Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters SAME

23/06/2026

Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters SAME

16/06/2026

Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters appoints Dr. Seuseu Tauati as new Chief Executive Officer. His appointment was finalized by the newly elected Executive Committee of SAME in June 2026. Dr Seuseu brings more than 15 years of senior management experience—including 9 years as a Chief Executive Officer across government and scientific institutions in Samoa. He stands out as a transformative person, equipped to drive Samoa's manufacturing and export sectors to new heights. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Phytopathology from the University of Bristol, UK, a Masters in Bio-Resources Science from the University of Kochi, Japan and a Bachelor and Diploma in Agriculture from the University of the South Pacific, Samoa. The newly elected SAME Executive Committee expressed confidence that Dr. Seuseu’s passion for innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and multilateral stakeholder partnerships will deliver invaluable strategic direction for the association. Under his leadership, SAME is poised to aggressively expand international market access for Samoan enterprises and optimize regional trade networks. SAME recently elected its new executive council, led by President Tapunu'u Pitovaomanaia Mayday LHing. Serving alongside her in key executive roles are Vice President Lemauga Masoe Charlie Vaai, Treasurer Anish Chandra and Executive Secretary Sabrina Percival.

27/05/2026

Dearest Members,

Due to unforeseen circumstances there won't be a members meeting this month.

You will be notified as to when and where we will have the next meeting.

Apologies if this causes any inconvenience.

Warmest regards,
Sabrina Percival
Secretary .

21/05/2026

Join SAME and become part of a growing network committed to strengthening Samoa’s manufacturing and export industries.

From business promotion and networking opportunities to export support, training, and industry updates - SAME is here to help local businesses grow, compete, and reach new markets.

Together, let’s promote Samoan-made products to the world.
Annual Membership: SAT$300

For more information about becoming a member, contact Sabrina Percival.
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

#2026

16/05/2026

Become a Member

Vision
For Samoa to lead the Pacific in the manufacture and export of goods and services.
Mission

To support the growth of the manufacturing and exporting sectors in Samoa through high‑quality support services.

About SAME
The Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME) is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and strengthening Samoa’s manufacturing and export sectors. By becoming a member, your business joins a strong network committed to economic growth, business success, and the promotion of Samoan‑made products.

SAME represents the interests of manufacturers and exporters with Government ministries and agencies, development partners, and regional and international organisations. We advocate for policies and programs that support business growth, trade, exports, and investment.

Why Become a Member?

Networking opportunities
Members gain access to a valuable business network that includes manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, retailers, and development agencies. Networking creates opportunities for partnerships, collaboration, and business expansion.
Promotion of your business
SAME helps promote member businesses through:
• Trade fairs and exhibitions
• Business forums and events
• Media and marketing opportunities
• “Buy Samoa Made” initiatives
• Regional and international trade activities

Membership increases your visibility and credibility within Samoa and in overseas markets.
Export development support
SAME assists businesses to improve their export readiness by providing:
• Market information
• Export guidance
• Trade opportunities
• Connections to regional and international markets
We help members strengthen their competitiveness and grow exports.
Training and capacity building
Members can participate in:
• Business workshops
• Skills development programs
• Manufacturing and quality‑improvement training
• Business management seminars
• Export and compliance training
These programs help businesses improve productivity and overall performance.
Access to information
Members receive updates on:
• Government policies
• Trade regulations
• Funding opportunities
• Industry developments
• Business support programs
Staying informed helps businesses make better decisions and remain competitive.
Who Can Join?
Membership is open to, but not limited to:
• Exporters
• Producers
• Processors
• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
• Businesses that support the manufacturing and export industries
Membership
Annual membership fee: SAT$300
Join SAME Today
Become part of an Association that is working to strengthen Samoa’s economy, support local businesses, and promote Samoan products to the world.
For membership information, please contact our SAME Executive Council:
Secretary: Sabrina Percival
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Call now to connect with business.

16/05/2026

STATEMENT ON MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
Private Sector Response – SAME President

The private sector acknowledges the Government’s announcement of a phased increase to Samoa’s minimum wage and recognises the importance of supporting workers and families amid rising living costs and ongoing economic pressure.

Businesses across Samoa value their employees and understand the need to improve household incomes and living standards. A strong, well-supported workforce is essential to building a resilient, sustainable economy.

At the same time, many businesses—particularly small and medium enterprises, manufacturers, exporters, tourism operators, transport providers, retailers, and agricultural producers—continue to face significant operational challenges. These include rising freight and electricity costs, increased prices for imported materials, higher financing costs, inflationary pressures, and ongoing labour shortages.

The private sector emphasises that fair and consistent regulatory enforcement remains critical. Sustainable business growth requires a level playing field where taxation, compliance obligations, and regulatory standards are applied evenly across all sectors of the economy.

We also highlight that sustainable wage increases must be supported by broader economic growth, productivity gains, and increased investment in Samoa’s productive sectors.

To strengthen long-term competitiveness and resilience, Samoa must continue to invest in:
- Manufacturing and export development
- Agricultural productivity and food security
- Workforce training and skills development
- Renewable energy and infrastructure
- Digital transformation and business modernisation
- Investment attraction and private sector expansion

The private sector encourages continued consultation and collaboration between the government, employers, and workers’ representatives to ensure that implementation remains practical, sustainable, and supportive of both economic growth and employment retention.

Samoa’s long-term success will depend not only on increasing wages but also on strengthening productivity, expanding exports, boosting business confidence, and growing national economic output.

With the right balance and partnership between the public and private sectors, Samoa can achieve improved living standards alongside a stronger, more resilient economy for future generations.

29/04/2026

Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME)
Annual General Meeting – Official Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release: SAME Elects New President and Vice President
Apia, Samoa – 30 April 2026 — The Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME) is pleased to announce the election of its new Executive Council following the successful conclusion of its Annual General Meeting held in Apia.

The newly elected leadership team brings together experienced business leaders from across Samoa’s manufacturing, export, retail, food production, and service sectors. Their collective expertise will help guide SAME’s mission to strengthen local enterprise, expand export opportunities, and champion policies that support sustainable economic growth.

Newly Elected Office Bearers
President: Tapunu'u Pitovaomanaia Mayday LHing (Frankies)
Vice President: Lemauga Masoe Charlie Vaai (Vailima)
Treasurer: Anish Chandra (Vodafone)
Secretary: Sabrina Percival (Natural Foods)

Executive Council Members
Afoa Stefan Szegedi (Teasure Box)
Luamanuvae Nathan Wilson (Wilex Samoa)
Tofilau Raymond Voigt (Beekeepers Association)
Taulapapa Maria Leota (Kuki)
Lemauga Robert Pereira (Maali)
Niko Vui (Nonu Samoa)
Jaqueline Adams (Pacific Apparel)

Leadership Profiles

President
Tapunu'u Pitovaomanaia Mayday LHing is a respected Samoan business leader and Director within the Frankie Group, one of Samoa’s leading private sector enterprises. She is recognised for her leadership across a diversified portfolio that includes retail supermarkets, Sunshine Pacific poultry and hydroponics farms, and manufacturing operations such as the Cool Express ice cream and bottled water factory. Her appointment reflects a strong commitment to innovation, business growth, and creating opportunities for Samoa.

Vice President
Lemauga Masoe Charlie Vaai is a respected businessman and entrepreneur, widely recognised for helping lead the return of Vailima beer production to Samoa. As a key figure behind Vailima Breweries, he has championed local investment, job creation, and the revival of one of Samoa’s most iconic brands. He brings valuable leadership experience and a deep commitment to strengthening Samoan enterprise.

Looking Ahead
SAME congratulates all successful candidates and looks forward to working together to strengthen Samoa’s manufacturing and export sectors, support private sector growth, and create new opportunities for local businesses.

As the national voice for manufacturers and exporters, SAME plays a vital role in advocating for business-friendly policies, reducing barriers to trade, promoting local industries, and connecting members with training, partnerships, and market opportunities. Through collaboration with government, development partners, and the wider private sector, SAME continues to champion innovation, job creation, and economic resilience in Samoa.

Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to become members of SAME and be part of a stronger collective voice shaping Samoa’s economic future.

Media Enquiries:
SAME Secretariat
Apia, Samoa
Ends

26/04/2026

Talofa lava Members,
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2026
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME) will be held as follows:

WEDNESDAY, 29 APRIL 2026
5:30 PM
HOTEL ELISA, APIA

We look forward to seeing you there.

Fa’afetai tele lava,

Nathan Wilson
Secretary

Samoa Association of Manufacturers & Exporters (SAME)
#2026