A delegation from California, United States, was in the country last week to seal a deal with the government to begin the establishment of the loining plant at Matautu.
While in the country, the team from Bumble Bee Foods had also expressed a desire for the project to start as soon as possible.
On Friday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, told the media that all that is left now is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the parties.
The M.O.U was scheduled to be signed last week.
It could not be confirmed whether the agreement was signed. Tuilaepa during an interview with the media, however, only indicated that there would be a signing soon.
“If you remember the last time, I said it would possibly start next year,” said Tuilaepa.
“But discussions indicated the company wants to commence this year.”
A fish loining plant is where fish are cleaned and prepared for eventual canning.
However, Tuilaepa said it has been a dream of the government for many years to establish a cannery in Samoa.
He reminded that in the past, the government was “deceived” by Starkist Ltd in American Samoa, to setup the operation in Savai’i.
“But without knowing it, they were playing politics with their boss by using us,” he said.
“They went to Asau and said it was very nice and afterwards they disappeared and we never saw them again.”
This time, Tuilaepa said the new company is unlike “others” who don’t tell the truth.
“They’re different,” he said about Bumble Bee.
The loining plant is will benefit locals, offering 1,000 jobs.
During a recent interview with Samoa Ports Authority General Manager, Tufuga Fagaloa Tufuga, he said Matautu is the ideal hub requested by the company.
He said such will make it easy for transshipment re-fishery operations and also has the necessary infrastructure and facilities. “The loining plant would also make use of S.P.A wharf terminal such as Aleipata especially the slipway facility currently leased to Samoa Shipping Corporation (S.S.C),” said Tufuga.
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