Give Chinese credit for reducing cost of living

By Ulimasao Fata 17 November 2017, 12:00AM

The cost of living in Samoa is expensive.

But it would be a lot worse it if weren’t for the existence of Chinese businesses who have helped eased the burden for many locals.

Iosefo Lili’a, 56, from the village of Nu’u Fou accepts that the quality of products is not exactly the best.

But they are affordable and when it comes to basics, he believes you are better off with an inferior product as opposed to not being able to afford it. 

“The fact is the Chinese shops are cheaper compared to local retailers,” he said. Mr. Lili’a was on his way to pick her daughter from school when Village Voice team met him yesterday afternoon.

He said he is grateful to the Chinese businesses operating in Samoa.

“The money we earn from our work is not enough to cover the high cost of living,” the father of two said. 

Mr. Lili’a said his two daughters and their husbands worked and they were the ones providing for their family.

 “We moved here almost a year ago and we are trying to adapt to our new place here in Nu’u.

“My wife is also doing her work at home sewing clothes and that is another way of making money.”

Mr. Lili’a said: “Another way the Chinese companies are helping is through the creation of jobs for the locals.”

He also added even though four people worked in his family, it’s not enough to cope with the high cost of living.

“Even if I have four people in my family who works, it will never cope with the high cost of living in Samoa and that is why I am grateful to the Chinese businesses,” Mr. Lili’a said. 

By Ulimasao Fata 17 November 2017, 12:00AM

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