NZ gives $9.5 million to Samoa

New Zealand is to give almost $10 million to Samoa – a further $3m in disaster aid and $6.5m to help young people and women set up small businesses.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the donation following a bilateral meeting with Samoan Prime Minister Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi Tuila’epa yesterday.

‘‘We’ve made a commitment today to a contribution of $3m in upfront funding,’’ Ardern said.

‘‘Cyclone Gita brought flooding to low-lying and coastal areas of both Samoa’s main islands, causing damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure,’’ she said.

The $6.5m in development funding for Samoa will be distributed to women and young people starting small and medium-sized businesses.

‘‘Women and young people are strongly represented in the small and medium enterprise sector so this funding will have a direct impact on their ability to establish sustainable businesses and help Samoa achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth,’’ Ardern said.

The funding announcement followed a speech by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, in which he drew attention to the large amount of funding other countries were pouring into Samoa, traditionally a nation New Zealand has provided aid for.

China has loaned Samoa tens of millions of dollars to build a new airport and hospital.

‘‘[China] have earmarked for the next five years US$2 billion for grants to Pacific Islands and $2b for soft loans. It’s all transparent, it’s all out in the open,’’ Tuila’epa said.