Reverend Vavatau Taufao,
Ministers of Cabinet,
Your Excellency Mr Chao Xiaoliang, Ambassador of the Peoples’ Republic of
China
Members of Parliament,
Representatives of the Huizhou Municipality
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
CEOs of Government Ministries, Private sector and NGOs
Ladies & Gentlemen

I am pleased to join you this evening, for the opening of another auspicious
landmark in the heart of the city of Apia. The Matagialalua Friendship Park is
one of many exciting developments, borne out of the vision of the Apia
Waterfront Development Project and Plan, launched in 2016.
A key objective of the Waterfront Plan was to enhance the remaining public
spaces along the Mulinuu to Taumeasina waterfront, for community
enjoyment, and to offer a diversity of commercial opportunities. The goal has
been to create a safe environment and modern space that connects people
and places, and which will allow our people and families, visitors from abroad
and tourists to relax in natural surroundings, and enjoy leisure and recreation
in a safe, culturally friendly and favourable atmosphere.
This Park embodies the aspirations of the Waterfront Plan. It is also a fitting
event that is an integral part of the program of the commemorative
celebrations for Samoa’s 60 th Independence anniversary.

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The Friendship Park captures the principles of good urban design in its layout
and the new infrastructure incorporates unique features of our culture which
blend well with the natural environment.
The Friendship Park has six main areas.
1. A Lawn Amphitheatre that provides a main stage with surrounding tiered-
seating and a ‘malae’ or arena. Public shows and entertainment will be
the focus of this element of the Park.
2. A Children’s playground area providing a dedicated safe space for
children to enjoy play-equipment and space for bike riding and roller-
skating.
3. A mangrove Tidal Garden and Timber Boardwalk remoulded from the
then existing pond.
4. An Open Sports Court area with two multi-sports courts, for the public to
use for training and fun activities.
5. 3 Fales have also been provided with space for small cafeterias, a shop
and bathroom amenities; and
6. Lastly, linking all these areas together are large Open fields with tree-
gardens where people can relax in the natural surroundings, as well as
host temporary markets and stalls.
Your Excellency Ambassador Xiaoliang, this project would not have been
possible without the generous financial assistance and support of the
Government of the Peoples Republic of China in partnership with the
Municipality of Huizhou City of the Guangdong Province. We thank you very
much!
In 2018, a Framework Agreement was signed between our two Governments
to bring this project to life. The Friendship Park was designed in collaboration
between Huizhou city and the Apia Waterfront Project team. The name reflects

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the warm and cordial relations and friendship enjoyed by our two governments
for over 46 years now.
The Friendship Park project has not escaped the impacts of the COVID 19
pandemic causing inevitable delays.
This said, I am pleased however that despite the challenges, the launch of the
Friendship Park has fit in well with the re-opening of our international borders
and our 60 th Independence celebrations. The Friendship Park has
complemented well what the Waterfront Project had begun and will continue to
work in, in the near future in the improvement of Apia’s public spaces.
I understand that discussions are already underway for the launch of the
recently completed Arts & Culture Centre at Malifa the second project funded
through the unique partnership with Huizhou City and I look forward to its
opening in due course.
To conclude, on behalf of the Government and the People of Samoa, I would
like to extend to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and the
Huizhou Municipality our sincere appreciation of the generous assistance and
ongoing support which has allowed us to witness this development of immense
creativity, and an asset for the enjoyment of our people and tourists now and in
the years to come.
It is now my pleasure to officially declare the Matagialalua Friendship
Park Open.
Soifua