China-Samoa Friendship Shines on Samoan Banknotes
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa is currently on an official visit to China from November 20 to 28. While Samoa might be a distant name to some, this South Pacific island nation has a long-standing friendship with China that is beautifully captured on its currency.
The Story Behind the 50 Tala Banknote
Currency often reflects a country’s history and culture, and Samoa’s banknotes are no exception. The 50 Tala banknote features an image of the Chinese-aided government building in the heart of Apia, Samoa’s capital. Inaugurated in 1993, this building not only serves as the office space for the Samoan government but has also become a popular backdrop for wedding photos since its appearance on the banknote. Remarkably, the building withstood a magnitude-8 earthquake in 2009, remaining steadfast amidst widespread damage.
More Than Just Money: Symbols of Friendship
The 10 Tala banknote commemorates Samoa’s victory in the “2007 Hong Kong International Sevens Rugby Champions,” celebrating their win in the international rugby tournament held in China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Meanwhile, the 100 Tala banknote features Malietoa Tanumafili II, Samoa’s paramount chief and head of state from its independence in 1962 until 2007. He was greatly impressed by China’s diplomatic stance of equality among nations during his visit to China in 1976, shortly after Samoa established diplomatic relations with China.
A Friendship Rooted in History
The ties between China and Samoa run deep. In the late 19th century, Chinese laborers arrived in Samoa, becoming an integral part of its history and contributing significantly to its economic development. Today, Samoan officials highly value their relationship with China. Former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi visited China nine times, and current Prime Minister Fiame has visited five times in various capacities, highlighting the strong bond between the two countries.
Collaboration in Development and Culture
China’s contributions to Samoa are evident throughout the nation. From infrastructure projects like Faleolo International Airport and Apia Park to cultural sites like the China-Samoa Friendship Park and Cultural Arts Center, the collaboration spans multiple sectors. The airport, upgraded with support from Chinese enterprises, has become a modern gateway fostering economic growth and sustainable development. Over the past 49 years, China has also engaged in cooperation in healthcare and education, training over 2,300 Samoan professionals.
Agricultural Cooperation and Poverty Alleviation
Agriculture is another area where China and Samoa have teamed up for mutual benefit. The China-Samoa demonstration farm ended Samoa’s reliance on imported watermelons and stands as the largest and most comprehensive agricultural demonstration project between China and Pacific island countries. With ongoing technical assistance, innovations like Juncao technology are boosting local production, enhancing food security, and helping farmers overcome poverty.
Looking to the Future
In 2018, Samoa became the first South Pacific country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Belt and Road Cooperation with China, aiming to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships. By adjusting its time zone to return to the Eastern Hemisphere, Samoa positions itself as one of the earliest countries to greet the dawn, symbolizing its commitment to integrating more deeply into the economically vibrant Asia-Pacific region.
Samoa’s banknotes serve as more than just currency; they are a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Samoa and China, reflecting shared history, cultural exchange, and a collective vision for the future.
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How has China-Samoa friendship featured on Samoan banknotes?
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