The four-day Samoa Sustainable Business & Investment Showcase kicked off Thursday at the Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, attracting international and local entrepreneurs to the south coast of Upolu.

With 12 international participants present, the focus of the event is to showcase the unique and attractive investments available in Samoa and open opportunities to supply the country’s organic products to outside markets.

AA Solar Company Brand Ambassador and Managing Director of Indigenous Business Consultants, Billy Te Kahika, who has been instrumental and the driving force behind the event, said they are looking to also engage local groups such as the Samoa Hotels Association and Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters.

“I am happy with the quality of conversations already and the appetite and interest that’s been generated. Actually it’s mind blowing to me,” Mr. Kahika said.  

“We have international investors here already interested to want to find the projects to invest in here. They love Samoa and I think what you seeing in a very quiet, humble Eastern and Middle Eastern way, they are displaying their big appetite and keenness to be here and find opportunities to invest.

“I am really amazed and thrilled with the response we have so far.”

Mr. Kahika has one goal at the conclusion of the event on Sunday to get “some deals signed at the end of the week”.

The event also includes a gala dinner and music festival on the beach, which Mr. Kahika anticipates will generate more opportunities for participants to dialogue and find common areas of business interest to invest in.

“We have got 160 people coming to celebrate at our gala dinner tonight (Thursday), and more opportunities will fall out of there. And it’s just incredibly exciting.

“For people if they didn’t know about it and want to come tomorrow then get here, registration is free. It’s the big day tomorrow.

“We are looking at other events in the future, but what we want to do now is finish this weekend and we evaluate our position. Already we feel today has been a success, tonight and through the weekend.”

Mr. Kahika also acknowledged the sponsors of the event, especially Bluesky for the financial assistance.