The Chamber of Commerce hosted a Private Sector Think Tank Forum on Information Communication Technology (I.C.T) at the Hotel Elisa on Monday.

The agenda focused on the future of I.C.T in Samoa. 

Present were representatives from the telecommunications sector, manufacturing and primary industries as well as the banking and services sectors. 

The forum looked at how the I.C.T Industry can better contribute to Samoa’s economic growth. 

Given that the highly anticipated Tui Samoa Cable is to be launched towards the end of 2017, the participants highlighted the need to ensure Samoa is prepared to utilize its full benefits. 

Participants discussed measures to stimulate industry growth such as infrastructure expansion and improvement; improving the accessibility and affordability of I.C.T; measures to lower the cost of internet capable devices; as well as facilities to encourage e-commerce such as a Local Payment gateway. In addition, increased investment into I.C.T training and education was highlighted as being crucial. 

This Forum is one of many sector-focused forums that are initiated and hosted by the Samoa Chamber of Commerce.  

They aim to  facilitate discussions on ways that the private sector and its respective industries can improve, as well as to advocate collaboratively to government on any issues faced in the private sector. 

The Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated as the National Private Sector Organisation is funded by the Pacific Leadership Program (PLP).