The Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS) could become privately owned.
A proposal to privatize SROS will be tabled in Cabinet for consideration, the Minister in charge of the Organization, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt told parliament.
He noted that after 11 years since SROS was established, the research organization, has fulfilled its mandate to develop added value to primary produce for export to overcome the trade challenges faced by Samoa with the ultimate target to increase economic benefits.
The Minister said that the time for trials is over and SROS needed to move forward and adapt with the changes.
Laaulialemalietoa recalled that SROS was intended to be the research arm to develop new products and for the business sector to step in and use research results to develop products for export.
The minister highlighted SROS success in developing formulas to produce gluten flour from breadfruit, organic avocado oil, liquor and a whole range of by-products utilizing local produce.
But the local business community is not taking up the opportunity to invest due to financial constraints.
Laaulialemalietoa said the proposal to privatize SROS is intended to take it to the next level.
