulfil all 
these commitments to be able to satisfy WTO's requirements has not 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. W e look forward to continuing 
the work that we have done on the right track, realigning our actions in other areas that maybe 
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 for ward 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, a nd 
also to make the most of our membership in the WTO.  WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  5.60.   My delegation and I have enjoyed the challenge of this first Review, 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 bec ome 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, a nd 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 excellent 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 deleg ations 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 performance 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 manufacturing plant in 2017. Members recognized that Samoa fac es 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 -discrimin atory 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 t hat 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 subsidies 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 l egislation; 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 International Registration of Marks 
Protocol of the Madrid Agreemen t. 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 state -owned enterprises.  
6.6.  Members noted that Samoa is a party t o 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 Membe rs 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 
compliance 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 clarification 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 fishing; regulatory challenges regarding Money Transfer Operato rs; 
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 the new 
submarine cables; and progress in the economic empow erment 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 environment. WT/TPR/W/ 165 • Samoa  
 
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  Samoa was reminded that a WTO -consistent trade and inv estment 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 
received during this Review. In closing, I would like to thank th e 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 outstanding questions.  
__________