Chinese businesses establishing themselves in Samoa contribute a lot to our development.

So says 67-year-old father, Ligaliga Toma, from Fasito’o-Tai. 

Mr. Toma was on his way to his plantation yesterday morning when he met the Village Voice team.

He said everything in Samoa was good except the cost of living.

“I think the life we have here in Samoa is not bad at all because despite the high cost of living, we still have things to rely on.

“We have been blessed with the land and the sea and I think that’s where the focus should be when life is really hard.”

Mr. Toma supports Chinese businesses in Samoa.

“The Chinese businesses around our country are the ones who are making things cheaper for the public.

“Most of the locally-owned businesses are selling things quite expensive but thanks to the Chinese men for making it easier for us.”

Mr. Toma added these Chinese businesses also provided employment opportunities for the locals.

“That’s another good contribution of the Chinese businesses because they hire locals to work for them so in return these locals are able to support their families.

Mr. Toma added that to create better competition, local businesses need to make things cheaper for the public.

He said things were easier now because of the competition between locally-owned businesses and Chinese businesses.

“I believe more competition can make things cheaper.” 

Mr. Toma said his wife and kids were all in New Zealand but he preferred to be in Samoa to look after their land and properties.

He said his brother’s children always visited him at his home so he never felt alone.