Samoa participates in Agritourism Forum for SIDS in Brussels
The Ambassador of Samoa to Belgium and the European Union & Coordinator of the ACP Group SIDS platform, H.E. Fatumanava Dr Pa’olelei Luteru, chaired the proceedings of the ACP-EU Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation Brussels Briefing held on 21st September 2016 on the theme, “Agribusiness development & Tourism Markets in SIDS”.
The purpose of the forum was to exchange views and experiences around the lessons learnt from linking agribusinesses to the tourism markets in small island economies and focused attention to the key role of chefs as drivers of change for the development of food tourism. The event also discussed the enabling policy environment to support agritourism and agribusiness development.
“Strengthening the Agritourism policy setting is important in delivering further linkages between agriculture, trade & tourism sector to support local business and develop tourism-related markets,” Ambassador Luteru said. “Cuisine Books, for instance, could facilitate the export of local produce thus improving and developing the participation and capacity of local chefs should be given greater focus”. He also highlighted the value of such forums in advocating emerging issues in which EU-ACP cooperation can be further targeted, particularly in relation to Small Island Developing States
Panellists from Samoa included the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Tourism Authority, Ms Papali’i Sonja Hunter, and renowned female business owner and local chef, Ms Fiaailetoa Charlotte Chan Mow-Brunt.
The Briefing forum builds on work accomplished by the organizers in collaboration with other partners across ACP small island economies in support of agritourism and agribusiness development such as the Second Pacific Agribusiness Forum that was held in Apia, Samoa in August 2016.
Click here to watch the forum.
CEO Hunter during her presentation at ACP House. PC: CTA