The representative of Swains Island in the American Samoan legislature says he wants to boost trade links with Tokelau.
Alexander Jennings has just returned from the New Zealand-administered territory which will have another vote on self-determination this year.
He says the new leader of Tokelau, Kulesa Nasau, is interested.
"The ulu agreed that possibly this time, no matter what happens, whether they succeed in a referendum or not, he wants to start from the very beginning of his term to look for trade with American Samoa. So this was one of the reasons why I went to Tokelau and discussed it with him."
Alexander Jennings says he wants to formalise a trading agreement during Flag Day celebrations in April.