The American Samoa Governor Lolo Moliga says the private sector cannot produce all the jobs the territory needs and the government will continue to be a major employer.
Lolo Matalasi Moliga at his State of the Territory address. Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller
He told a recent meeting of prospective departmental directors it's continuing to try and attract new ventures but the government has a key role in providing jobs for many workers until the economy develops further.
Lolo said this was a fact of life despite many criticising the size of the government workforce.
We rely on the private sector as the backbone of our economy but today we haven't seen that. Aside from the canneries there is no one business in American Samoa who can employ 200 or 300 people and that's why it is very critical that we have to find ways to improve this economy.