Richard Butler | Exclusive Report by EZRA TOARA of DAILY POST VU | 27TH SEPTEMBER, 2024
V-Lab and Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vanuatu’s Department of Industry (DoI) to assist five Ni-Vanuatu businesses in beginning to export their products internationally.
This partnership marks the launch of the “From Island to Global” programme, an initiative aimed at creating export opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the event, V-Lab President Marc-Antoine Morel noted the importance of the initiative. “With great pride and hope, we come together today to launch the programme ‘From Island to Global,’ an initiative that is not merely an export support project, but one that represents the hope and ambition of local businesses to bring something great from Vanuatu to the world,” said Morel.
He acknowledged PACER Plus and other partners, particularly the Australian Government, whose financial support made the programme possible.
The five selected businesses are Malo Noni, owned by Edward Moliva Maralao; Green Forest Oil, owned by Esmie Jimmy; Muvoten, owned by Roy Tinning; Natural Taste of Vanuatu, owned by Julian Juliano; and Tahun Kava Export, owned by Sergine Tahun.
Morel said that since its establishment in 2019, V-Lab has consistently underscored the importance of entrepreneurship in shaping Vanuatu’s future. He expressed confidence in the selected businesses, stating, “We are confident that the businesses selected and which are with us today will lead by example, demonstrating that even from a small island nation like Vanuatu, we can have a global impact.”
Minister of Agriculture Harry Xavier Iauko also praised the programme’s potential to drive the future of local businesses. “The ‘Island to Global’ programme holds great promise for the future of local businesses in Vanuatu,” Iauko said.
He extended his thanks to V-Lab, PACER Plus, and the Australian Government for their hard work and financial contributions. Iauko acknowledged the challenges faced by local businesses in exporting, from logistical difficulties to market entry requirements, and noted that the programme is designed to address these barriers.
“Over the coming year, the five selected businesses will receive comprehensive support, including coaching, capacity-building training, and assistance in product development and access to international markets,” he said.
The Minister encouraged the entrepreneurs, saying, “Your determination and hard work have brought you to this point, and now, with the support of this programme, you have the opportunity to take your products to the global stage.”
Morel emphasised the importance of partnership in the success of the initiative. “None of this would have been possible without the collaboration of key partners,” he said, thanking government offices, international partners, and the private sector. He gave special mention to members of the project board from various organisations, including DoI, Department of Biosecurity, Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS), PACER Plus, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Chris Crowby for their valuable support.
The businesses that applied for the programme initially numbered 40, which was narrowed down to 10. After further screening at business sites, the final five businesses were selected to join the “From Island to Global” programme.
The launch of this programme marks the start of an exciting journey for Vanuatu’s emerging exporters, with strong backing from international partners and the government.
