2018-萨摩亚_电子贸易准备度评估（英文版）-1mb

Samoa Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment Summary

Core Content

The Samoa Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the country's preparedness to leverage e-commerce for economic development. Conducted by UNCTAD in collaboration with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), the assessment identifies key areas where Samoa needs to improve to fully benefit from the digital economy. It outlines seven critical policy areas and provides actionable recommendations to support the development of a conducive e-commerce environment.

Main Policy Areas and Findings

1. E-commerce Readiness Assessments and Strategy Formulation

• Core Content: There is broad recognition that a national e-commerce strategy is needed to consolidate all related plans and strategies into a single vision.
• Main Findings: The Samoan Government has identified e-commerce as a key driver of economic growth and development. The Samoa Development Strategy 2016/2017–2019/2020 emphasizes the importance of ICT in achieving sustainable economic and social development.
• Main Recommendations: Develop a national e-commerce strategy in the short term (1–2 years), with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL) as the coordinating body. The strategy should address both goods and services e-commerce and involve line ministries under their respective mandates.

2. ICT Infrastructure and Services

• Core Content: The availability and quality of ICT infrastructure are crucial for e-commerce development.
• Main Findings: While ICT infrastructure is available, broadband penetration remains low, and mobile broadband is the primary access method. The arrival of the Tui-Samoa submarine cable in 2018 is expected to significantly improve connectivity and affordability.
• Main Recommendations: Accelerate the use of the submarine cable by ensuring supporting investments. Provide financial support for broadband Internet deployment outside Apia and on Suviài based on a cost-benefit analysis.

3. Trade Logistics and Trade Facilitation

• Core Content: Trade logistics and facilitation are major barriers to e-commerce growth in Samoa.
• Main Findings: Geographic isolation, high market access costs, lack of a physical postal addressing system, and unsupportive import procedures for parcels are key challenges.
• Main Recommendations: Streamline business processes using ASYCUDA, implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and promote investments in both hard and soft logistics/transport infrastructure.

4. Payment Solutions

• Core Content: Payment solutions are a critical enabler of e-commerce adoption.
• Main Findings: Limited trust in cashless payment solutions, lack of customized financial products, and cultural barriers hinder e-payment development.
• Main Recommendations: Increase trust and credibility in online payment solutions (e.g., e-wallets), develop awareness programs on digital banking, and enhance consultations on digital financial inclusion and mobile payments.

5. Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

• Core Content: A supportive legal and regulatory environment is essential for e-commerce growth.
• Main Findings: While Samoa has made progress in establishing a legal framework, several laws are outdated or do not specifically address e-commerce, such as consumer protection and financial regulations.
• Main Recommendations: Conduct a comprehensive review of the legal framework to identify gaps and update laws to be e-commerce compatible and supportive. Enhance security aspects of the legal environment.

6. E-commerce Skills Development

• Core Content: Skills and awareness are critical for e-commerce adoption.
• Main Findings: Awareness and skills related to e-commerce are limited among businesses and consumers. ICT-related topics have only recently been included in university curricula, and graduates often leave the country due to lack of employment opportunities.
• Main Recommendations: Invest in awareness, training, and education programs on e-commerce. Use prominent business associations (e.g., SCCI, WIBDI, SAME) to reach SMEs and civil servants. Update university curricula to include e-commerce topics.

7. Access to Financing

• Core Content: Access to financing is a key enabler for e-commerce ventures.
• Main Findings: There are no dedicated financial products for e-commerce. Interest rates are high, and investors are either from overseas or through personal networks. Banks view e-commerce ventures as risky due to lack of solid business plans and collateral.
• Main Recommendations: Facilitate cooperation between industry associations and banks to develop customized financial solutions. Increase the number and quality of e-commerce projects supported by donor- and development bank-sponsored programs.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges: High costs of Internet access, limited broadband penetration, lack of a national e-commerce strategy, outdated legal frameworks, and limited awareness and skills.
• Opportunities: The arrival of the Tui-Samoa submarine cable will significantly improve connectivity and affordability. The Samoa National Broadband Policy 2012 and ICT Steering Committee are working to enhance the country's digital infrastructure and services.

The Way Forward

The action matrix outlines specific measures to support the development of an e-commerce ecosystem in Samoa. These include:

• Developing a national e-commerce strategy
• Enhancing ICT infrastructure through the submarine cable
• Streamlining trade logistics and procedures
• Improving payment solutions and digital financial inclusion
• Updating legal and regulatory frameworks
• Investing in e-commerce skills development
• Enhancing access to financing for e-commerce ventures

Conclusion

The Samoa Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment highlights the country's potential to benefit from e-commerce and the need for coordinated efforts across government, private sector, and development partners. With the right policies, infrastructure, and support, Samoa can significantly enhance its economic growth and development through the digital economy.