Richard Butler | Exclusive Report by MINISTRY OF TRADE & COMMERCE, VANUATU | 3RD MARCH, 2025
The Hon. Minister Samson Samsen met with key members of Santoโs business community on Tuesday 24 February 2025, to discuss priorities for fostering sustainable economic development, enhancing public-private partnerships, and addressing challenges facing local enterprises. The open dialogue, held at the Espiritu Hotel in Luganville, brought together industry leaders from sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, trade, transport, education, health and SMEs.
In his opening remarks, Minister Samsen emphasized the governmentโs commitment to a thriving private sector: โSantoโs businesses are the backbone of our economy. Todayโs discussions reaffirm our resolve to work hand-in-hand with industry leaders to create an enabling environment for innovation, job creation, and resilience. Together, we will unlock opportunities that benefit all ni-Vanuatu.โ
Key Focus Areas of the Meeting Economic Resilience & Growth:
- Strategies to diversify Santoโs economy, bolster export capabilities, and attract investment in infrastructure and technology.
- Streamlining Regulations: Plans to simplify business licensing, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance digital government services for entrepreneurs.
- Sustainable Practices: Commitment to supporting businesses in adopting eco-friendly operations, including renewable energy incentives and climate adaptation measures.
- SME Empowerment: Initiatives to improve access to financing, skills training, and market linkages for small and medium enterprises.
The meeting requested by the newly elected Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat had his attendance to the meeting with support from other Ministers and Members of Parliament for Santo attending the meeting to listen to the voices of the Private Sector Members.
The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) representative contributed to the opening statements outlining that the platform created was to allow the private sector to share their concerns for economic rebuilding and recovery directly to the Government.
Outcomes & Next Steps:
โ๏ธ The Ministry of Trade and Commerce, through the National Trade Development Committee (NTDC), to provide ongoing input on policy reforms to address the challenges outlined in the meeting and to ensure that in the 100 Day Government Plan will capture some of the more pressing issues that the Private Sector is experiencing for improvement.
โ๏ธ Collaboration with industry stakeholders to host other series of meetings with the Private Sector in 2025, focusing on innovation and partnerships.
Minister Samsen concluded: โThis meeting marks the beginning of a renewed partnership journey between Government and the Private sector. We will act swiftly on todayโs insights to deliver tangible outcomes, ensuring Santo remains an economic hub of opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.โ
The Ministry of Trade and Commerce welcomes further input from the business community and will provide updates on progress through its official channels.
