Challenges and opportunities arising from Samoan's accession to the World Trade Organization: National Conferences on WTO Accession and Preparations for the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference

Abstract

Samoa is currently in the process of acceding to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO membership entails adjustments by the Government and domestic industries to greater domestic market openings and increased international competition. Although Samoa, as a least developed country (LDC), can benefit from special and differential treatment under the WTO, these provisions at present provide limited scope for continuing current policies and practices especially by the private sector. Thus adaptation and adjustment in policies and strategies is required, especially for domestic enterprises that would experience a disadvantaged competitive position following greater liberalization.