American Samoa needs to diversify its economy away from the tuna industry and unite to control its natural resources, the governor says.
Lolo Matalasi Moliga at his State of the Territory address. Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller
Lolo Matalasi Moliga made the comments in his State of the Territory address before the Fono yesterday.
The governor says the viability of the fish canneries is being eroded mainly due to federal regulations imposed without the territory's input.
Despite this, Lolo says the economy grew in 2015 as Samoa Tuna Processors increased its level of production along with the increase in its workforce.
He says about 440 new businesses started last year and the unemployment rate of 9.3 percent is well down on 2014's 20 percent.
He also says it is necessary to review the constitution.