23 Dec 2008

Samoa's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour invites CC to meeting

12:02 pm on 23 December 2008

Samoa's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour Misa Telefoni is inviting the Chamber of Commerce to a meeting to discuss proposed new price orders with the Price Control Board.

Misa Telefoni has advised the Chamber that the new price orders, which cover all goods sold in Samoa are based on costings and margins supplied and agreed to by merchants.

A statement from the Chamber of Commerce says it supports the rights of consumers to fair pricing and is hopeful that the consultation process carried out by the PCB to date, has been effective and inclusive of all members who may be affected.

The Chamber's President Sina Retzlaff Lima, issued a statement saying it's disappointing that an open consultation with merchants is conducted after the General Price Order has been finalized and issued.

She said the chamber can only hope that merchants contacted by PCB were given enough time to submit information and concerns, and that all businesses affected were fairly consulted, particularly those in Savai'i.