The Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry is reaching out to all businesses affected by the economic impacts of Samoa’s position to close its international borders and move into a prolonged state of emergency as a necessary safeguard against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chamber is calling on all businesses to complete a survey that will assist with submissions being prepared and put forth to Government.
Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Chamber, Lemauga Hobart Vaai says the request was from the Government of Samoa for additional quantative data on the impact of COVID-19 on the Samoa business community in terms of loss of employment and wage data.
“It will also help Chamber with ongoing submissions to Government for urgent assistance to the business community as part of the upcoming Annual Budget consultation process”, said Lemauga.
Chamber’s CEO says this will be the 3rd survery conducted by the Secretariat of the National Private Sector Organisation since the SOE has been in place.
Lemauga stresses that all survey responses will remain confidential, “but it is absolutely crucial for all our submissions to be evidence-based”.
“We have around 250 responses so far and they are still coming through”.
The deadline for the survey is close of business tomorrow May 5th, 2020.
Afioga Lemauga Horbart Vaai adds that it is important for every business, in the formal and non-formal sector to participate in this survey.
“E tāua tele le auai uma, ina ia faamalosia ai le mau e tauaveina atu i le tulaga o iai ni aafiaga o pisinisi a si o tatou atunuu.”
If you are a business owner and/or small business operator in Samoa, spare a few minutes to complete this online survey.