12 Oct 2016

Samoa to look for more seasonal jobs abroad after firm closure

3:49 pm on 12 October 2016

The Samoan government will be looking for more foreign investors and seasonal worker jobs abroad to help fill the gap left by Yazaki EDS Samoa.

The automotive component manufacturer is one of the country's largest employer and its closure announced yesterday will put 740 people out of work.

Yazaki management announce the closure of their Samoa operations

Yazaki management announce the closure of their Samoa operations Photo: RNZI/ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

In a statement the government said there is no denying the firm's pull-out before the end of 2017 will be a loss for the country and impact its economy.

Business closures are a reality that governments around the world must face, and Samoa is no different it said.

The government also said growing the private sector is key for the country and it will continue to promote Samoa as an attractive option for foreign investment as well as proactively seek more seasonal work for Samoans in New Zealand and Australia.

The Samoan government said seasonal jobs lead to workers establishing their own small to medium-sized businesses and provide opportunities for upskilling.