ANZ New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Antonia Watson will visit Samoa next week as part of a week-long visit to the Pacific.

Ms Watson oversees the running of ANZ in New Zealand and is responsible for ANZ in the Pacific.

She will spend two days in Apia, Samoa’s capital, visiting local businesses, meeting with Government officials, and giving an address at a Women in Leadership event. Later in the week, she will head to Fiji.

“New Zealand shares a close relationship with Samoa, and having responsibility for ANZ’s Pacific business is something I value deeply,” Ms Watson said.

“ANZ plays a strong part in supporting the Samoan economy. We have a great team here and I’m looking forward to being on the ground, meeting customers and local businesses, and getting a better understanding of how we can continue to provide the support needed.”

ANZ Samoa Country Head Sucharu Tandon said the visit demonstrates the importance of Samoa to ANZ.

“The Pacific is a key part of ANZ’s international network and Samoa is one of our core Pacific markets – we have been operating here for over 30 years.”

Mr Tandon said it’s an exciting time for the island nation with recent ANZ reports showing a strong economic outlook, and other executive visits and events coming up.

Recent ANZ reports showed inflation was down, reserves were strong, and interest rates were moving into more neutral territory. GDP grew by 10.2% in 2023 and is forecasted to grow a further 7.4% in 2024.

“It is pleasing to see these positive economic reports, with thanks also to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled in October which will be one of the biggest events hosted in Samoa in 60 years,” said Mr Tandon.