OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF SAMOA NATIONAL QUALITY POLICY (SNQP) Friday 21 November 2025

SAMOA, November 20 - KEYNOTE ADDRESS Minister of Commerce Industry & Labour Hon. Fata Ryan Schuster

Lau Susuga i le Taitai o le Sauniga – Lau Susuga Luapene Nepo

Afioga i Sui Palemia

Afioga i Minisita o le Kapeneta ma Minisita Lagolago

Faauluuluga o Matagaluega, Faalapotopotoga ma Pisinisi Tumaoti

Sui o Malo mai Fafo

Faapea le mamalu ma le aofia ua potopoto mai

E muamua ona ou paepae ulufanua ma seu mālū lupe o le fōaga aua o lele ua fa’aifoifo le tuamafa i le fogatia. E leai la se fiaui e toe sopovale i le fogatia aua ua malumāūnu lenei ituaso ma le tatou fesilafaiga. O paia ma mamalu ua afifio i lenei malu, e le toe autalatalaina i se matou upu aua ua taoto a’o se āla o’o; pe o’o pe le o’o iai sa matou tala, e tumau lava e le toe suia.

O lenei la afiafi, ua tafesilafa’i le laau a le tamaitai, tatou tausōa pati lāia le viiga ma le agalelei o le Atua, aua ua tatou lauluafesilafa’i i manū ae le’o mala i le alofa o le Atua. Matou te faapea atu ai, malo le soifua manuia i le lagi e mamā. Malo foi le soifua maua i le lagi mātafi i lenei afiafi.

Ae iai le manatu maualuga o le a faaauau atu se faamatalaga i le Gagana Peretania ona o loo filogia le tatou mafutaga i lenei afiafi

Reverend Luapene Nepo,

Deputy Prime Ministers,

Ministers of Cabinet and Associate Ministers,

Heads of Government Ministries and Private Organizations.

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my profound honor and privilege to stand before you today as the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour to officially launch Samoa’s first National Quality Policy (NQP) 2025-2030. This momentous occasion represents the dedicated efforts undertaken to establish a stronger, more competitive Samoa—one in which quality serves as the foundation for economic growth, the protection of our people, and the preservation of our environment.

I extend a cordial welcome to all in attendance: esteemed government officials, visionary business leaders, and valued international partners. I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the distinguished presence of the British and Australian High Commissioners; whose participation affirms the collective commitment essential to the success of this transformative policy.

In today’s interconnected global economy, the quality of goods and services is paramount to competitiveness, productivity, safety, and environmental responsibility. The Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, remains committed to diversifying our economy and expanding our business community to achieve sustainable economic growth.

As detailed in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026, we are focused on fostering business innovation and growth by creating a supportive environment for the private sector. This involves implementing measures to enhance the quality and quantity of our exported goods and services, boosting the trade competitiveness of our local businesses in both national and international markets.

The NQP 2025-2030 creates an enabling policy environment to guide the enhancement and reform of our National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). The NQI encompasses the complete institutional framework for standardization, metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessment services.

These elements provide the evidence needed to confirm that our products and services satisfy regulatory and market requirements. Developed with care and precision, the NQP is pragmatic and aligned with Samoa’s context, market needs, international best practices, and our trade agreements. It clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties, including the Government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector.

A policy’s robustness depends on its execution, and ours is designed for real impact. It serves as a dynamic five-year road-map, accompanied by a detailed implementation plan that specifies responsibilities, oversight mechanisms, and budgets. This plan prioritizes initiatives and ensures accountability. As a cross-cutting initiative, the NQP engages multiple ministries and agencies in collaborative efforts across government and the private sector.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour will lead an Oversight and Coordination Committee, comprising of public and private stakeholders, to monitor progress and adapt to evolving needs.

In summation, I express sincere gratitude to the International Consultant, Mr. George Bamopoulos and the British Standards Institute team for their technical expertise and assistance, to the UK Government and PACER Plus Implementing Unit for their financial support, and to all the stakeholders that participated in the Policy’s formulation.

I implore you to adopt this NQP as a shared responsibility. Quality is everyone’s business, let us cooperate and collaborate across agencies, sectors, ministries, and institutions to enhance our productivity, competitiveness, trade, and protection of consumers and the environment.

Ladies and gentlemen, the launch of Samoa’s NQP marks a new era of excellence. Together, we will build a Samoa where quality is not just a policy, but a way of life that drives inclusive and sustainable prosperity. This shows our Government’s commitment to growth that includes everyone, where our products and service reflect the best of Samoa.

Let’s embrace this path with energy. Together, we’ll make quality a way of life in Samoa.

Thank you, and may God bless Samoa.

Fa’afetai tele lava ma Faamanuia le Atua

November 24, 2025