Samoa’s Prime Minister believes that if people stopped looking at the Chinese as a country buying into Samoa and more at the positive and collective benefits to the country’s economy, then it would be clear that they are only here to help.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was responding to a question from KHJ News if his government was concerned at the number of local businesses being sold to Chinese interests.
Major sales of Samoan businesses to Chinese interests include the two Sheraton Aggie Greys resorts and the Tree House Hotel at Malololelei.
And more recently the Catholic church has sold a major beach property on the northern east coast of Upolu island to another Chinese organization.
The sales of Samoan land continues to be a major concern for many and was cause for a recent peaceful march led by overseas based academics.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Chinese owned businesses now employ more Samoans than other companies.
“These companies are providing employment for the thousands who graduate every year,” he said.
