Foreign Affairs & Trade Bulletin
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Foreign Affairs &
Trade Bulletin
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade July— September 2017
Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting 4th –8th September 2017
The Forty-Eighth Pacific Islands Forum was held in Apia, Samoa from the 4th –8th Sep-
tember 2017 and was attended by Heads of States, Governments, and Territories from Aus-
tralia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, Republic of Kiriba-
ti, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, New Caledonia, Papua New Guin-
ea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The Republic of Palau was rep-
resented by their Vice President, the Republic of Fiji was represented by the Minister for
Defence and National Security, New Zealand by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Niue
by the Minister for Social Services.
The theme for the 2017 Forum Leaders meeting was “The Blue Pacific– Our Sea of is-
lands– Our security through sustainable development, management and conservation”. Pacific Island Forum Leaders group photo (Source: PIFS website)
Over 600 participants attended the four day regional conference which included Forum
leaders’ dialogues with Associate Member, Observers, Forum Dialogue Partners, CROPHeads, Civil Society and private sector. This year’s format
for the dialogues was changed to allow for more inclusive and constructive engagement with the Pacific Forum leaders. The Forum Leaders Re-
treat was held at Taumeasina Island Resort on the 8th September 2017. Several side events were held in the margins of the Forum meetings.
United Nations General Assembly 72nd Iwaki City visits Samoa to build mo- Samoa to accede to the Interim EPA
Session mentum towards the Rugby World Cup
In November 2016, Samoa formally communi-
2019 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
cated interest to the European Union (EU),
As part of Japan’s hosting responsibilities for Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Fiji to accede to
the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo 2020 the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement
Olympic Games, Iwaki City in the Fukushima (iEPA). The iEPA is the trade arrangement that
Prefecture was assigned to host Samoa’s Olym- the EU, PNG and Fiji signed to ensure no mar-
pic team and the Manu Samoa Rugby team ket access disruptions to PNG and Fiji exports
during the preliminary training camps for each to the EU.
event. At that time, negotiations continued for a re-
gional comprehensive EPA with all other Pa-
A twelve-member delegation from the city of cific ACP states. Pacific ACP Leaders agreed
Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture in Japan visited in 2016 to suspend these negotiations for three
Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Samoa from 16-21 August 2017 to meet with years; and encouraged individual states to ex-
Malielegaoi the Samoa Rugby Union (SRU)and launch an plore alternative arrangements to export to the
international exchange program between Iwaki EU. For Samoa, preferential market access to
Samoa’s Prime Minister, Hon Tuila’epa Sailele City and Samoa to promote friendly relations, the EU under the EU ‘Everything But Arms’
Malielegaoi led Samoa’s delegation to the 72nd cultural appreciation and to build momentum scheme for LDCs expires in December 2018.
Session of the United Nations General Assem- for the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo Samoa joining the iEPA will ensure no market
bly. Other members of the delegation from 2020 Olympic Games. access disruptions for our exports including
Apia included MFAT’s Chief Executive Of- virgin coconut oil, nonu juice and fetau oil to
ficer Ms Peseta Noumea Simi and Assistant The Ministry facilitated the visit of the delega-
the EU. At the same time, consideration is also
Chief Executive Officer, Ms Francella Strick- tion comprised of senior officials of the Iwaki
being given to the impact of BREXIT on Sa-
land – Simonet. City Government who head the Culture and
moa’s market access to the UK.
The Prime Minister delivered Samoa’s national Sports Department, the spouse of the Honorary Following Samoa’s interest to accede to the
statement on 21st September 2017 which in- Consul of Samoa in Japan, and five students
iEPA, representatives of the EU Directorate
cluded inter alia reference to the volatile situa- and teacher of Taira Commercial High School. General for Trade conducted a mission to Sa-
tion in the Korean Peninsula, impacts of Cli- The Iwaki City officials met with officials of
the SRU to discuss hosting preparations and moa on 10 – 13 July 2017 to discuss Samoa’s
mate Change, the overarching theme of the market access offer under the iEPA and the
tour the SRU Headquarters and High Perfor-
Pacific Islands Forum meeting – Blue Pacific – accession process. Samoa is the first ACP
mance Unit.
refugees and migrants, peacekeeping and the country to accede to an EPA. The mission was
need for effective implementation of the SA- led by Mr Moustapha Magumu, Economic and
MOA Pathway Trade Affairs Manager and accompanied by Mr
In the margins of the UNGA general debate, David Yim, Project Officer. A forum was held
the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with on the 11th July 2017 at the TATTE Conven-
representatives from Indonesia and Maldives. tion Centre attended by private, public and civil
The Honorable Prime Minister held bilaterals society stakeholders, provided an opportunity
at the Mission office with a number of delega- to learn about trade and investment opportuni-
tions on various issues from election cam- ties for Samoa in the EU market.
paigns to possible partnerships. Samoa’s dele- The mission also visited local factories, manu-
gation participated in other events during the facturing companies and facilities, to see the
High Level week of the United Nations Gen- potential of local producers and possible ex-
eral Assembly. ports to the EU market.
(Continued from page 1) place in society as well as the inclusion of men Affairs (UNDESA) to speak on the topic
Samoa signs the Treaty on the Prohibi- and boys in discussions and actions that will “Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity
tion of Nuclear Weapons 20th Septem- address these issues. in a changing world – Taking forward The
SAMOA Pathway” as part of the official ses-
ber 2017
sions of the High Level Political Forum
Third Conference of the State Parties
(HLPF) on sustainable development held at the
for the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) United Nations in New York from 10 to 21
The Third Conference of the States Parties to July 2017.
the Arms Trade Treaty met in Geneva from The Minister’s remarks focused on Samoa’s
11th – 15th September 2017. Samoa was repre- experience in addressing “non communicable
sented by the Mission’s First Secretary Mr diseases” (NCDs) and he also highlighted some
Dominic Misiolo Sofe who delivered Samoa’s of the Pacific region’s approaches and frame-
national statement reminding the world of the works to strengthen health systems by focusing
huge impact of irresponsible and illicit trade in in particular on primary health care and univer-
conventional weapons especially if these weap- sal health coverage to help improve coverage,
ons end up in the wrong hands causing chaos access and quality of care for NCD manage-
Prime Minister, Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi during wreaking havoc in societies. Japan was elected
ment in the region.
signing of Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
by acclamation as the President for CPS4 and
has indicated their interest in hosting the CSP4 10 Years Anniversary for the Recog-
The Treaty to ban Nuclear Weapons was in Japan 2018.
nised Seasonal Employer Programme –
opened for signature on 20 September 2017
and the Prime Minister signed the Treaty on 4th July 2017
Passing of the Buck ceremony to mark On the 4th July 2017, Immigration New Zea-
behalf of the Government and the people of
Samoa. Samoa is a Party to the South Pacific the changeover of Pacific Islands Forum land (INZ) joined with the Pacific leaders,
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty and contin- Chairmanship in New York horticulture and viticulture industry leaders to
ues to advocate for the early realization of a 13 September 2017 celebrate 10 years of the innovative and world-
world without nuclear weapons. The only abso- The informal ceremony to mark the official leading Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE)
lute guarantee against the use and threat of change-over of the PIF Chairmanship took scheme at the Ministry of Business, Innovation
nuclear weapons is through its total elimina- place during a luncheon event hosted by out- and Employment premises in Wellington, New
tion. going Chair, Ambassador Jane Chigiyal of the Zealand. The RSE scheme was established in
Federated States of Micronesia. PIF Ambassa- 2007 and allows the horticulture and viticulture
Annual Meeting of the Pacific Islands dors and their staff were on hand to witness the industries to recruit workers from overseas for
Forum Leaders with the United Nations transfer of the Chairmanship (through the sym- seasonal work when there are not enough New
Secretary General- 22nd September 2017 bolic passing of a laminated dollar note) from Zealand workers to service these industrial
FSM to Samoa. This is the second time that sectors.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with Ambassador Elisaia has assumed the Chair-
Pacific Island Forum Leaders under the chair- manship of the 14 Pacific Islands Forum coun- Over the last ten years, the scheme has grown
manship of the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele tries with Mission to the United Nations. He not only in the number of participant employers
Malielegaoi. The PIF leaders reaffirmed their was Chair of PIF Group in 2004/2005. and workers, but in economic benefits that
support to the UNSG reform to make the UN have gone beyond New Zealand to the wider
fit for purpose and more responsive to Member Pacific. Through the Strengthening Pacific
State’s needs in an evolving world. Biological and Toxin Weapons Conven- Partnerships (SPP) programme, INZ, in con-
junction with NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs
tion
and Trade (MFAT), provides tailored assis-
st tance to each country to support their people to
On the 21 of September, Samoa became the
th participate in the scheme.
179 State Party to deposit its Instrument of
Accession to the Biological and Toxin Weap-
This includes training Pacific Government
ons Convention (BTWC). On June 20th, 2017,
Officials, developing websites and databases,
Pacific Island Forum Leaders at UNSG the decision of the Cabinet of the Government
and providing information to market Pacific
of Samoa approving accession to the BTWC
workers to employers here in New Zealand.
was issued by the Office of the Cabinet. The
Second Regular Session of the United Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee during his
Nations Entity for Gender Equality and BTWC was the first multilateral disarmament remarks said that due to its success, the NZ
the Empowerment of Women treaty banning an entire category of weapons.
Government approved NZ$10 million for a
five-year period to explore what other sectors
The Executive Board of the UN Women of Taking forward the SAMOA Pathway
of the economy RSE workers might contribute
which Samoa is a member held its Second to.
Regular Session in August 2017, focusing
mainly on the UN-Women’s Strategic Plan, He said, in particular, they would be looking at
2018 - 2021. Deputy Permanent Representa- opportunities for Pacific women and develop-
tive, Ms Miriama Betham-Malielegaoi deliv- ing prospects in semi-skilled, higher-income
ered Samoa's statement and shared with Board occupations. He stated the new funding was in
members the United Nations Human Rights addition to the NZ$4.9 million for the training
Council Independent expert group that visited of Pacific workers in New Zealand which is
Samoa earlier this year whose mandate was to part of an arrangement around the PACER Plus
assess Samoa’s performance on the issue of trade and development deal signed in June in
discrimination against women. According to Tonga. All the Ministers and officials from the
Minister of Health, Hon. Tuitama Leao Tuitama
the expert group, while there was evidence of Pacific States of Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New
success, there was still work to be done to Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Ton-
achieve gender equality and empowerment of Minister of Health, Honourable Tuitama Leao ga and Vanuatu were present to join in the
all women and girls including in areas such as Talalelei Tuitama was invited by the United celebration of 10 years of this scheme which
changing the mind-set of the women and their Nations Department of Economic and Social provides work for 10,500 workers. Samoa’s
2
(Continued from page 2) nology, Hon. Afamasaga Lepui’ai Rico Tupai,
Visit to the Wellington Chocolate Facto- the Samoa High Commissioner and Dean of the
ry – 20th September 2017 Diplomatic Corp, H.E Leasi Papali’i T. Scan-
lan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry
The Samoa High Commissioner, his spouse of the Prime Minister & Cabinet , Agafili Shem
and the Counsellor represented the Samoa High Leo were also present to witness the launch
Commission during a visit of the Wellington which was well attended by representatives
Chocolate Factory on Friday 20th September from the Diplomatic Corps, staff of the Samoa
2017. The Wellington Chocolate Factory ac- High Commission, staff of Victoria University
cording to its co-owners Gabe and Rochelle has of Wellington, students and the Samoa commu-
been in operation for the last three years. nity.
Minister of Commerce, Industry & Labour of Samoa, Hon. Lautafi
Selafi Fio Purcell receiving the commemoration plague
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour,
Hon. Lautafi Selafi Fio Purcell accompanied by
the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Labour, Mr Pulotu
Lyndon Chu-Ling, the Samoa High Commis-
sioner & Dean of the Diplomatic Corp, H.E Mr
Leasi Papali’i T. Scanlan and representative(s) Prime Minister during book signing, Victoria University
of Wellington
from the Samoa High Commission in Welling-
ton and Samoa Consulate General Office in For the last two years, Dr. Swain during his
Auckland along with Samoa’s Liaison Officer remarks spoke about how he worked closely
attended to witness the 10 years of the RSE with the Prime Minister to capture, in his own
scheme, this programme concluded with a two- words, his life and political reign during which
day meeting in Blenheim. Samoa transitioned from the turbulent times of
Mrs Joyce Scanlan, Ms Rochelle and Mr Gabe a newly independent state to one of unprece-
Kupe Scholarship Awards Ceremony Davidson (co-owners of Wellington Chocolate dented political stability and economic devel-
for Maori and Pacific – 20th July 2017 Factory) and the Samoa High Commisioner, H.E
opment. In his humorous manner, Prime Minis-
Papalii T Scanlan
ter Tuila’epa retold how he thought a memoir
Education Minister Nikki Kaye congratulated should be written at the time of one’s passing
30 highly-accomplished Māori and Pasifika Whilst the business started on a small scale it and thanked Dr. Swain for his commitment,
student teachers who have been awarded Kupe has gradually built its way to where it is now timeless energy listening, co-writing and edit-
Scholarships. The special ceremony was held at due to their commitment and love for the pure
the Grand Hall of Parliament House in Wel- ing the memoir which we have come to witness
aroma of the bean to bar of chocolate. The its launch today. Pālemia was launched earlier
lington, New Zealand on the 20th July 2017. cocoa beans are all organically sourced from in Samoa in June of this year with the launch in
four regions (Peru, Dominican Republic, Sa- Auckland on Thursday 10th August 2017 at
moa and Bougainville) which are then roasted, S.S.A.B’s Store at the Samoa Fale in Mangere.
cracked, conch and tempered using artisan
methods to get that rich dark chocolate taste
and aroma. The chocolate bars which come in
2017/2018 Scholarship Awards to China
an assortment of flavours are sold widely
throughout New Zealand with exports to Aus- A total of 21 Samoan citizens secured scholar-
tralia. Wellington Chocolate Factory works ship awards to study in China in September
closely with MAIDEN SAMOA to source these 2017. The China Bilateral Scholarship scheme
cocoa beans from the village farmers to their is offered on an annual basis to Samoan nation-
Samoa High Commissioner & Dean of the Diplomatic Corps with
some of the Pacific recipients of the Kupe Scholarship 2017
shop here in Wellington with the key intention als and administered through the joint efforts of
that these supplies from the islands continue to the Bilateral Relations, Scholarships and Train-
increase going into the future. ings Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
The prestigious scholarship aims to attract Trade (MFAT) of the Government of Samoa
Māori and Pasifika high achievers to the teach- Book Launch of “PALEMIA”- Welling- and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of
ing profession and support them to become ton China in Apia. More than 60 Samoan scholars
inspiring teachers and role models in early
The book was co-written with the University of are currently studying at tertiary educational
childhood, primary and secondary education.
Victoria’s Dr. Peter Swain. The launch of the institutes in China in areas ranging from archi-
The Kupe Scholarships fund course fees and
memoir of Samoa’s most successful and long- tecture, tourism management, IT, accounting,
study allowances, and offer mentoring and
recruitment support after graduation. More than est-serving Prime Minister, Tuila’epa Lupesoli- civil / environmental engineering, urban plan-
90 applications were received for the 30 availa- ai Sa’ilele Malielegaoi “PALEMIA” was held ning, applied chemistry, agriculture, environ-
ble scholarships. Alongside the funding, each at the Hunter Council Chamber, Victoria Uni- mental science, radio and television, marketing
recipient also receives taonga keepsakes in the versity Wellington on Monday 7th August and others. The 2017 / 2018 scholarship stu-
form of a stylised paddle ‘hoe’ or waka / vaka / 2017. dents departed Samoa on 6 September 2017 to
va’a as a permanent recognition of their commence their studies in China.
achievements. These were presented by Associ- New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Leuluaiali’io-
ate Education Minister Tim Macindoe. The tumua Bill English and Dr. Mary English
Coconut Industry Development Pro-
Samoa High Commissioner and Dean of the joined the Prime Minister Tuila’epa Lupesoliai
Sa’ilele Malielegaoi for the launch along with
gramme for the Pacific
Diplomatic Corp, H.E Leasi Papali’i T. Scanlan
was present to witness this special ceremony Members of Parliament Chris Finlayson, Al- Samoa is a beneficiary of the European Union
and to congratulate the Pacific scholars on their fred Ngaro and Aupito William Sio. The Min- (EU) funded Coconut Industry Development
important achievement. ister of Communications & Information Tech- (Continued on page 4)
3
for the Pacific Programme (CIDP) which is against women, including efforts made and cation and for Samoa to set a lead example and
being managed by the Pacific Community challenges remaining. The Working Group also framework that other small island states can
(SPC). gathered information on good practices, as follow.
The €3.5 million programme is to be imple- requested by its mandate.
mented over 2 years with the overall objective During their country visit, the Working Group Visiting VIPS
to reduce rural poverty through the increasing met with national stakeholders, civil society
of smallholders’ food production and their and non-governmental organizations involved Secretary General PIFS – Dame Meg Taylor 30
derived net income. in all aspects related to preventing and combat- July – 2 Aug 2017
ting discrimination against women to discuss
The aim is to improve the competitiveness of best practices as requested by its mandate. Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum
small producers engaged in the coconut value At the end of the country visit, the Working was in Samoa to attend the Pacific Power Associ-
chains, through a strengthened regional integra- Group provided a debriefing to the national ations’ 26th Annual Conference hosted by the
tion of related markets and the intensification stakeholders to share preliminary findings. Electric Power Corporation on the 1st August
of production. Project programmes are imple- These findings will be submitted as a full re- 2017.The Secretary General also took this oppor-
tunity to meet with the Prime Minister to consult
mented at the regional level; and pilot projects port to the Human Rights Council in June
on preparations for the 48th Pacific Island Forum
in Samoa and Vanuatu. 2018. This will contain recommendations to
and related meetings.
support the Government of Samoa’s efforts in
A Pacific Coconut Value Chain Workshop was eliminating discrimination against women in Indonesia: H.E. Mr Oratmangun, Indonesian
held in July 2017 in Nadi which aimed at de- law and practice. Senior Advisor on Strategic Issues to the For-
veloping a situation analysis of the coconut eign Minister 13th – 15th August
industry in the Pacific that will inform the pri- Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI)
oritization and development of key activities of A delegation from Indonesia visited Samoa
the Coconut Industry Development for the In collaboration with Dr Alice Edwards, Head of
from 13th -15th August 2017 to pay official
Pacific Community (CIDP). The workshop the Convention against Torture Initiative(CTI)
courtesy calls with government officials and
participants shared experiences and prioritised and Ms Rebecca Minty, torture prevention expert; dignitaries. The Head of the Delegation was the
capacity needs in training and research; as well MFAT conducted a Pre-Mission Workshop onndthe Indonesian Senior Advisor on Strategic Issues
Convention against Torture (CAT) on the 2
as discussion of investment opportunities in the to the Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Oratmangun
October 2017, a week prior to when the official
sector. For Samoa’s pilot projects, the CIDP accompanied by the Ambassador of Indonesia
high-level CTI working mission were due to ar-
Technical Advisory Group has approved in to Samoa, H.E. Tantowi Yahya. The visit was
rive in Samoa.
principle support for coconut development based on furthering Samoa-Indonesia bilateral
projects from four private applicants including relations such as trade and investment. The
a proposal for coconut replanting. Indonesian delegation also attended the 48th
Pacific Island Forum in September 2017.
Presentation of Credentials
L-R: Rebecca Minty, Papaliitele Niko Lee Hang, HE. Carsten Staur, Ambassador and Permanent 1. Ambassador of the United States of
Representative of Denmark to the United Nations, and Marc Limon (Source: Rebecca Minty)
America H.E. Scott Brown based in Wel-
The objectives of the workshop were to raise lington New Zealand was in Samoa from
Pacific Coconut Value Chain Workshop participants, Nadi Fiji awareness among Samoan authorities regarding 26th – 30th July 2017 to present his creden-
UNCAT and OPCAT (optional-CAT) obligations
tials to the Head of State on the 27th of
to open the way for more focussed discussions
during the CTI diplomatic visit. The participants
July 2017
UN Missions
were mainly from governmental with work related
Special procedures Group: UN Working Group to the UNCAT and OPCAT and their imple- 2. Ambassador of Turkey: H.E. Ahmet Ergin
on the Discrimination Against Women in Law mentations. Dialogue amongst participants based in Wellington New Zealand was in
and Practice. included discussions on strengths and challeng- Samoa from 9th – 12th October 2017 to
es in implementing UNCAT in Samoa, and presented his credentials to the Head of
elements of a post-ratification implementation State on 10th of October 2017
roadmap.
On 12th October 2017, Samoa hosted the visit-
3. Ambassador of Chile: H.E. Mr. Rodrigo
ing Convention against Torture Initiative (CTI)
Espinosa Marty based in Wellington New
working group from Geneva, led by H.E. Am-
bassador Carsten Staur of Denmark to the UN Zealand was in Samoa from 11th -13th
in Geneva, accompanied by Rebecca Minty, October 2017 topresent his credentials to
torture prevention expert, and Marc Limon, the the Head of State on 12th of October
executive director of the Universal Rights 2017
Group. In addition to meeting with government
L– R: Bernadette Arditi (Human Rights Officer), Kamala Chandrakirana, (Chairperson-Rapporteur)
ministries, and the Samoan civil society, the Farewell Visits:
Eleonora Zielińska, (Member) Hannah Wu (Human Rights Officer ) (Source: Samoa Observer)
CTI held a special meeting with the National
Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-Up The following ambassadors visited Samoa for
(NMRF) Taskforce in regards to anticipating their farewell calls as they complete their terms
Samoa hosted its first Special Procedures coun-
and planning for Samoa’s ratification of UN- as Ambassadors to Samoa:
try visit by the Working Group on the Issue of
CAT and OPCAT. 31 countries have yet to
Discrimination against Women in Law and in
ratify UNCAT, most of whom are Pacific is- United Kingdom: H.E. Jonathan Sinclair, ac-
Practice from 8-18 August 2017.
lands and Caribbean countries. H.E. Ambassa- credited March 2015
The objective for the Working Group was to
dor Staur conveyed a vision whereby Samoa
gain first-hand understanding of issues related
would assume a regional and global leadership Vietnam: H.E. Mr Nguyen Viet Dung, accredit-
to preventing and combatting discrimination
role in leading the UNCAT movement in ratifi- ed February 2015
4
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