OUTCOMES

The Second Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting was held in Apia, Samoa from 13 to 14
October 2022. The Meeting was attended by the Prime Minister of the Independent State of
Samoa, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and the Governor of American Samoa,
Honourable Lemanu P.S Mauga and their respective delegations. The Opening Prayer was
delivered by His Grace Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga.
2. The co-chairs, Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Honourable Governor
Lemanu P S Mauga, reaffirmed the importance of strengthened cooperation between the two
countries under the Atoa o Samoa framework and the need to look at further opportunities to
garner the development potential therein for the benefit of all Samoa people. Copies of the
statements are attached.
3. The Meeting considered and approved by acclamation the Minutes of the Two Samoa
Executive Meeting that was held in American Samoa on 27 and 28 July 2022.
AREAS OF MUTUAL COOPERATION
4. The Meeting welcomed the utility of site visits by the American Samoa government
including discussions with counterpart Ministries and key development sectors of Samoa on
Wednesday, 12 October. The Meeting noted that ongoing discussions between the relevant
sectors of the two governments will continue at the Taskforce level, to be further guided and
informed by processes to be established in consideration of arrangements for potential
collaboration and partnerships. The Meeting further considered several areas of mutual
cooperation between the two governments, as follows:
Economic Sector
5. The Meeting agreed on the importance of promoting trade between Samoa and
American Samoa focusing on strengthening exports and manufacturing between the two
countries, and to support the diversification of local economies. The Meeting considered the
possibility of holding trade shows to further promote trade between the two countries, and also
noted opportunities available for business investments and expansion in American Samoa.
6. Acknowledging the importance of tourism in the development of both countries, in
particular as part of COVID19 recovery efforts, the two Governments reflected on the
importance of joint marketing opportunities to promote the two Samoas in global tourist
markets, including travels to Manu’atele. The vital links between the tourism industries and air
travels as a contributing factor for economic growth and development was also highlighted.

7. Whilst cognisant of assistance available to both countries, the Meeting recognised the
significance of human capital development specifically for both countries through capacity
building and professional development initiatives. The Samoa Government acknowledged a
proposal by the American Samoa Government to develop an exchange program to address the
development of the workforce, movement of workers and seasonal work between the two
countries and that existing recruitment processes would need to be adapted to the specific
context of workers for the Starkist operations.
8. The Meeting noted ongoing discussions between the two governments with respect to
arrangements for the movement of agricultural and livestock products between the two
countries, culminating with a proposal of a trial agreement that would seek to facilitate the
commencement of export/import of such products provided all export/import requirements and
processes for both countries are met. The Samoa government welcomed the decision of the
American Samoa government to allow the export of meat from Samoa to American Samoa in
addition to other approved agricultural products. In addition, American Samoa has also
approved the export of salted beef, sausages, eggs, beef meat, and cured corned beef subject to
prevailing standards and conditions. The two governments looked forward to further
discussions on the matter as well as facilitating further capacity building and training
opportunities. Additionally, the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Governor
directed the Taskforce to consider and establish proper processes to ensure the completion of
agreements or MOUs to facilitate trade between the two countries.
9. The Meeting underscored the importance of the fisheries sector in the food security and
economic development of both countries. Ensuring the continued viability of the Starkist
Samoa tuna cannery was critical, noting benefits accrued to both countries including
remittances and with more than 85% of its workers coming from Samoa. On labour mobility
arrangements with Starkist, the Samoa government recalled the request for additional workers
by Starkist and further noted that it had sought the same process as Australia and New Zealand
for Samoan workers, including tenure of work/contracts, accommodation arrangements for
Samoan workers, and the protection of migrant workers’ rights. The Taskforce was tasked to
consider using “open access” arrangements between the two countries.
10. The two governments acknowledged the importance of working collaboratively at the
regional and global levels on the sustainable management and conservation of fisheries,
including at the annual meetings of the WCPFC. This included discussions on limits to high
seas access at the Commission. The Samoa government noted and welcomed American
Samoa’s interest in becoming a member of the South Pacific Group and agreed to work closely
with its government in that regard.
11. The Meeting acknowledged the need to further improve the performance of local (alia)
longline fleets in the two Samoas. As well, the Meeting noted assistance that could be provided
to American Samoa with regard to coastal fisheries and aquaculture including strengthened
cooperation to prevent and address marine pollution and diseases affecting marine
environments and coastal fisheries. Conscious of maritime security threats to both countries,
the two governments agreed to work collaboratively to strengthen their respective responses to
maritime security concerns, as well as to provide mutual support to each other as needed.
12. The Meeting noted ongoing collaboration to strengthen relevant processes, including
legal and regulatory processes and mutual understanding between the two governments on their
respective customs/cargo/manifest clearance processes and procedures. Concerns were raised by the two governments on the increasing number of counterfeit goods including prescription
drugs, merchandise, cosmetic, and electronics passing through the borders of both countries.
These impact the growth of legitimate businesses in both countries, particularly with the
practice of repackaging expired goods. It was important for the customs agencies of the two
countries to verify the place of origin invoices. The Meeting noted training opportunities
offered by American Samoa for Samoan officials on intelligence sharing.
13. The Meeting also noted the critical need for closer collaboration between the two
countries to address the rising incidences of narcotic drugs trafficking through seaports,
airports, and post offices. The Meeting encouraged opportunities for enhanced capacity
building and training of police from the two countries to address increasing drugs smuggling
as well as other transnational crimes.
Social Sector
14. The Meeting acknowledged an existing need to develop mutually beneficial
partnerships between the two governments in the area of education, focusing in particular on
teacher development and improved student learning. The Meeting took note of programs and
trainings available through universities in Samoa to build knowledge, skills and expertise of
teachers and students as well as the development and promotion of STEAM1 Education in
American Samoa in partnership with the United States government to prepare students for
careers in related fields.
15. The Meeting welcomed advice of potential assistance for further teacher training that
could be provided by the National University of Samoa (NUS) on STEM subjects including
the Samoan language, Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) courses,
maritime training courses, and training through its School of Medicine. The Meeting also took
note of the Engineering program (civil, mechanical, and electrical training) offered by the
University of the South Pacific (USP) and welcomed recognition of (US certified) degrees from
Samoa for use in the US. This provided important opportunities for students and teachers from
American Samoa to train or pursue further studies in Samoa.
16. The Meeting reiterated the importance of strong and robust health systems as a critical
contributor to social and economic development. The Meeting noted opportunities to further
strengthen cooperation between the two governments on health care information exchange and
health care collaboration. The Meeting was informed of the development of a standalone
electronic health records system (EHR) in American Samoa, which will play an important role
in patient management and effective medical care services. To address the continuing shortage
of health care professionals in both countries, a physician and nurse exchange program could
be considered. Nurses from Samoa will be required to complete the NCLEX exam to be able
to work in American Samoa. The Meeting noted that the Samoan government has engaged the
Samoa diaspora to seek specialised human resources to assist with Samoa’s development.
17. Acknowledging the increasing incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in
both countries, the Meeting noted opportunities to increase awareness programmes and impact
assessments to further inform programmes to prevent and control NCDs, including
communicable diseases like measles and tuberculosis. The Meeting took note of healthcare
access and requirements for non-residents and foreigners, including visitors to American
1 STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics Samoa in line with its regulations. The Meeting also took note of the commencement of
discussions between the two governments on possible ways to provide mutual support on health
work and development priorities.
Environment Sector
18. Fully aware of the impacts of climate change on the two countries, the two governments
encouraged concerted efforts to become more climate resilient, including through shared
expertise and technical assistance on climate resilience and climate action, and collaboration
on effective green and renewable energy projects. The Meeting noted the potential for a
partnership between the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa and the American Samoa
Environment Protection Agency on laboratory analysis and environmental sampling, amongst
other services. These would ensure a quick turnaround time for American Samoa for its tests
and allow SROS the opportunity to further promote its services to other markets.
19. Noting increasing weather related hazard events, ensuring disaster preparedness and
robust response mechanisms and improved communications can help minimising the
vulnerabilities and disaster risks faced by the two countries. Equally important was the need

for enhanced pre- and post-disaster management measures, which could include the re-
establishment of cross-Samoa capacity building trainings and exercises in the areas of

emergency responses to oil spills, industrial fire fighting and hazmat training amongst others.
Transportation, Infrastructure and Connectivity
20. With regard shipping and transportation arrangements, the Meeting welcomed
continuing efforts by American Samoa to both resolving as well as identifying short to long
term solutions to bottlenecks/long processing times and wharf clearances by upgrading its
technologies, and increasing and better managing its human resources. These would enhance
and optimise passenger and cargo processing flows. As well, the American Samoa government
aims to redevelop and improve its dock facilities and operational footprint to allow for better
processing of passengers and cargo.
21. The Meeting welcomed the opportunity to advance consultations and work exchange
programs between the two governments to further strengthen and improve efficiencies and
effectiveness in land transport, works and infrastructure as well as capacity building
initiatives.
22. In terms of capacity building, the American Samoa government looked forward to
developing possible training opportunities with the NUS in relevant maritime certificate
programs. Additionally, American Samoa will be able to offer trainings to the Samoa Airport
Authority at its Hot Fire Training Facility. The Meeting noted a proposal for the two
governments to work on a schedule of fees for the chartering of maritime resources in addition
to reviewing communications protocols between the two Samoa to further enhance relations,
capacities and communication aimed at expediting the approval processes for the sharing of
resources.
23. The Meeting recalled the importance of internet connectivity and a proposal to create another cable connection2 to Samoa to enhance connectivity between the two countries for
government to government relations, business and trade, family/personal links as well as
education and health work amongst others benefits. In respect of capacity sharing and
development, the Meeting noted the possibility of certification training to be undertaken by
recognised institutions including the NUS to build capacities in technical, engineering and
infrastructure fields. The Meeting also noted that Samoa ranked as the second highest market
for outwards calls in American Samoa but with high termination rates. It was important to
consider reduced costs to support those that needed it the most. The Meeting noted the
commencement of discussions between the two governments to further improve connectivity.
Immigration and International Relations
24. The Meeting welcomed advice that American Samoa will fully open its borders by
December 2022. The Meeting also noted that use of the Talofa Pass as a requirement for entry
into American Samoa would cease. The Meeting was informed of three types of entry permits
for American Samoa and further welcomed the relaxation of some of its entry permit
requirements including police and health clearances for applicants from Samoa.
25. On entry permits to Samoa, the Meeting noted specific requirements for entry permits
for US nationals but not US citizens. Clarification was also sought regarding the departure tax
applied to travellers to American Samoa only and not to other destinations. The assistance and
reconsideration of these arrangements were put forward for the consideration of the Samoa
government, and subsequent to noting Samoa’s general entry requirements, the Taskforce was
tasked to amicably consider and resolve entry issues into the two countries respectively.
26. The American Samoa government acknowledged the assistance of the Samoa
government in the relocation of Samoan citizen deportees/returnees. In 2021, 26 Samoans were
returned/deported via sea transport/Lady Samoa.
27. The Meeting was briefly apprised of updates from the recently held 5th Pacific Island
Countries Leaders Meeting hosted by the PIDP/East West Centre, and noted opportunities for
the two countries to engage and promote issues of common interest at the regional and global
levels. The Samoa government encouraged American Samoa’s government to have full
membership of the Pacific Islands Forum, and stands ready to assist as required.
Other Matters
Cultural Preservation
28. The Meeting noted the establishment of the Samoan Language Commission in
American Samoa in April 2022, which also established both Samoan and English as the official
languages of American Samoa. There were critical concerns about language loss and noted that
the American Samoa government has sought assessment/assistance from Samoa and UNESCO
in this regard in addition to strengthening networks with language advocates in the US. The
meeting also noted the provision of a place for American Samoa in the Samoa Language
Commission.

2 Additional cable as a reserve/substitute cable; note that American Samoa has access to Hawaiki Cable
(HNL/AS/NZ/A) and Samoa-American Samoa (SAS) Cable; Samoa has Tui-Samoa, Manatua and SAS
cables.

Land swap issue
29. The Samoa government confirmed that land leased in Avele was ready for American
Samoa. The American Samoa government expressed some concerns with the said land, noting
close proximity to the Chinese Embassy and sought the reconsideration of the Samoa
government in that regard. The Honourable Prime Minister tasked the Samoa Minister of
Environment to consider the matter further and to advise accordingly.
Memorandum of Understanding
30. The Taskforce was tasked to determine and finalise matters accordingly for
endorsement by the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Governor.
Next meeting
31. The Taskforce was tasked to consider arrangements and modalities of the Atoa o Samoa
meeting and advise accordingly.