A Double Tax agreement was signed by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Toosavili John Key on Wednesday 8th July, in Apia.
As the first agreement of its kind for Samoa, and with Samoa’s Prime Minister acknowledging that Samoa’s experience in negotiating double taxation agreements is not as comprehensive as New Zealand’s, the leader of Samoa’s Government shared his appreciation for New Zealand’s efforts to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
“Even with vastly different levels of development, your Government and officials have negotiated this DTA with the goal of making this agreement as beneficial to both our countries as possible,” said Tuilaepa.
Samoa seeks to implement sound tax policies that will ensure Samoa adheres to international standards. Modern policies on taxation will help to lift Samoa’s profile and with New Zealand becoming Samoa’s first negotiating partner for a DTA, the partnership will give credence and credibility to Samoa’s aspirations.
Prime Minister Toosavili spoke of his country’s “strong and growing relationship with Samoa”, adding that “Samoa is a valiant friend and counterpart to New Zealand.”
Said Toosavili;
“The signing of the Double Tax Agreement is an important step for our economic relationship.
“This will lead the way for Samoa to be able to have a blueprint to sign more of these.”
