American Samoa
| Program | # of Grants | EDA Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | 1 | $78,000 |
| Grand Total | 1 | $78,000 |
Pago Pago, AS - Historically, the economy of American Samoa has been heavily dependent on two local economic pillars: the local government and canneries. However, in late 2016, the Samoa Tuna Processors suspended its operations, effectively shutting down. As a direct result, more than 700 employees were laid off, with ripple effects in employment felt throughout the American Samoa economy.
In September 2017, EDA invested $78,000 in Partnership Planning funds to the American Samoan government to support the development of a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which will bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.
The CEDS will assist American Samoa in identifying potential opportunities and projects to help the displaced workers transition to temporary work or training in the short-term, as well as develop long-term strategies for economic diversification.