About Us
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL) in Samoa, was established in 2003, under the Ministerial and Departmental Arrangements Act 2003, consolidating the former Department of Labour, Commerce and Industry divisions of the former Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry, and the Registries of Companies and Intellectual Properties division of the former Department of Justice.
The MCIL’s purpose is to foster economic growth and prosperity in the private sector by promoting business interest through advocacy of public-private partnership through more than 30 pieces of legislation and regulatory frameworks. It encourages industry development, foreign investment and guarantees to regulate fair competitive practices to promote a level playing field in commercial trading.
The MCIL’s labour-related functions include the administering of the Apprenticeship Scheme, providing Employment Services, conducting labour market surveys and reporting findings. It also administers the Labour and Employment Relations Amendment Act which sets standards to regulate decent and fair work practices for employers and employees.
At the national level, MCIL supports the implementation and achievement of the Pathway to the development of Samoa (PDS) Key Strategic Outcome 2, specifically Key Priority Area (KPA) 9 Business Innovation and Growth. The work MCIL does have strong linkages to KPA 7 Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Productivity, KPA 8 Tourism Revitalization, and KPA 11 Macroeconomic Stability. The MCIL also leads and facilitates the implementation of the Trade, Commerce and Manufacturing Sector priorities. Our Corporate Plan connects these national development priorities with the mandated functions and public government services provided by MCIL
Our Vision, Mission, Outcomes
Our Vision
“For Samoa to have a productive economy that provides sustainable opportunities for its people.”
Our Mission
“To Reduce poverty by increasing economic activities and opportunities for Samoans.”
Our Outcomes
- Increased returns for employers and growth of their businesses.
- Increased decent job opportunities, incomes and improving working conditions for all,
- Increased coordination and alignment among stakeholders in the implementation of initiatives and policies to support the achieving of our goals
Our Values
We commit and adhere to the values set out by the Public Service Commission for all public servants in the performance of our mandated roles
- We will act honestly, being truthful and abiding by the laws of Samoa
- We will provide impartial advice acting without fear or favour, and making decisions on their merits
- We will serve the people of Samoa well, through faithful service to the Government of Samoa
- We will treat the people, the Government and colleagues with courtesy and respect
- We will ensure our actions and decisions made are made in a transparent and open manner
- We will ensure we are able to explain the reasons for our actions taken and taking responsibility for those actions
- We will ensure good results are achieved in an economical way.
Our Divisions
Industrial Relations, Employment Permits & Occupational Safety and Health
Responsible for promoting fair and safe workplaces in Samoa. Key Services:
- Resolving employment disputes and promoting good labour relations.
- Issuing and monitoring employment permits for foreign workers.
- Ensuring workplaces meet national Occupational Safety and Health standards.
Apprenticeship, Employment Services and Labour Market
Supports skills development and access to employment opportunities.
Key Services:
- Managing the National Apprenticeship Scheme for trades men and women’s skill-building.
- Job seekers and career guidance services.
- Tracking labour market trends to support national workforce planning.
Industry Development and Investment Promotion
Drives economic growth by supporting industries and attracting investment.
Key Services:
- Promoting local and foreign investment in Samoa.
- Supporting private sector and industrial development.
- Collaborating with partners to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Registry of Companies and Intellectual Properties
Maintains official records of business and intellectual property in Samoa.
Key Services:
- Registering companies, business names, societies, and cooperatives.
- Managing trademark, patent, and copyright registrations.
- Promoting compliance with business laws and IP rights protection.
International Agreements
Intellectual Property
- World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) (https://www.wipo.int/portal/en/) Administered Agreements/Treaties (https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en)
- WIPO Convention (https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/convention/)
- IP Protection
- Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/beijing/)
- Berne Convention (https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/berne/)
- Paris Convention (https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/paris/ )
- Global Protection
- Hague Agreement (https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/registration/hague/)
- Lisbon Agreement (https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/registration/lisbon/)
- Madrid Protocol (https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/registration/madrid_protocol/)
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/registration/pct/)
- World Trade Organisation (WTO) (https://www.wto.org/) Administered Agreements/Treaties
- Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Properties (TRIPS) (https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_e/trips_e.htm)
Fair Trading, Codex Alimentarius, Consumer Protection and Metrology
Protects consumer rights and ensures fair trade practices.
Key Services:
- Enforcing laws on fair trading and consumer protection.
- Promoting food safety standards through the Codex Alimentarius.
- Regulating product measurements through the national metrology system.
Policy, Planning and Project Management
Leads strategic direction and project implementation for the Ministry.
Key Services:
- Policy Advice
Provision of sound policy advice to the Chief Executive Officer of MCIL, internal divisions of MCIL, and key stakeholders across the Trade, Commerce and Manufacturing (TCM) Sector to support informed decision-making and strategic direction.
- Sector Planning
Leads the development and coordination of sector planning initiatives to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the Trade, Commerce and Manufacturing Sector Plan (TCMSP) 2024/25 – 2028/29.
- Project Management
Oversees and coordinates development projects within the TCM Sector, ensuring strategic alignment of donor and development funding with national priorities and the local recurrent budget for maximum impact and sustainability.
Legal Unit
Provides legal expertise and guidance across the Ministry.
Key Services:
- Advising on laws, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
- Drafting legislation and representing the Ministry in legal matters.
- Supporting enforcement of labour and commercial laws.
Corporate Services
Ensures efficient internal operations and resource management.
Key Services:
- Managing human resources, finances, procurement, and administration.
- Supporting staff development and internal policy implementation.
- Overseeing records, logistics, and compliance with government procedures.
Information and Communication Technology
Drives digital innovation and technical support across the Ministry.
Key Services:
- Managing IT systems, networks, and cybersecurity.
- Supporting online services, databases, and digital transformation.
- Providing technical assistance and ICT training for staff.
Our People
At MCIL, our strength lies in our dedicated team of 92 professionals who bring diverse skills and passion to serve Samoa’s economic future.
Opportunities
We have varieties of job opportunities where you can find from time to time and work with us. Our working environment prioritize the Talofa with a Smile Campaign where we serve our people and stakeholders with honesty and respect; altogether with core values as Public Service employee. Come and join us!
Our Legislation
At our Office, we administered over 30 pieces of legislation that underpin its responsibilities in supporting the Government’s national development agenda, as outlined in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa. These laws govern key areas such as industry development, fair trading, consumer protection, labour and employment relations, occupational safety and health, foreign investment, and intellectual property rights. Recent legislative reviews, conducted over the past few years, aim to align Samoa’s business environment with global demands. These updates are ongoing to ensure the legislation remains relevant and effective in fostering economic growth and a competitive business landscape.
