Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre and the eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre have been selected to serve, respectively, as the administering body and the technology provider for a sports dispute resolution pilot scheme.

The Department of Justice today announced the results of an invitation for joint proposals for the scheme’s operation.

To be launched by the end of this year, it will operate for a period of two years and provide a dedicated mechanism for resolving sports disputes through mediation and arbitration.

The administering body will provide institutional support for mediation and arbitration procedures. This includes compiling specific rules, recruiting and appointing mediators and arbitrators, devising fee structures, and administering proceedings.

The technology provider will provide the technological infrastructure and support required for the pilot scheme’s operation, with a view to promoting wider use of lawtech and online dispute resolution.

The two selected institutions will immediately commence relevant preparation work.

The Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution, comprising representatives from the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong conducted a review of the proposals received based on a set of published assessment criteria.

These covered a wide range of aspects, including organisations’ institutional expertise; their corporate governance frameworks; proposed mechanisms for avoiding conflict in handling cases; and their local and regional networks for promoting sports dispute resolution.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th National Games (NG) and Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today today attended a press conference held by the Organising Committee of the 15th NG in Shenzhen, alongside relevant officials from the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), Guangdong Province and the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Mr Chan reflected at the press conference that this year’s NG represents an unprecedented example of sports collaboration among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, showcasing infinite possibilities for the joint development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

He said the successful staging of the NG not only enhances Hong Kong’s ability to host large-scale sporting events but also promotes deep integration and collaboration among GBA cities, fostering people-to-people exchanges within the GBA and laying a solid foundation for the three places to co-host future mega events.

Mr Chan outlined that this year’s games marked the eighth time Hong Kong has participated in the NG, and were also the city’s most successful NG as it won a total of 19 medals: nine golds, two silvers and eight bronzes. He said this reflects not only the abilities of Hong Kong’s athletes but also that Hong Kong is moving in the right direction in terms of training elite athletes and formulating policies on sports development. He added that it also demonstrates the effectiveness of joint efforts by the Government and various sectors of the community to promote the development of sports over the years.

The Chief Secretary highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has allocated abundant resources to support sports development. It has designated over $1 billion for the Hong Kong Sports Institute in 2025-26 to facilitate training and support for over 1,600 elite athletes. 

He added that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to seek to attract international mega sports events to Hong Kong, further promote the local sports industry, enhance professionalism and industrialisation, and leverage large-scale events to boost sports tourism, related support services and relevant innovative services, all with a view to building a more comprehensive sports industry ecosystem.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will also continue to promote sports at the community and school levels, increase and optimise sports and recreational facilities, and encourage all sectors to jointly cultivate a strong sporting culture, Mr Chan said.

He stressed that the historic results achieved by Hong Kong athletes in the 15th NG present a golden opportunity for Hong Kong’s sports development, and explained that the Hong Kong SAR Government will work together with all sectors to convert that success into long-term momentum, improve local sports standards and promote a culture of sports for all. This will position sports as a vital force in uniting society and enriching cultural life, thereby benefitting ordinary people, he said.

Mr Chan added that hosting the 15th NG has not only elevated the international image of the entire GBA, but will also result in substantial and lasting benefits in areas such as infrastructure, talent development and regional collaboration. These outcomes will continue to exert a positive influence and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s long-term development, he said.

He stated that world-class facilities such as the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) are significant platforms for promoting Hong Kong’s sports and tourism industries. The KTSP hosted rugby sevens, handball and fencing events during the 15th NG, demonstrating its ability to host international competitions. In particular, the Kai Tak Stadium, which accommodates 50,000 spectators, significantly enhances Hong Kong’s competitiveness in hosting large-scale competitions.

The Chief Secretary remarked that the NG fully demonstrated Hong Kong’s capabilities in event organisation and management. In preparing for the games, he said, Hong Kong cultivated a group of professionals who have a global perspective and will continue to play key roles promoting and supporting the development of Hong Kong’s sports industry. In addition, the Hong Kong competition region appointed over 16,000 volunteers, forming the largest-ever event volunteer team, a powerful social force that establishes a solid societal foundation for Hong Kong’s long-term sports development.

Mr Chan underlined that the 15th NG has significantly enhanced the overall international image and influence of the GBA, further solidified Hong Kong’s status within the international sports arena, and generated tangible benefits in areas such as tourism promotion and talent attraction. He said these achievements will greatly contribute to Hong Kong’s development. foster regional integration and promote cultural exchanges and trade collaboration in the GBA.

He added that Hong Kong will maintain close co-operation with the GASC to further promote the joint development of the sports industry in the GBA and attract more major events, thereby contributing to the establishment of a world-class bay area and the country’s efforts to become a sporting powerhouse.

Other officials attending today’s press conference included GASC Deputy Director Tong Lixin; Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Standing Committee member of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Wang Xi; and Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Secretary for Social Affairs & Culture of the Macau Special Administrative Region Government O Lam. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Primary One discretionary places for September 2026 will be released next Monday, the Education Bureau announced today.

Of the 37,581 children applying for discretionary places at government and aided primary schools this year, 19,656 will be offered places in these schools.

Among them, 9,477 have siblings studying or parents working at the schools that they have applied to. The remaining 10,179 have been selected according to the Points System.

Parents who have already activated their Primary One Admission e-platform (ePOA) account can check the results via the e-platform from 10am on Monday.

They can also bring their copy of the paper application form and check the results at the school they have applied to between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

Parents whose children have been offered a discretionary place should register their children next Wednesday or Thursday.

For parents of children who have failed to secure a discretionary place or who have opted for Central Allocation only, the bureau will inform them in writing in mid-January 2026 to make choices of schools for Central Allocation via ePOA from January 19 to 25 or at a designated Central Allocation Centre on January 24 or 25.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The final two competition events of the 15th National Games (NG) in Hong Kong, fencing and basketball (Men’s U22), concluded their last day of competition today (November 20), marking the successful completion of all events in the Hong Kong competition region.

The fencing event took place at the Kai Tak Arena. There were 12 events in total, including men’s and women’s individual and team foil, épée, and sabre competitions. A total of 317 athletes from 39 provinces, cities, and organisations competed for medals, with Hong Kong sending 12 male and 12 female athletes. Among them, Aaron Ho captured the silver medal in the men’s sabre individual event, and Kaylin Hsieh and Cheung Ka-long both earned bronze medals in the women’s épée individual event and the men’s foil individual event respectively. Additionally, the Hong Kong team won the gold medal in the men’s foil team competition. A total of 12 gold medals were awarded over six days of competition. The winning athletes and teams are as follows:

Men’s sabre individual:

Gold	Wei Zhenhao (Shandong)
Silver	Aaron Ho (Hong Kong)
Bronze	Zhu Peijie (Shandong)

Women’s sabre individual:

Gold	Yang Hengyu (Jiangsu)
Silver	Fu Ying (Jiangsu)
Bronze	Qian Jiarui (Jiangsu)

Men’s épée individual:

Gold	Yu Lefan (Anhui)
Silver	Xiu Yuhan (Shandong)
Bronze	Huang Zhongming (Guangdong)

Women’s épée individual:

Gold	Lin Sheng (Fujian)
Silver	Wu Caiyao (Guangdong)
Bronze	Kaylin Hsieh (Hong Kong)

Men’s foil individual:

Gold	Xu Jie (Fujian)
Silver	Zou Tianyi (Jiangsu)
Bronze	Cheung Ka-long (Hong Kong)

Women’s foil individual:

Gold	Huang Qianqian (Fujian)
Silver	Wang Yiran (Shanghai Hongkou District Youth Sports School)
Bronze	Lin Qiwen (Fujian)

Men’s sabre team:

Gold	Shandong Team
Silver	Guangdong Team
Bronze	Shanghai Team

Women’s sabre team:

Gold	Jiangsu Team
Silver	Guangdong Team
Bronze	Shandong Team

Men’s épée team:

Gold	Shanghai Team
Silver	Shandong Team
Bronze	Liaoning Team

Women’s épée team:

Gold	Fujian Team
Silver	Anhui Team
Bronze	Beijing Team

Men’s foil team:

Gold	Hong Kong Team
Silver	Fujian Team
Bronze	Shanghai Team

Women’s foil team:

Gold	Fujian Team
Silver	Chongqing Team
Bronze	Jiangsu Team

　　  The 15th NG of the People’s Republic of China The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy Basketball (Men’s U22) Competition was held at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom. Over 150 athletes from 13 teams from the Mainland and Hong Kong participated in the competition. Among them, Hong Kong sent 16 athletes to compete. The winning teams are as follows:

Gold	Guangdong Team
Silver	Shandong Team
Bronze	Beijing Team

In this year’s National Games, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sent 602 athletes to participate in 28 competition events, achieving nine gold, two silver, and eight bronze medals, for a total of 19 medals, setting historical records.

​The spokesperson for the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) said that the 15th NG is a mega sports event jointly organised by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time. It has not only deepened sports co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland, but also fully demonstrated the Greater Bay Area’s capability in hosting major events. The spokesperson expressed gratitude to government departments and relevant organisations for their full support and assistance, which enabled all events in the Hong Kong competition region to be held smoothly. The spokesperson also sincerely thanked various sectors of the community and volunteers for their enthusiastic participation, allowing athletes and spectators visiting Hong Kong to experience the city’s hospitality.

In addition, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) will be held from December 8 to 15. Hong Kong will stage four competition events of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, among which NGD competition events, featuring boccia, wheelchair fencing and table tennis (TT11), are ticketed events. Members of the public can purchase tickets through various channels, including the official ticketing website of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG (ticket.baygamespara.cn) or by searching for the “12th NGD and the 9th NSOG official ticketing” official mini-programme on WeChat, after completing a real-name account registration. Additionally, members of the public can visit 11 designated sales outlets (ww2.ctshk.com/articleDetail?id=4&channelId=-1) of the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited to buy paper tickets for events in the Hong Kong competition region. Moreover, members of the public can purchase physical tickets at the competition area ticket offices during the events. Tickets for table tennis of the NSOG will be distributed to the public for free, with specific arrangements to be announced later.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Transport Department (TD) today (November 20) reminded members of the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements would be implemented in Wan Chai North and Tsim Sha Tsui to facilitate the holding of the Cross Harbour Race 2025 this Saturday (November 22):

Traffic and landing steps arrangements 
 

• The section of Expo Drive East (including the pick-up/drop-off area) north of its junction with Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square will be temporarily closed from 0.30am to 1pm on November 22; and
• The landing of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai and the landing steps of Kowloon Public Pier Nos. 1 to 4 will be closed in phases from 9am on November 21 to 1pm on November 22. 

Public transport arrangements 
 

• In view of the closure of the landing steps at Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui, the following water taxi and ferry services will be suspended:

 

Routes	Sailings Cancelled
Water taxi route “Tsim Sha Tsui East – Central (via West Kowloon and Wan Chai)”	November 21 (Whole Day); and Sailings departing at 10.40am, 11.20am and 12.10pm from Tsim Sha Tsui East on November 22
Water taxi route “Tsim Sha Tsui – Lei Yue Mun (via Tsim Sha Tsui East)”	Sailings departing at 11.40am (from Tsim Sha Tsui) and 12.30pm (from Lei Yue Mun) on November 22
Ferry services plying between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui	From the first sailing to 11am on November 22.
Ferry services plying between Central and Hung Hom	From the first sailing to 11.10am on November 22.

 

• The terminal point of cross-harbour bus route No. 961 at Expo Drive East will be relocated to Harbour Road outside the Wan Chai Swimming Pool from the first departure to 1pm on November 22, while the bus stop of Citybus route Nos. H1S and H3 at Expo Drive East near Golden Bauhinia Square will also be suspended.

Resumption of the water taxi and ferry services will be subject to the actual reopening time of the affected area of the harbour. For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) or its mobile application “HKeMobility”. Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.
​
The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or “HKeMobility”.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Two of the competition events being held in Hong Kong as part of the 15th National Games (NG), namely fencing and basketball (Men’s U22), concluded today, marking the successful completion of all events in the Hong Kong competition region.

At the two fencing events held at the Kai Tak Arena today, the Shanghai Team captured the gold medal in the men’s epee team event, while the silver and bronze medal went to the Shandong Team and Liaoning Team respectively.

For women’s foil team event, the Fujian Team took home gold, while the Chongqing Team and the Jiangsu Team won the silver and bronze medal respectively.

For the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy Basketball (Men’s U22) Competition, the Guangdong Team grabbed the gold medal, the Shandong Team won the silver medal and the Beijing Team took home bronze.

A total of 317 athletes from 39 provinces, cities and organisations competed for medals in the 12 fencing events that took place at the Kai Tak Arena over six days of competitions, with Hong Kong sending 12 male and 12 female athletes.

Among them, Aaron Ho captured the silver medal in the men’s sabre individual event, while Kaylin Hsieh and Cheung Ka-long earned bronze medals in the women’s epee individual event and the men’s foil individual event respectively. The Hong Kong Team won the gold medal in the men’s foil team competition.

Over 150 athletes from 13 teams from the Mainland and Hong Kong participated in the basketball (Men’s U22) competition held at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom. Among them, Hong Kong sent 16 athletes to compete.

In this year’s Games, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sent 602 athletes to participate in 28 competition events, achieving nine gold, two silver and eight bronze medals, for a total of 19 medals, setting historical records.

The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) said the 15th NG is a mega sports event jointly organised by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau for the first time which has not only deepened sports co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland, but also fully demonstrated the Greater Bay Area’s capability in hosting major events.

Source:

Transition of Management at Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort (Mulifanua)

The Government of Samoa, through the Samoa National Provident Fund (SNPF) as the major shareholder, confirms that the shareholders and Board of Mulifanua Beach Resort-Samoa Limited (“MBRS”) have formally resolved to terminate the Management Agreement with Marriott International for the property known as Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort at Mulifanua, effective 31 December 2025.

This decision was made jointly by the shareholders and Board of MBRS, and has been endorsed by Cabinet following comprehensive review and consultation. The decision relates only to the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort in Mulifanua, and does not affect any other properties in Samoa currently managed by Marriott International.

Acknowledgement of Partnership with Marriott International

The Government acknowledges and deeply appreciates Marriott lnternational’s professionalism, leadership, and partnership throughout the past 1O full operating years managing the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort.

Marriott International has played a significant role in building Samoa’s profile as a high-quality hospitality destination. The Government emphasises that this transition is not a reflection on Marriott’s performance or brand, but rather a strategic decision by the shareholders to reposition the property in preparation for future investment.

The Government of Samoa and SNPF maintain the highest regard for the Marriott brand, its global reputation, and its continuing presence in Samoa through the other property it manages.

Transition to Owner Management

From 1 January 2026, management of the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort will transition to the Owner, MBRS, which will assume direct operational control under the new name Samoa Beach Resort, pending completion of the ongoing sale process.

This transition has been carefully planned in collaboration with Marriott International to ensure that operations remain stable, guests experience no disruption, and employees are fully supported throughout the process.

The Government is satisfied that the transition plan upholds sound governance, corporate due diligence, and regulatory compliance.

Commitment to Employees and Stakeholders

The MBRS Board has assured Government that the welfare and employment continuity of staff remain a top priority.

The Owner intends to retain all current employees following the management changeover. For those who choose to pursue other opportunities, the process will be conducted fairly, transparently, and in full compliance with Samoa’s labour laws, including the payment of all contractual and statutory entitlements.

The Government commends MBRS and Marriott for managing this process with professionalism and respect, ensuring stability for staff and the ongoing strength of Samoa’s tourism industry.

Government Oversight and Future Outlook

This transition represents a strategic step in MBRS’s restructuring plan to strengthen the Resort’s financial position, prepare for new investment, and enhance Samoa’s overall tourism offering.

Through the Samoa National Provident Fund and other government shareholding entities, the Government will continue to exercise oversight to ensure that the transition serves the best interests of staff, shareholders, and the people of Samoa.

The Government remains confident that the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort, under its new name and management, will continue to contribute significantly to employment, economic growth, and Samoa’s international reputation as a welcoming destination for visitors and investors alike.

Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo

Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for Samoa National Provident Fund

PEPA O FAAMATALAGA

Suia o Pulega a le Faletalimalo i le Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort (Mulifanua)

Ua fa’amaonia aloaia le fa’aiugafonoina e Sui Fai Sea Uma ma le Komiti Fa’atonu a le Mulitanua Beach Resort Samoa Limited (“MBRS”), ina ia ta’amutaina le Maliega taiga paaga sa sainia ma le Kamupani Fa’avaomalo a le Mariott mo le Faletalimalo o le Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort i Mulifanua, e amata atu i le aso 31 Tesema, 2025.

0 lenei ta’aiuga ua autasi ai Sui uma o loo umia Sea e aofia ai ma le Sui Autu o le Fa’alapotopotoga mo le Lumana’i Manuia o Samoa (SNPF) ma le Komiti Fa’atonu a le MBRS, ma ua mae’a ta’amaonia e le Kapeneta. 0 lenei ta’aiuga e ta’aautu lea i le Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort i Mulitanua ma e le a’afia ai isi Faletalimalo i totonu o Samoa o lo’o puleaina e le Mariott International.

Fa’afetai Aloaia o le Faiga Paaga ma le Mariott

Mai le Malo o Samoa, e fia fa’amauina ai le agaga fa’atetai tele i le Mariott i la tatou faiga pa’aga ma le galueaina o le Faletalimalo i lena 10 tausaga.

Ua maitauina le siitia maualuga o galuega i Faletalimalo i Samoa nei, aemaise le fa’alauiloaina atili o Samoa i tagata tafafao mai le lalolagi. 0 le naunautaiga foi lea o le Malo i lenei fesuiaiga e le ona o ni lape i se auaunaga a le Mariott, ae o fuafuaga alu alu mamao mo le lumanai manuia o ana tupe fa’afaigaluega.

E maualuga pea le fa’aeaea ma le amanaia e le Malo o Samoa ma le SNPF o le tautua ma le auaunaga fa’aauau pea a le Mariott i totonu o Samoa e ala atu i nisi foi o Faletalimalo o lo’o latou puleaina.

Pulega fou

E amata atu i le aso 1 lanuari 2026, o le a fa’amutaina ai loa le auaunaga a le Mariott ma amatalia ai Joa le Pulega fou ma Iona fa’agaioiina i lalo o le Samoa Beach Resort, e fa’aauau ai le fa’amaeaina o le fa’atauese atu o le Faletalimalo.

0 le manulati ua autasi i ai le Mariott ma le MBRS o le mautinoa le sologa lelei o galuega masani, le fa’aauauina o galuega fa’atino i tulaga aupito sili ona maualuga e

pei ona masani ai mo malo feasiasi a le Faletalimalo, aemaise o le fa’amautuina o avanoa faigaluega mo tagata galulue.

0 le agaga maualuga a le Malo, o lenei suiga ua fa’atinoina i lalo o Pulega lelei ma le taualoa, taiala talafeagai ma o lo’o lima taitaiina i tulafono fa’avae.

Tu’utu’uga mo Tagata Faigaluega ma Tagata Lautele

Ua fa’amautinoa e le Komiti Fa’atonu a le MBRS le Malo o Samoa o le fa’aauauina ma le fa’atumauina uma o le aufaigaluega o lo’o galulue i le taimi nei. E i ai le talitonuga e faia lava le filifiliga saoloto a le tagata ia. E i ai nisi o le a filifili mo nisi avanoa. E lima taitaiina le Pulega fou i le fa’atinoina o lenei suiga i ala masani o faiga fa’avae, Tulafono Fa’atonutonu ma isi Tulafono a Samoa e faapito augafa i fa’amanuiaga faa-konekarate mo le aufaigaluega e agava’a.

E momoli le fa’afetai tele a le Malo o Samoa i le MBRS ma le Mariotti le faatinoina o lenei fuafuaga i Iona tulaga maualuga ma le fa’aaloalogia ina ia mautinoa le faatumauina pea o le aufaigaluega aemaise le si’itia maualuga o Samoa i itu aoaotetele mo Tagata Tafafao Maimoa mai Fafo.

Va’ava’aiga Lautele ma Fuafuaga alualu mamao a le Malo

0 le suiga i le Pulega o se la’asaga taua lea mo le Faletalimalo aua le toe fetu’unaiga o tulaga tau tupe aemaise o le puleaina lelei o ana aseta mo le fa’atuputupulaia o tulaga tau tulisi i totonu o Samoa.

0 le naunauta’iga a le Malo o Samoa, e tauala atu i le Fa’alapotopoga o Faatupugatupe mo le Lumanai Manuia o Samoa ma isi Paaga Fai Sea,

ina ia fa’aauau le lelei o le Suiga o Pulega aua ona Sui fai Sea uma aemaise o tagatanuu o Samoa.

0 le agaga maualuga foi a le Malo, o le a fa’aauauina pea e le Samoa Beach Resort i lalo ale ta’ita’iga a le Pulega fou le tulaga maualuga i auaunaga lautele, tamaoaiga aemaise o le siitia lea o le tulaga o Samoa i atunuu i fafo aua le faaulufaleina mai o tagata maimoa mai fafo ma tagata faipisinisi aua le atinaeina o Samoa mo le lumanai.

Soifua ma ia Manuia

Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o

Minisita o Tupe ma le Minisita mo le Fa’alapotopotoga Fa’aputugatupe mo le Lumanai Manuia o Samoa

November 20, 2025

Source:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS Associate Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries & Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa. Aiolupotea Tony Aiolupo

Taitai o le Sauniga, Reverend Letupu Mata’utia

Honourable Delegates and Esteemed Guests from across the Region

Ladies and Gentlemen

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all, It is with great honour and pleasure that I welcome you all to Samoa for this important Inception Workshop for the Global One Country One Product (OCOP) Project, under the FAO – China South–South Cooperation (SSC) Programme, and the Third (3rd) FAO OCOP Regional Organizing Group Meeting for Asia and the Pacific.

On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I extend a very warm welcome to the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of FAO, Mr Alue Dohong; the Directors and colleagues from FAO Headquarters; the FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific, our distinguished delegates from the Pacific Island countries, and our partners from China and other regions.

Your presence here today signifies a strong spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to advancing agricultural transformation and food security across our region. Samoa is honoured to be chosen as the Pacific’s OCOP Demonstration Country, focusing on cocoa-an economic resource and cultural heritage.

This initiative offers a valuable platform to advance sustainable production, processing, and marketing through innovation, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships, benefiting our farmers and communities.

This workshop marks another milestone in strengthening regional cooperation under FAO’s vision of achieving Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life – leaving no one behind. It also reflects the success of the FAO–China South–South Cooperation Programme, which continues to bridge expertise, technology, and solidarity between developing nations.

In the coming days, you will engage in knowledge exchange, explore strategic approaches, and observe firsthand the advancements achieved within Samoa’s cocoa value chain. From pioneering research and innovation at the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) to the dedicated efforts of our farmers and entrepreneurs in production and processing, this journey reflects our collective commitment to sustainable growth. We are confident that Samoa’s experience will offer valuable insights to inspire and guide other Pacific nations as we advance together under the OCOP framework.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the FAO, the Government of China, and our regional partners for their steadfast support and collaboration. Through this shared commitment, we can strengthen and safeguard agrifood systems across the Pacific-systems that empower our farmers, uplift livelihoods, and drive sustainable development for our communities and future generations.

Once again, welcome to Samoa. I wish you all a productive and enriching workshop.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

November 20, 2025