Samoa lies in the Central South Pacific, a 3 hour flight north-east of New Zealand and a 5 hour flight south-west of Hawaii. Local time is 11 hours behind London and consequently 6 hours behind New York and 19 hours behind Hong Kong. Its geographic location allows Samoa to have strategic advantage in dealing with both the Asian and USA markets. It is also growing in popularity with Europe as a progressive and discreet jurisdiction. The legal system is based on British common law and closely reflects that of New Zealand and other common law jurisdictions. Samoa has been an independent sovereign state since 1962. Its written constitution provides for a three-tier legal system consisting of a Court of Appeal, High Court and Subordinate courts. Samoa has a modern telecommunications system with direct dial facilities via satellite. Broadband Internet technology has recently been introduced. Samoa has direct international flights with New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii (via American Samoa) and Los Angeles. The business and official language is English, with Samoan as the second official language.

Fepuleai, Laura

Legislation (Source: The Parliament of Samoa)

• Companies Act 2001

• Fair Trading Act 1998

• Foreign Investment Act 2000

• Trade, Commerce & Industry Act 1990

• Trade, Commerce & Industry Amendment Act 1998

Local Newspaper

• Samoa Observer News

Other Useful Information