More than 150 meetings were held between the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and the government in 2013.
That’s one of the facts that came out of the 2014 Annual General Meeting on Monday 24 March at Hotel Elisa.
Outgoing President Namulauulu Sami Leota officially launched the Chamber’s Annual Report for 2013, and spoke to close to 100 members on the Chamber’s achievements for the year.
The President also spoke on the challenges faced by the Chamber, particularly with its limited resources.
“The Chamber, as the main advocacy body for all private sector issues, engaged in over 150 meetings and consultations with government and development partners in 2013 – that’s roughly 4-5 meetings per week.
“This is a big ask considering our resource constraints, but our Secretariat and Executive Council have pulled through despite all the challenges”.
Namulauulu stressed the importance of maintaining a close working partnership with the Government to ensure there is a private sector voice in policy formulation.
“Our Budget Forums continue to pave the way for future public-private dialogue, contributing to improving policy development in Samoa.
The “Chamber had also partnered with the International Trade Centre (I.T.C.) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (M.F.A.T.) to commence work on Samoa’s V.A.G.S.T. commitment under W.T.O. in 2013”, he said, referring to the Value Added Goods and Service Tax and the World Trade Organisation.
In other remarks during his speech about the National Private Sector Organisation (N.P.S.O.), Namulauulu said, “Recovery work post-Cyclone Evan presented real challenges for the business community but I am delighted however to see that Samoa has bounced back stronger, and I am proud to say that the Chamber as the N.P.S.O. provided a uniting force and voice that helped ensure the Private Sector together with the government led the way with the recovery”.
Namulauulu highlighted the growth in the Chamber membership over a five year period.
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“From 2010, the membership has grown by over 100 additional members. This is a testament of our work and I do not need to highlight any further the importance of having an umbrella organization and a united voice”.
In concluding his speech, Namulauulu acknowledged the assistance of its members through sponsorship throughout 2013.
“Chamber is funded through your membership fees and with some assistance from the Government of Samoa and development partners, in particular the Pacific Leadership Programme.
“We appreciate members’ sponsorships for members’ meetings, Private-Sector led workshops and events, and school awards.
“It would not be possible to support these without the ongoing support of the membership.”
Following the President’s address, the Executive Council for 2014 was elected.
Klaus Stunzner, Managing Director of Samoa Spare Parts and Vice Chair of the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organization (P.I.P.S.O.), was unanimously elected as the new President for 2014.
Tuala Pat Leota, Managing Director of Isitolo Leota Public Accountant, was elected as Vice President.
Jennifer Fruean of the National Bank of Samoa and Asuao Dennis Williams of Samoa Breweries, were elected as Treasurer and Secretary respectively.
The Samoa Chamber of Commerce Executive Council for 2014 is as follows:
Klaus Stunzner (Jr) (President), Samoa Spare Parts & Accessories Co Ltd
Tuala Pat Leota (Vice President), Isitolo Leota Public Accountant
Asuao Dennis Williams (Secretary), Samoa Breweries Ltd
Jennifer Fruean, (Treasurer) National Bank of Samoa
Peseta Margaret Malua (Elected Council member), Small Business Enterprise Center
Taito John Roache (Elected Council member), Commercial Printers
Petra Chan Tung (Elected Council member), Samoa National Provident Fund Sheree Stehlin (Women in Business Development Inc. Representative)
Samoa Hotel Association Representative to be confirmed following SHA AGM Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters Representative to be confirmed following SAME AGM
Namulauulu Sami Leota (Past President), Federal Pacific Insurance
Sili Sala Epa Tuioti (Past President), KVA Consult
Masoe Norman Wetzell (Past President), Apia Concrete Products
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