Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to Samoa comes in the form of grant aid, technical assistance including the provision of materials and equipment. The main emphasis tends to be on capacity development that contributes in the long term to socioeconomic development and environment protection.
Grant aid has assisted a number of major projects in the 14 sectors under the Governments sectoral planning approach. Samoa has also benefited from assistance extended by its development partners to regional programmes available through the major regional organisations including those of the UN system. Regional projects complement the bilateral programs by responding to region wide sectoral issues and concerns.
In a number of instances technical assistance in the form of experts, design, feasibility and survey teams, advisors and consultants are commissioned to work closely with local personnel in areas where Samoa does not have the specialized technical expertise and know how.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) facilitates duty concessions for project material/equipment that are brought into Samoa once a project has been discussed and agreed to between the Government and the relevant Development Partner. The concessions are part of the Governments contribution to the project and MFAT works in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ministry for Customs and Revenue (MCR).
Responsible line Ministries/Agencies must complete a customs entry form from MCR utilizing a customs agent and provide the completed form and original bill of lading to MFAT. These documents are then sent to MOF for assessment and processing of the relevant paperwork for the release of goods from the wharf/airport cargo.
The Division is responsible for providing clearances for visiting missions who are travelling to Samoa for development cooperation dialogues. Clearances may include issuing invitation letters for delegates, in line with the sending country’s regulations (for example, China).