Business is growing in Samoa. With tax incentives such as tax waivers for the first ten years for new businesses, companies are encouraged to build their businesses while living the Samoan Lifestyle in Tutuila. All manner of goods and services enjoy success in American Samoa. Industry giants, Van Camp and Star Kist, run two of the largest canneries in the world in Pago Pago. Businesses run the spectrum here: auto dealerships, communications, restaurants, import/export, warehouse wholesalers, airlines, computers, clothing, produce, catering, construction, heavy equipment, rentals, theaters, and even handicrafts, to name just a few. To support businesses, American Samoa provides a concessionary immigration policy for the entry and employment of non-U.S. citizens or nationals who provide specialized skills that are not available from the local work force. There are no immigration restrictions on U.S. citizens and Nationals.
Other amenities that create favorable business climate here include: Banking: The Bank of Hawaii and Amerika Samoa Bank provide full international banking services with correspondent banks in the U.S. and the Pacific region. Automated teller machines are located at each banking branch. Legal Services: There are over 20 resident lawyers in 12 firms in active practice in American Samoa to serve all legal requirements of business. Accounting Services: Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand maintain offices in Apia, Western Samoa and offer their services to businesses here in American Samoa. Business Offices: Available office space is increasing quickly. Ongoing redevelopment of primary commercial areas in the Pago Pago Bay and adjacent to the Pago Pago International Airport has substantially increased space. Current monthly lease rates start at $1.00 per square foot. Insurance: Worldwide insurance is provided by three local companies, two agency offices and one local general insurance broker. These companies can provide all insurance requirements necessary for any type of business enterprise located within the territory. All lines of coverages are offered including personal, property, casualty and life insurance. Other Business Considerations: American Samoa has excellent ties with independent nations of the Pacific. There are no labor unions and wages are relatively low. There are over 1900 licensed businesses and all manner of high tech equipment, including computers, data processing, and high tech communications available to businesses who need them. In fact, to decrease the distance from all other neighbors, Internet Service to the World Wide Web is provided by the Office of Communications, American Samoa Government.
Updated: July 7, 1997
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At Left -Van Camp's and Star Kist - two of the largest
Tuna Canneries in the World.