A Chinese national operating businesses in Samoa is calling on Samoans and Chinese to work together to benefit the country.
The Samoa Observer reports the call has come from Tu’itu’io’aiga Teeking Weng, the owner of retail outlet Coin Save and the Dad Mom Children (DMC) restaurant chain.
“Samoa and China have a history together so it’s important for them to work together for a better future,” he said.
His DMC fast food chain has grown steadily in a short time and now has five outlets in operation with plans to build more around the country including the big island Savai’i.
The businessman said he has been in Samoa for a long time and lives here now so all the benefits stay in the country.
Tu’itu’io’aiga is a Samoan matai bestowed through the family of his Samoan wife whom he married soon after migrating to Samoa from China in 2009.
“I was in Samoa for very long and I live here now so every benefit goes to our country, Samoa not China,” he said.
The business owner wants to build a school amongst other community-based projects.
However, he claims rivalry between Samoans and Chinese continues to become a barrier to building a brighter future.
“I understand over 500 Chinese people arrive in Samoa and make businesses but that doesn’t mean we’re here to take from Samoa,” he said.
Tu’itu’ioaiga revealed plans to bring more foreign businesses to Samoa which will benefit the Samoan economy.
“If you can make money and have the power to help people then help them,” he said.
Photo:Samoa Observer
