Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) 2002–2004.

The Strategy for the Development of Samoa is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Strategy is 3 years covering the period from 2002 to 2004. The purpose of this Strategy is to implement policies and strategies that will create opportunities for improved economic and social welfare for everyone. The nine key strategic outcomes of the Strategy are as follows: maintaining a stable macroeconomic framework, the development of health, education, private sector, socio-cultural values and agriculture as well as infrastructural services, tourism development, and improved service delivery by the public sector.
This Strategy lays down fiscal measures to maintain a sound and stable macroeconomic environment which is necessary for creating new employment opportunities as the key to achieving an improved quality of life for every Samoan. Education system will be improved to ensure the availability of skilled human resources which is required for competitiveness and improved productivity. The health sector will be strengthened and promoted to ensure all Samoans have access to efficient and effective health services. The private sector will be further strengthened and supported to improve employment generation and investment promotion and marketing.
The agriculture sector will be revitalized and strengthened through more farmer-oriented research and extension services, the identification of markets for agricultural produce and fish products and the provision of better quarantine services to facilitate exports. This Strategy addresses improvements and diversification in: (i) commercial agriculture; (ii) village and subsistence level agriculture; (iii) commercial fisheries management; (iv) village and subsistence fisheries; (v) livestock production; (vi) forestry management ; and (vii) the management of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Meteorology.
Social structure will be strengthened through strategies to promote family values and social harmony, with an emphasis on the role of women, the opportunities for youth to play a greater part in society, and the role of non-governmental organizations in social programmes. Infrastructure and services will be developed for further improving water supply quality and distribution; electricity generation and distribution; information, communication and technology (ICT) services; road transport services; inter-island and international shipping services; urban management; and environmental protection. The tourism industry in Samoa will be supported in its product and market development. Public sector efficiency will be enhanced through public sector reform programme and by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Government services delivery; financial management; transparency and accountability. The reform programme aims to minimize the social cost of reforms and provide a safety net for those disadvantaged.