27 Dec 2007

American Samoans told they are to blame for Asians taking over retail businesses

6:10 pm on 27 December 2007

American Samoa's Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin is calling on local residents to start running their businesses themselves.

The congressman says Asian business owners are operating companies that are licensed to local people.

He says because of cultural demands, locals do not want to be involved in the business operation but prefer to collect a fee from their Asian partners.

The congressman says they may collect $1,000 a month whilst the business will be making $10,000.

He says local business laws were designed to stimulate local business ownership but there are now very few American Samoans left in the retail industry.

Congressman Faleomavaega says the influx of Asian owned businesses is caused by local residents themselves by allowing foreigners to take over.