In an attempt to boost the economy and get more people employed, the Samoa National Employment Policy 2021/2022-2025/2026 was launched on Monday evening at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Apia.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce Industry and Labour, Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo while launching the policy said it was crucial and relevant to the economic development of the country.

“As we are in an era of changes, hence we need to design strategies and frameworks for employment that caters to the demand for labour both locally and internationally, and takes into consideration the capacity to supply skilful workers, decent employment creation, and taking advantage of emerging opportunities that will form the basis for a return to pre-COVID19 levels of employment and economic activities,” he said.

The policy provides the strategic direction for the Government’s development initiatives over the next four years, with its focus on empowering communities, building resilience and inspiring growth.

“As most of us know, COVID-19 has detrimentally affected the private sector development in our country, and key sectors such as the tourism industry, transport and construction, health and education, and has adversely impacted on employment opportunities at all levels of our economy,” said Leatinu’u. 

“The pressures and unpredictable nature of the global pandemic, exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change and other global conflicts like the war between Russia and Ukraine which has affected global energy prices, continues to test our resolve as a nation, and we therefore, must adapt accordingly and be able to build back better and smarter. “

This second policy enables Samoa to consider new potential sectors, such as green jobs creation that compliments climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives, promote more employment opportunities and boost productivity across all levels, and ease the constraints associated with Samoa’s remoteness from major labour markets.