The Samoa Business Network (S.B.N.) held their first business trip symposium at the Taumeasina Island Resort yesterday. 

Twenty local and Samoan businesses overseas are attending the three-day event to network and build relations, on top of finding ways of giving back to the local communities. 

“This is a huge milestone for Samoa Business Network (S.B.N.) to be able to facilitate a business trip and provide a platform for our Samoan businesses based overseas,” said S.B.N. New Zealand Chairwoman, Laura Keil-Hall.

“When we set out to bring this delegation, we did not expect Australia, United States, especially our neighbouring American Samoa to be interested, for us we put a lot of value in working collectively, so we want to bring our Samoan businesses overseas to come to Samoa and see the opportunities here, how can they give back to our Samoan society.”

She said their vision is to connect Pacific business entrepreneurs around the world and urged Samoan-based businesses to consider joining the network.

Samoa S.B.N. Chairperson, Afamasaga Jacky Curry, said while priority is to build connections between the businesses, some are present to investigate ways on how they can contribute to the development of Samoa. 

 “This is only the beginning, and we hope to bring more delegates in the future. We are looking at having more events such as this on either a large or smaller scales.” 

Afamasaga said they hope to hold monthly networking events for the local S.B.N. members, to share ideas on how they can help each other through collaboration and partnerships. 

“Because businesses here in Samoa a small and we really encourage people to work together.”  

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei said one of the roles of Government in developing businesses includes giving assurances of providing an enabling environment for businesses to strive and generate employment. 

The symposium continues.