Samoa, Korea Seek Stronger Ties
Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has met South Korean Ambassador Byung-ha Chung, highlighting locally made agricultural products and opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Samoa and South Korea are looking to strengthen bilateral cooperation following a meeting between Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and South Korean Ambassador to Samoa Byung-ha Chung.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed Chung to Samoa and showcased a range of locally made products from the country’s agricultural sector, highlighting opportunities to promote Samoan produce and expand economic cooperation.
Schmidt expressed his interest in working more closely with South Korea, while Chung reaffirmed his commitment to developing relations between the two countries.
The meeting underscores the potential to broaden cooperation beyond diplomatic engagement, particularly in agriculture, trade and economic development. Samoa and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations on 15 September 1972 and have maintained cordial ties for more than five decades.
Chung brings extensive diplomatic experience to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in German from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul and joined South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993. His diplomatic career has included postings to the United States, Iran and Kuwait, as well as senior positions in international organisations. He previously served as director-general for international organisations and as South Korea’s ambassador to Kuwait. In September 2024, he was appointed Government Representative for Polar Affairs and Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Trade between South Korea and Samoa is currently weighted heavily towards South Korean exports, which include iron and steel, manufactured metal products, plastics, prepared food products and vehicles. Samoa’s recorded exports to South Korea are considerably smaller, including prepared fruit and vegetable products, electrical equipment, and iron and steel. The meeting’s focus on locally made Samoan agricultural products highlights opportunities to diversify bilateral trade, particularly through food processing, value-added agricultural goods and improved access to the South Korean market.
Beyond trade, investment offers another potential avenue for strengthening Samoa–South Korea relations. Samoa is seeking foreign investment in tourism, fisheries, agriculture, manufacturing, information and communications technology, and renewable energy. South Korean expertise in technology, industrial development and food processing could create opportunities for partnerships that support local production, employment and export growth. The meeting provides an opportunity for both countries to explore how stronger commercial ties could translate into investment and long-term economic benefits for Samoa.
The latest engagement offers an opportunity for Samoa and South Korea to build on their longstanding diplomatic relationship, with agricultural products and economic cooperation providing potential avenues for closer partnership.
