PRESS RELEASE – 12 Sept 2012 – For immediate use
“investSAMOA” Set To Showcase Samoan Products
The upcoming two-day “investSAMOA” conference organised by the New Zealand Samoa Trade and Investment Commission and
sponsored by the Pacific Co-operation Foundation is gearing up to exhibit a selection of Samoan products and businesses.
Held at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on September 20 and 21, day two of the conference will be focusing on products
from around the island.
Auckland-based Samoa Trade Commissioner Fonoti Dr Lafita’i Fuata’i says the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa
(SROS) will showcase products such as avocado oil and diesel oil made from Samoan coconuts, while the agricultural
sector will display Samoan taro and Tahitian limes that are grown locally in the islands.
“A selection of sponsors are setting up exhibitions to showcase their products and services to potentially gain clients
for their businesses,” he says.
In addition 16 projects and investment opportunities have been compiled for the second day, which is devoted to
consultations about them. Conference delegates will have the opportunity to discuss the projects in greater detail and
have questions answered.
Approximately half of the investment opportunities are tourism-related, ranging from tourist infrastructure projects
such as resort development and redevelopment, to activities strongly related to tourism, such as national park
development, an eco spa and an adventure centre.
“All banners and posters will be on display to showcase what is happening in the Tourism scene in Samoa. It will be
exciting to reveal the growth and market potential for this industry,” explains Fonoti.
The remaining projects revolve around manufacturing and agricultural development. There are opportunities to invest in
Samoa’s iconic cocoa product, Koko Samoa, cocoa and coconut plantation development, herbal teas and natural food snacks,
the production of gluten-free breadfruit flour and in the manufacturing of frangipani oil.
“The production is often done only in small quantities,” states Fonoti. “We need investors to take them up a level to
manufacture products in greater numbers.”
Day two of investSamoa is open to the public. Organisers want people to come and view some of Samoa’s successful
products and businesses.
“This conference is not only for the Samoan community, but for other people in New Zealand as well,” says Fonoti. “The
whole point of the exercise is not only to attract investors to Samoa but visitors, too.”
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