The American Samoa Economic Advisory Council is calling for improvements in the standard of education and a greater emphasis on trades.
Its chairman David Robinson says this is a common thread coming through in the reports from the council's subcommittees.
Mr Robinson says with the territory looking for outside investment and attempting to attract higher paying industries, it must be able to provide the type of skills needed by such industries.
He says there's concern that the current standard of education is not up to par and considerable improvements are needed.
The Council has also noted the acute shortage of skilled laborers.
It says trades training should be made a priority as it is currently very difficult to find skilled tradesmen.
