The Samoa National E-Commerce Policy Multi-Stakeholder Consultations, that were held from the 19 – 20 November 2024 at Sheraton Apia, have culminated in a robust dialogue focused on shaping the future of e-commerce in Samoa. The two-days event brought together diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, industry experts, and community leaders, to collectively address the opportunities and challenges presented by the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Opening remarks delivered by Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling, CEO of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This consultation embodies our commitment to crafting an e-commerce policy tailored to Samoa’s unique context. By pooling our knowledge and experiences, we aim to create a framework that incentivizes innovation while safeguarding the interests of consumers and businesses alike.”
With support from the UN Trade and Development and UN Capital Development Fund, the event featured a team of international and national consultants, including Mr. Sven Callebaut, Mr. Etuale Scanlan, and Ms. Lenara Tupai. These experts provided invaluable insights into global best practices in digital transformation, highlighting the need for an inclusive and market-relevant approach to e-commerce policy development in Samoa.
During the consultations, participants engaged in extensive discussions about the current digital landscape in Samoa, identifying both challenges and vast opportunities that lie ahead. Key topics included enhancing regulatory frameworks, improving digital infrastructure, and promoting digital literacy among citizens. The enthusiasm demonstrated by the participants served as a testament to the collective commitment towards realizing the potential of e-commerce for economic growth and social development.
“Each investment we make in digitalization is an investment in our nation’s future,” remarked Fepuleai Roger Toleafoa, ACEO of the Fair Trading, Codex Alimentarius, Consumer Protection and Metrology Division, in his closing address. “We have engaged in meaningful discussions over these two days, reflecting on not just the present state but also the future we envision for our digital economy. Our proposed framework seeks to unlock the full potential of e-commerce, ensuring inclusivity and resilience in our approach.”
The consultations also highlighted the Samoa E-Commerce Strategy and Roadmap as the critical guiding document, calling for immediate action to bridge gaps and enhance the regulatory environment for e-commerce. Participants emphasized the importance of inclusive policy-making that involves businesses of all sizes, as well as consumer advocacy groups, to ensure that the policy reflects the needs of all stakeholders.
Moving forward, it is clear that the dialogue initiated during the consultation is just the beginning. Participants were encouraged to continue engaging with their respective organizations and communities, acting as ambassadors for the digital transformation vision established in this forum. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour has pledged to integrate the feedback gathered during the consultations into the development of the National E-Commerce Policy.
In summary, the Samoa National E-Commerce Policy Multi Stakeholder Consultations have marked a significant step towards establishing a resilient, inclusive, and competitive e-commerce framework in the nation. The insights gained and relationships forged during this event will serve as a beacon as Samoa continues its journey towards digital empowerment.
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