The government of Samoa has set up a consular office in the Philippines. The move is part of the Polynesian country’s efforts to amplify its presence abroad, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Philippines, on the other hand, is yet to erect its own consular office in Samoa. In the recent years, though, it has set up several mobile consular offices there to cater to Filipinos, particularly the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).
Alongside this undertaking is the appointment of a dedicated honorary consul. James M. Donovan, chairman of Global CEO Alliance (GCEOA), has been chosen to head the newly set up office. The appointment is in line with Donovan’s comprehensive portfolio of progress-driven, sustainability-anchored business and philanthropic enterprises across the world.
“The consulate office formalizes the strong ties between Samoa and the Philippines that have long been existent, which is key to strengthening cultural, educational, entrepreneurial, and economic relations,” Donovan, who is also the CEO and co-founder of impact investing firm ADEC Innovations, said in a telephone interview.
In 2017, Donovan first expressed interest in positioning a contact center firm in Samoa at the 48th Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting. This initiative addresses Samoa’s goal of enhancing local economies and communities by harnessing its expanding business and technology sector.
The Honorary Consulate of Samoa office is located at the 26th Floor, Philippine AXA Life Tower, Makati City, Philippines.
On Samoa
The Independent State of Samoa, also known as the “Treasured Island of the South Pacific,” is part of Polynesia’s westernmost island states. Samoa’s capital, Apia, is in its most inhabited and developed island, Upolu. The country’s population is currently at 192,000–roughly 99 percent of which are living in Upolu and Savai‘i.
Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, its prime minister since 1998, initiated the historic formation of the Polynesian Leaders Group, an alliance of Pacific Island nations that aim to unify the region and achieve sustainable economic prosperity and obtain common democratic values among its members.
