Economic

boom hits nation

By Chris Peteru

Businesses of all kinds are emerg ing on a scale not seen before in the Island state’s short history.

Manufacturers Association president Eddie Wilson, who has established a booming chocolate business, says the entrepreneurial climate speaks volumes for the concept of unity and diversity.

“Things in the country are looking better - it won’t happen overnight but we’ve got to get it together,”

The government was trying to pave the way with private-sector development.

Stable government, a beautiful climate and a large labour pool were other pluses, he said. The arrival of big name interna tional franchises, including McDonalds and Pepsi Cola, have provided employ ment and a healthy competitive edge for local businesses.

In concert with a government drive to boost tourism, a string of top-quality hotels have sprung up in locations all around the country. Dozens of coastal vil lages have built postcard-like beach fale (huts) for visitors to enjoy. Marketing and promotions manager at Western Samoa’s Visitors Bureau Alise Stunnenberg believes they are on to a winner.

“We have more finances now. People and the government are now saying ‘tourism is viable and we need it’.

“Visitors call Western Samoa ‘the diferent destination’ of the South Pacific because of the variety of things to do and see. But it’s people who really make our culture.” A major first-up advertising campaign in New Zealand and Australia to pull in fun seekers has contributed to an eight per cent increase in visitors (30,415) for the first half of the year.

Another first is the opening of an over seas tourist office in the Polynesian heart land, Auckland, New Zealand.

The government has promised to maintain the present course of private sector growth. The sell-off of the post office, Bank of Western Samoa and the agriculture store in the past 15 months signals the seriousness of that intention.

In the last financial year, Gross Domestic Product rose by seven per cent. Natural

disasters withstanding, Treasury predicts

a further three to four per cent rise for the current financial year.

Clearly, the one overriding concern as Western Samoa fast tracks its way into the future, is how to beat Fiji at Apia Park next season. ■