New Zealand's Prime Minister says the Pacific has the basis for very good economies but there's a lot more work to be done.
John Key says renewable energy sources, development in tourism, agricultural, farming and fisheries are the big areas with potential.
Yesterday he introduced the new role of the ambassador for economic development in the Pacific and, speaking in Samoa, he says the role will focus on development and creating jobs.
"It's improving but there's still an awful lot of development that needs to happen here. These are economies that have a variety of different challenges. So the real issue here is how can we make sure there are jobs for people to actually go to and stay."
Prime Minister John Key announced New Zealand will spend almost 900,000 US dollars to help boost Samoa's tourism sector.
