The aim of this project is to enable Samoa to use trade as an effective instrument for sustainable development by strengthening trade institutions, enhancing capacities for mainstreaming trade and increasing Aid for Trade and its effectiveness.

Results

• Enhanced private sector representation on the Trade, Commerce and Industry Development Board, the Trade, Commerce and Manufacturing Steering Committee, and the National Working Committee on Trade Arrangements.

• Co-funded by the International Labour Organization, the Samoa Employment Policy has been developed to increase the level of employment in key industries through education, training and up-skilling.

• Trade policy and regulatory frameworks have been strengthened through the enactment of required legislation, e.g., Legal Metrology Act, Competition and Consumer Bill and the Food Safety Bill. Assistance has also been given to private sector organizations enabling them to get their members ISO and HACCP certificated as well as introducing barcoding on their products.

• Reforms to improve the competitiveness of exports are under way by reviewing the National Tariff Structure to reduce tariffs on inputs and capital items. Support is being provided to regional trade negotiations and WTO post‑accession obligations.

• Participation of Samoa's services industry has been enhanced through the seafarers programme including implementing policies on seafarers, regional seasonal employment and the seasonal workers, telecommunications, and engagement in the negotiations of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) on labor mobility.

• Assistance has been provided to develop pilot projects for community entrepreneurship to develop and promote niche products, e.g., the Women in Business project to assist farmers to plant and harvest coconuts to produce Virgin Coconut Oil for the Body Shop in the UK market.