Efforts are focusing on scaling up collaboration between the largest state-owned agricultural producer in Samoa, trade associations and women’s cooperatives in order to add value to cocoa and coconut destined for export. Emphasis is placed on enhancing private sector participation and manufacturing linkages, which has resulted in the Buy Samoa Made initiative.
Results:
- 500 acres of coconut and cocoa trees were planted at the Samoa Trust Estates Corporation (STEC) plantation.
- The Buy Samoa Made initiative was launched in 2013 to connect Samoan goods and services with potential markets and to attract foreign direct investment. As a result, total exports increased by 11% after the New Zealand launch.
- Empowering women through Women in Business Development Incorporated (WIBDI), dedicated to strengthening village economies in Samoa and addressing gender imbalances.
- Centralized processing facilities established and appropriate technology procured for carrying out research and development of niche coconut and cocoa value-added products.
- Supported the construction of the WIBDI processing warehouse, which provides the opportunity to centralize the processes of organic products within an HACCP-certified environment, adding value to the products for export to be marketed by the WIBDI. The warehouse will provide a proper storage space for products ready to be shipped.