Samoa moves to unclock opportunities for inclusive growth through e-commerce.

Statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, Mr. Themba Kalua

Samoa National E-commerce Policy Multi-Stakeholder Consultations

19 November 2024, Harborview Room, Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel, Apia, Samoa

• CEO for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Mr. Pulotu Lydon Chu Ling
• Representative of government ministries
• Members of the Diplomatic Corp in Samoa
• Private sector representatives
• Representatives of Civil Society organisations
• My dear colleagues from UNCTAD and other UN agencies 
• Ladies and gentlemen

Talofa lava. Malo le soifua manuia

On behalf of the UN system in Samoa, it is an honor to speak at the opening of this National Consultation on Samoa’s E-commerce Policy, co-organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Government of Samoa, with support from the Australian Government.

Today’s gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Samoa’s e-commerce landscape—a critical pathway to fostering job creation, trade, and economic growth.

Digital technologies are transforming the way we live, work, and conduct business. 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transformation, unlocking new business models, enhancing market access, and enabling greater participation in regional and global value chains. For small island developing states like Samoa, e-commerce reduces barriers, supports trade efficiency, and provides opportunities for businesses of all sizes, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

A report by UNCTAD highlights that a 1% increase in digital trade value is linked to a 0.8% rise in real GDP per capita. With strong consumer protections in place, e-commerce can bring greater convenience, affordability, and choice to consumers. Building trust in e-commerce is vital, as it ensures inclusive participation for all, especially those from marginalized groups.

E-commerce also creates opportunities for employment, particularly for young people and women entrepreneurs, empowering them with skills in digital literacy and entrepreneurship. Through these pathways, Samoa can cultivate a dynamic, resilient economy that benefits the entire community.

However, we must recognize the challenges. While e-commerce presents significant potential, the ability to benefit varies widely. Many countries, including those in the Pacific, still face obstacles such as limited digital infrastructure, insufficient skills, and a lack of access to capital. Bridging these gaps is essential.

The United Nations has identified digital transformation as one of six priority transitions critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. E-commerce is a powerful lever for advancing Samoa’s aspirations in digital development, economic resilience and ultimately the Pathway for the Development of Samoa . The National E-commerce Policy is a pivotal step forward.

This Policy, as recommended under the National E-commerce Strategy, addresses essential areas such as data management, consumer protection, intellectual property rights, and competition. It sets the "rules of the game" for e-commerce, creating a fair and competitive digital marketplace.

It is encouraging to see this Policy building on Samoa’s E-commerce Readiness Assessment by UNCTAD and Roadmap finalized in May 2022 by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy endorsed in 2021. These alignments demonstrate Samoa’s commitment to regional and international standards.

Today’s consultation provides an invaluable platform to exchange ideas, identify challenges, and craft practical solutions that ensure the Policy meets Samoa’s needs. 

I would like to reiterate UN’s commitment to supporting the government of Samoa with its E-commerce agenda including through the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, implemented by UNCTAD, UNDP, and UNCDF, which is supporting the region to develop inclusive digital economies. This programme is generously supported by the European Union and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. 

I want to end by underscoring the importance of partnerships. While the government’s role is very critical, the success of this policy requires the full commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders—government, development partners, regional partners, private sector and civil society alike. This is why it is great to see many of you at this consultation.

Your contributions will be instrumental in shaping a Policy that promotes inclusive, sustainable growth for all Samoans.

I wish you a fruitful consultation.

Fa’afetai tele lava.