Business licenses issued by the Department of Commerce in 2021 increased 42.51% compared to the previous year.
The numbers are from the Governor’s State of the Territory Report distributed at the opening of the Fono yesterday.
According to the report the number of business licenses issued is a record high for registered business licenses in the territory and a significant increase in business growth for 2021,
This positive trend is a result of contributing factors such as a streamlined business licensing process, an online application process, improved joint-agency enforcement measures, and newly created industries as a result of federally funded programs related to the Covid pandemic, said the report.
An online portal for anyone to apply for a renewals or a new business license to set up shop in American Samoa was launched at the beginning of FY2022.
“The online application process has made it more convenient for business owners in The territory and abroad to register in a timely manner.”
Improvements in enforcement work enabled the DOC to spot-check 211 business licenses on a routine and/or unannounced inspection schedule coordination with the Department of Health
The Environmental Health Services Division (EHSD) of the Dept of Health checked on non-compliant food establishments and non-compliant business activities. This year, the DOC conducted joint inspections with the Department of Health to shut down and enforce American Samoa’s business laws for over 34 business establishments and 59 business licenses. The joint enforcement efforts generated more revenues, said the report.
The Dept of Commerce has been working with the Office of Legal Affairs’ Consumer Protection Bureau (CPB) to handle customer complaints on price gouging and selling of over-the- counter medication without approval of the Food and Drug Administration.
