The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, officially opened the Samoa Export Authority (SEA) Office on Thursday morning, 3rd April 2025, at Vaitele-tai. The occasion also included the launch of the Authority’s first Corporate Plan, which sets out its direction for the financial years 2025/2026 to 2029/2030.
In her keynote remarks, the Prime Minister acknowledged the lengthy process involved in establishing the SEA. An interim board was appointed in February 2024 to guide the foundational phase, which included national consultations and collaboration with stakeholders to develop the legislation and policy framework required to set up the Authority. The Samoa Export Authority Bill was passed by Parliament in August 2024, and the SEA Act 2024 came into force on 22 August 2024, officially recognising the Authority as a body corporate under the Public Bodies (Performance and Accountability) Act 2001.
The Corporate Plan was developed in line with a Cabinet decision for the Authority to operate as a Public Beneficial Body during its first five years. A review is scheduled for August 2029 to assess the possibility of transitioning the SEA into a Public Trading Body. According to the Prime Minister, this plan provides the structure for the Authority’s operations and offers a long-term view for Samoa’s export sector.
During her speech, Prime Minister Fiame pointed to the ongoing trade imbalance facing the country. Samoa imports goods worth close to $1 billion tala each year, while the value of its exports represents only a fraction of that. The Prime Minister described this imbalance as a constraint on development that requires urgent attention.
She said the new Authority has been tasked with addressing policy and legislative issues that hinder export development, supporting local production and manufacturing efforts, and helping producers gain access to value chains. In addition, the SEA is expected to play a key role in identifying new export markets, ensuring compliance with international market standards, and improving the overall environment for export growth.
The Authority will work closely with government ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), and the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS). It will also collaborate with the private sector and civil society to ensure coordinated export development efforts across all sectors.
The Prime Minister thanked the Interim Board for leading the establishment phase and ensuring the smooth passage of the SEA legislation through Parliament. The Interim Board was chaired by Afioga Tagaloa Eddie Wilson, with members Afioga Fa’amausili Dr Matagialofi Lua’iufi, Afioga Tuisa Tasi Patea, and ex-officio members Afioga Saoleititi Maeva Betham-Vaai and Pouli Dr Keneti Faulalo.
She also welcomed the new SEA Board appointed by Cabinet to oversee the Authority’s operations going forward. The new Board is chaired by Afioga Tuia’opo Andrew Aliki and includes Afioga Tuimaseve Kuinimeri Asora-Finau, Afioga Peseta Peter Tone, Afioga Tagaloa Eddie Wilson, and Afioga Vaai Kolone Vaai.
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing her confidence in the new Board’s leadership and the SEA’s role in strengthening Samoa’s export sector. She formally declared the office open and launched the Corporate Plan, wishing the Authority every success in its mandate to lead, coordinate and facilitate export growth for Samoa.
