The Samoa Chamber of Commerce held its first monthly Members Meeting for 2023
on Monday 6th March at the Taumeasina Island Resort Conference Room. The Chamber meetings
serve as a forum for its members and the business community, to be given an update on the work
conducted by the SCCI Executive Council and Secretariat including policy issues being address to
government officials and the sharing of any upcoming opportunities for the business community.
The March Members Meeting for 2023, sponsored by the Samoa National Provident Fund, was chaired
by SCCI President Seulupe Michelle Macdonald and attended by 83 members. Through its Public
Private Partnership, the meeting featured a Q&A during its policy update, with the Ministry of Customs
and Revenue on the Business License Amendment Regulations 2022. MCR Acting Chief Executive
Officer/Commissioner Fonoti Talaitupu Lia Taefu, ACEO (Taxpayer Services) Auimatagi Michael Maua
and ACEO (Policy, Performance and Improvement) Theresa Amosa-Alatupe attended to provide an
update to members on the new amendments and processes.
The Secretariat update to its members was provided by SCCI Memberservices Manager Lote Lima,
focusing on private sector issues raised in the last quarter as well as requesting assistance from
members of the business community in participating in the SCCI Business Confidence Survey 2023.
Business Link Pacific Manager John Lemoa also updated members on Phase II of the programme
including the relaunch of the subsidy and grant programme to be announced soon.
The meeting was closed with a special presentation from the Samoa National Provident Fund Chief
Executive Officer Pauli Prince Suhren. The presentation included the roles and responsibilities of the
Fund, information on its investment loan products and the benefits of becoming a member.
SCCI extend its gratitude to MCR Acting Chief Executive Officer/Commissioner Fonoti Talaitupu Lia
Taefu and her team for the opportunity for dialogue with the private sector and thank the Samoa
National Provident Fund for hosting Chamber members. Chamber welcomed two new members to its
membership since its last members meeting in October 2022. The meeting was followed by a
networking session hosted by the Samoa National Provident Fund.