Chinese Business in Samoa before World War II

The legacy of Chinese traders in the early Samoan economy is well known in Samoan history. Today, many families celebrate the memory of their Chinese heritage and the varied family businesses established over the last century. Even so, Chinese economic success throughout the colonial era required constant negotiation with often antagonistic authorities. Chinese plantation labour was encouraged by colonial authorities but small business owners had to make their own way, with some support from the Chinese consulate.