Father cautions against rising number of Asian businesses

By Ulimasao Fata 26 December 2017, 12:00AM

The rising number of Asian businesses is good for Samoa.

But it also comes with very serious consequences Samoans need to be alert about.

This is the belief of father of four, Apulu Sapati, 67, from the village of Faleasi’u.

Mr. Sapati said there are always two sides of every story.

“The good side of the Chinese businesses coming to Samoa is that they provide job opportunities,” he said.

“Another good thing for them coming to Samoa is that competition will make prices come down.”

Mr. Sapati met the Village Voice team at the Mulifanua Wharf. He was about to depart for Savaii with his family.

Mr. Sapati is worried that the Chinese businesses will drive out many Samoans who are running businesses. 

“The reality of Samoa local businesses owners right now is that they are closing shop and some of them are going back to sell B.B.Q next to the road.

“Many local businesses cannot compete with the Chinese. This is bad for Samoa because these local business owners are serving their families, villages and churches and yet they are closing because of the Chinese.

“We have to be careful about this.”

Mr. Mulitalo is also concerned about the land.

“Lots of Chinese are now settling in Samoa and some of them have bought land,” he said.

“Their population is rising and they are spreading all over Samoa. I fear what will happen in the future.”

Mr. Mulitalo said the government needs to be vigilant.

“Like I said, the Chinese coming to Samoa is good but we have to watch them very carefully,” he said.

“We cannot fall asleep while they slowly take over businesses and eventually our country.”

By Ulimasao Fata 26 December 2017, 12:00AM

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