Samoa’s very our very own, Samoa Rum, will soon make its debut on the international airport duty free shelves.

This was announced by the Government in a statement issued on Friday.

Samoa Rum is the latest achievement by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) at Nafanua.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said this is a very positive step.

“I encourage S.R.O.S. to continue to deliver and come up with more added value products for exports and our local market and most importantly to use our local agricultural produces,” he said.

“I have been informed the S.R.O.S. is continuing their research for more liquor products such as liqueurs. The possibilities are endless”

“Government has not been blinded by the strict overseas quarantine regulations and S.R.O.S. is our answer.”

And to complete the equation for a joint successful export drive between government and the private sector, Prime Minister again challenged the business community to develop partnership with S.R.O.S. by investing in the new added value products developed by the organisation.

“Government has done its part – through S.R.O.S. – by developing these products. We now need private businesses to come in and commercialize the flour, the oil, the subsequent butter and margarine from local crop staples,” said the Prime Minister.

Introducing Samoa Rum through the international Duty Free exit is also a perfect promotional vehicle for national carrier, Samoa Airways, added Tuilaepa.

“Travellers will certainly inquire where Samoa Rum originates from.”

“And when told it’s from the home of Samoa Airways that will be more than enough to attract their attention and spread the word.”

“Samoa Airway’s profile is slowly but surely picking up pace.  And every little bit of positive promotion will go a long way,” he added.

“There will always be people with doubts. The world would not be the same without them.”

 “But that is their prerogative and it will not discourage the government because Samoa Airways was created to address the people’s call for affordable airfares.”

And less than a year since Samoa Airways started flying, the Prime Minister says the national carrier is flying high.

“Samoa Airways will be launching her twice a week service to Brisbane, Australia in November and if all goes well, the national carrier will have a second aircraft in the coming months.”

In the meantime, S.R.O.S. will be officially launching the Samoa Rum soon.