The Samoa parliament has passed a 350-million US dollar budget for the coming financial year.
The approval followed seven days of budget debate.
The ministries receiving the highest allocation are the Ministry of Health with 42 million US dollars and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture with just over 40-million.
Samoa's parliament Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The Minister of Finance Sili Epa Tuioti told the Samoa Observer investment in human capital is a must.
Sili said the government is looking at a funding scheme to help students who can's afford tuition fees at the National University of Samoa.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, which contributes more than 30 percent of gross domestic product, has been allocated 7-million US dollars for the year.
The Finance Minister noted that many local businesses are investing in egg farms and plantations which will help grow the sector.
Government revenue is pegged at $US314 m while expenditure totals $US347 m, which will mean a $US33 million deficit.