Samoa's Prime Minister says his country's fine mat weaving programme is the only one of its kind which could soon be expanded.
The Samoa Observer reported Tuilaepa Sailele Malieegaoi made the comments last week during the 'Showcasing of Fine Mats' in front of the government building.
Photo: RNZ Pacific
Tuilaepa said through the 15-year-old programme the government rewarded weavers whose mats remained their property for use or sale.
He said the programme's objectives included reviving weaving and sustaining the tradition through the generations, while increasing household income.
The Prime Minister said over the last two years the government had committed about $US500,000 to the programme which would be reviewed later this year and possibly expanded through the use of the internet.
