American Samoa: The Pacific's Best Bet for Investment - 29 June 2006

Exhibiting at MIPIM ASIA 2006 are special projects being offered within American Samoa, the only US Territory South of the equator. Located in the heart of the South Pacific, American Samoa offers an abundance of investment opportunities in real estate ranging from condominium/time share accommodations within the spectacular Pago Pago Bay to ecotourism initiatives in the enchanting Manu’a Islands.

Pago Pago Bay emulates the picturesque portrayal of South Pacific allures and is surrounded by lush tropical landscape, clear waters, unsurpassed views and daunting mountains that plunge straight into the sea. Nestled in the inner harbor and offering the most incredible views of Pago Pago Bay is the infamous Rainmaker Hotel, a renowned Inter-Continental Hotel of the 1960’s.

To the east, are the Manu’a Islands offering dramatic and pristine beauty. Noted for its beautiful south-coast beach, Manu’a is home to one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches of the South Pacific. The untouched beauty of the Manu’a Islands holds tremendous potential in projects ranging from eco-tourism to resort development.

The local Polynesian culture offers a relaxed, hospitable lifestyle that has been lost in more developed areas of the Pacific. It is a rare combination of beauty and culture with a growing and diverse economy. Visitors can see the South Pacific as it used to be, and contribute to its transformation into a cultural and business center. Samoan traditions are paramount and the cultural values remain strong and unique.

“Afio Mai” (Welcome), Explore, and Discover American Samoa’s top development priorities as your possible investment opportunities!

Ecotourism & Golf Course Development – Manu’a Islands

Situated about 70 miles east of Tutuila are the Manu’a Islands, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u, known for spectacular natural beauty and a world-class tropical beach and marine reserve. The Islands are a large untapped resource for tourism and eco-tourism development and can be made accessible for careful development.

Three main investment opportunities exist for potential developments in this exotic place:

• An 18-hole Golf Course in the Village of Ta’u – to include a clubhouse, restaurant, cocktail lounge, shops, and various tourist amenities.
• The Faleasao Bed & Breakfast Inn – to cater to the needs of local and international visitors and golfers.
• Time Share Hotel Accommodations in the Village of Fitiuta.

American Samoa’s most valuable assets are its people, culture and island environment. American Samoa is home to the only U.S. National Park south of the equator. The American Samoa National Park consists of 9,000 acres of both rainforest and pristine coral reefs spanning three islands -Tutuila, Ta’u and Ofu.

The islands of Manu’a are also identified as village sites for eco-tourism development to compliment the scope of the National Park. Packaged development may involve creation of cultural eco-tourism products, such as village attraction sites, beach “fales” (huts), adventure tours, and handicraft production for possible export.

Tramway Development – Mt. Alava Tramway

The Pago Pago Harbor Tramway serves as a historical and cultural attraction, a tourism product to potential visitors, and a key marketing tourism strategy to promote American Samoa’s National Park. Situated atop the famous Mt. Alava, the Pago Pago Tramway offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the entire island. Development proposals for this stunning location include the following:

• Revitalize the operation of the cable car as a primary Pacific Region tourist attraction that capitalizes on serving as the gateway to the 50th National Park of America;
• Develop and construct a restaurant overlooking the spectacular view of Pago Pago Harbor and Mt. Alava-Maugaloa Ridge summit area of the National Park;
• Develop a hiking trail leading to the renowned Fagasa Pass ecotourism site, Afono Pass and the beautiful Vatia Village as a cultural excursion for visitors.

Marina & Marine Railroad Development – Pago Pago Bay

Develop a boat marina in Pago Pago Bay’s inner harbor highlighting the following aspects:

• Small boat pier and 68 large boat birthing slips,
• On-shore improvements including seawall and parking lot,
• Building providing marine services, office space and laundry, shower and toilet facilities for the boating community; and
• Utility (water and sewer) hook-up at slips with solid waste facilities nearby.
• Upgrade an existing boat repair and maintenance facility (Marine Railroad) to provide cleaning, painting and repair services to small sea craft and larger fishing and commercial vessels.

Condominium & Time Share Development – Rainmaker Hotel

The proposed project, situated on 3.24 acres of premier real estate in the heart of downtown Pago Pago, involves the renovation and/or redevelopment of the Rainmaker Hotel into a multi purpose time share/condominium complex. The time share/condominium concept could accommodate various uses of the building, reserving the first floor for commercial purposes and the upper floors for residential units. Developing the existing lobby and restaurant area into commercial rent spaces that hold spectacular views of the inner harbor can create opportunities to maximize this area. Other commercial activities may include a sports club, cocktail lounge, café/gourmet coffee shop, and a nightclub. Click here for more details.

Attractive Local Incentives for Investors

• Tax exemptions issued by the Governor on some or all taxes for up to 10 years for the establishment/expansion of industrial or business enterprises under the Industrial Incentives Act.
• Well-developed infrastructure including outstanding harbor and airport facilities, roads, modern communications system, utilities and federally supported educational and medical facilities.
• A minimum 4% tax rate on personal income; 34% tax rate on the taxable income $75,000 - $650,000, and 44% of taxable income over $650,000.
• No gross receipt, property, or sale taxes.
• FDIC approved banking institutions, Bank of Hawaii and ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank that provide full international banking services with correspondent banks in the U.S. and the Pacific region.
• Currency is the US dollar.
• Central location in the South Pacific with access to markets and resources in New Zealand, Australia, Western Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, and with close contacts with Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean merchants.
• Provision of support services for large fishing fleets from various countries around the globe.
• Beautiful locales for development in the South Pacific, boasting pristine beauty and spectacular natural landscapes.

Come and Share in these and other projects in the Pacific’s Best Bet for Investment – American Samoa

Contact Information
American Samoa Government Department of Commerce
Economic Development & Planning Division
Executive Office Building, 2nd Floor
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Phone: (684) 633-5155
Fax: (684) 633-4195
Contact: Mr. Faleseu Eliu Paopao, Director
Email: epaopao@N0SPAM.doc.asg.as
Website: http://www.asdoc.info