TPFU Soft

GOVERNMENT OF VANUATU
TRADE POLICY FRAMEWORK UPDATE

2019-2025
Published
23 March 2020
Port Vila, Vanuatu
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TRADE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

MINISTRY OF TOURISM, TRADE,
COMMERCE AND NI-VANUATU BUSINESS
MONTFORT STREET,
GEORGE POMPIDOU AREA, PMB 9056,
PORT VILA
T: +678 33410
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS i
LIST OF ACRONYMS ii
FOREWORD viii
LIST OF TABLES x
LIST OF FIGURES xiii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY xv
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 2
1.1 Country Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.1.1 Geography and population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.2 Institutions7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.3 Economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1.4 International relations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Policy Landscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Rational for a Trade Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4 Vision and Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CHAPTER 2: THE MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 7
2.1 GDP Composition and Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.1.1 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 Macroeconomic Determinants of Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.1 Short-term determinants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.2 Medium-term determinants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2.3 Long-term determinants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Measures to Ensure Sustainability of Vanuatu’s Economic Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.4 Vanuatu’s Graduation from LDC Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.4.1 Trade-related measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.4.2 Official development assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.4.3 General support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.5 Poverty Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
CHAPTER 3: TRADE COMPOSITION AND TRENDS 19
3.1 Balance of Trade in Goods and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.2 Trade in Goods - Export. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.2.1 Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.2.2 Destinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.3 Trade in Services – Export. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.3.1 Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.3.2 Destinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.4 Trade in Goods – Imports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.4.1 Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.4.2 Origins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.5 Trade in Services – Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.5.1 Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
CHAPTER 4: EXTERNAL TRADE POLICIES AND TRADE AGREEMENTS 31
4.1 Multilateral External Trade Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4.1.1 External trade policies directly affecting imports of goods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.1.2 External trade polices directly affecting exports of goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.1.3 Polices affecting production and trade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.1.4 External trade policies related to foreign direct investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.1.5 Statistical analysis of Foreign Direct Investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.2 Free and Preferential Trade Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.2.1 Existing Free Trade Agreements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.2.2. Free Trade Agreements under negotiations or still to enter into force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.2.3 Free and Preferential Trade Agreements under consideration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.3 LDC Graduation – Implications on Free Trade Agreements that Vanuatu is Party to. . . . . . . . . . 52
CHAPTER 5: BACKBONE SERVICES AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE 53
5.1 Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5.1.1 Overarching framework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5.1.2 Petroleum products and LPG markets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
5.1.3 Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
5.2 Telecommunications and Information and Communications Technology Sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
5.2.1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
5.2.2 Existing telecommunications and ICT-related policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
5.2.3 Legal and Regulatory Framework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5.2.4 Market structure and the impact on consumer price and reliability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5.2.5 Quality of service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
5.2.6 Market pricing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
5.2.7 Quality of physical infrastructure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
CHAPTER 6:TRADE FACILITATION AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE 69
6.1 Time and Costs of Trading Across Borders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

6.1.1 Vanuatu’s performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
6.1.2 Port handling charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
6.1.3 World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
6.2 Trade Facilitation Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
6.2.1 Institutional and legislative arrangements in transport sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
6.2.2 Air transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
6.2.3 Sea transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
6.2.4 Road transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
6.2.5 Urban waterfronts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
6.3 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
6.3.1 International Regulatory Framework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
6.3.2 SPS Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
6.3.3 Documentation for trading in SPS-sensitive products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
6.3.4 SPS-related institutional arrangements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
6.3.5 SPS requirements for exporting sectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
6.3.6 SPS-related risks to exporting sectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
6.4 Quality Infrastructure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.4.1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.4.2 Why is a National Quality Infrastructure necessary?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.4.3 Vanuatu Bureau of Standards and the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade . . 90
6.4.4 Vanuatu Bureau of Standards – general constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
6.4.5 National Quality Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
6.4.6 Standardisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
6.4.7 Metrology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
6.4.8 Accreditation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
6.4.9 Conformity assessment services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
6.4.10 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
CHAPTER 7: DOING BUSINESS - REFORMS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT 93
7.1 Business Policies, Laws and Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

7.1.1 Company structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
7.1.2 Legislative framework for foreign investment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
7.1.3 Foreign investment entry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
7.1.4 Licensing requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
7.1.6 Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
7.1.7 Consumer protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
7.1.8 Contract enforcement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
7.1.9 Arbitration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
7.1.10 Alternative dispute resolution centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
7.1.11 Access to information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
7.2 Labour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
7.2.1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
7.2.2 Overview of legal framework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
7.2.3 Information in relation to foreign workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
7.2.4 National labour policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
7.2.5 Social welfare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
7.2.6 Process issues relating to foreign workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
7.2.7 Information dissemination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
7.2.8 Recent reform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
7.3 Land. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
7.3.1 Land ownership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
7.3.2 Types of land interests available for economic use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
7.3.3 The 2013 reform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
7.3.4 The Process for obtaining a lease. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
7.3.5 State land. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
7.3.6 Custom land. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
7.3.7 Assessment of access to customary land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
7.3.8 Economic Development Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
7.3.9 Standard lease documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
7.3.10 Land advisory service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
7.3.11 Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
7.4 Financial Sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
7.4.1 Overview of financial sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
7.4.2 Overview of access to finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
7.4.3 Taking security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
7.4.4 Credit bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
7.4.5 Consumer credit legislation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
7.4.6 Vanuatu Agricultural Development Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
7.4.7 Personal bankruptcy framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
7.4.8 The Financial Inclusion Strategy 2018-2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
7.4.9 Legislation relating to the payment system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
7.4.10 Interchange fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
7.4.11 Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
7.5 Intellectual property rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
7.5.1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
7.5.2 Legal and regulatory framework in Vanuatu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
7.5.3 International organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
7.5.4 Registration and enforcement in Vanuatu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
7.5.5 Reform relating to VanIPO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
7.5.6 Protection of traditional knowledge and expressions of culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
7.5.7 Implementation of electronic registration systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
7.5.8 Legislative reform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
7.6 Public Sector Entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
7.6.1 Overview of public sector entities in Vanuatu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
7.6.2 Recent reform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
7.6.3 The Commercial Government Business Enterprises Bill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
7.6.4 Remaining gaps in State-Owned Enterprises policy and proposed legislation. . . . . . . . . . 112
7.6.5 Government procurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
7.7 Private Sector Entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
7.7.1 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
7.7.2 Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
7.7.3 Funding relating to the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
7.7.4 Governance structure of the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . 115
7.7.6 Communication of VCCI’s mandate and membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
7.7.7 Consultations between VCCI and the public sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
7.7.8 Awareness of the NTDC role and private sector membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
CHAPTER 8: EDUCATION AND SKILLS 117
8.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

8.2 Unmet Skill Demand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
8.2.1 Skill profiles in priority export sectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
8.2.2 Skill shortages and skill gaps in priority export sectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
8.2.3 Unmet skill demand summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
8.3 Key Constraints in the School System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
8.4 Key Constraints in the PSET System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
8.4.1 Reforms since 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
8.4.2 Key constraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
8.4.3 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
8.5 Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
CHAPTER 9: TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT 135
9.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

9.2 Environmental Impacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
9.2.1 Environmental impact assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
9.2.2 Deep sea mining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
9.3 Resource Over-Exploitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
9.3.1 Forestry products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
9.3.2 Fishery products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
9.4 Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
9.4.1 Mitigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
9.4.2 Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
9.5 Women’s Economic Empowerment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
9.5.1 Access to school education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
9.5.2 Access to Post-School Education and Training (PSET). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
9.5.3 Access to credit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
9.6 Kastom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
CHAPTER 10: TRADE MAINSTREAMING AND ITS PILLARS 149
10.1 Progress So Far. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

10.1.1 CoM decision 20/2012. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
10.1.2 Achievements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
10.2 Challenges and Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
10.2.1 Policy level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
10.2.2 Institutional level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
10.2.3 Development cooperation level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
10.3 Aid-for-Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
CHAPTER 11: GOODS 159
11.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

11.2 Coconut. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
11.2.1 Export performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
11.2.2 World market conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
11.2.3 Domestic supply conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
11.2.4 Domestic policy and regulatory environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
11.2.5 SWOT analysis coconut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
11.3 Cattle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
11.3.5 SWOT analysis beef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
11.4. Fruits and vegetables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
11.4.5 SWOT analysis fruits and vegetables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
11.5. Kava. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
11.6 Forestry Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
11.7 Cocoa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
11.8 Fisheries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
CHAPTER 12: TOURISM SERVICES 190
12.1 Export Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

12.1.1 Export value and volume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
12.1.2 Types of products exported. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
12.1.3 Export destinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
12.2 World Market Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
12.2.1 World market prospects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
12.2.2 Major competitors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
12.3 Domestic Supply Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
12.3.1. Current producers and production capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
12.3.2 Quality of products and services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
12.3.3 Capital and technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
12.3.4 Labour force mobility, skills and skill gaps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
12.3.5 Availability and conditions of support industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
12.4 Domestic Policy and Regulatory Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
12.4.1 Specific policies and regulations to promote the sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
12.5 Future Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
12.5.1 Export products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
12.5.2 Export destinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
12.6 SWOT analysis tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
12.7 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
CHAPTER 13: OTHER SERVICES (OFFSHORE AND ICT) 200
13.1 Offshore services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

13.1.2 World market conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
13.1.5 Future directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
13.1.6 SWOT analysis offshore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
13.2 ICT services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
13.2.2 World market conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
13.2.5 Future directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
13.2.6 SWOT Analysis ICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
ENDNOTES 212
REFERENCES 220
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX 240
ANNEX 1: LESSONS LEARNED FROM OFF-TRACK RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE TPF 2012 299
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 i
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This National Policy, the Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 (TPFU), is the overarching policy of the
Minister of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business. Our gratitude goes to the funders of the
policy. The TPFU would not exist without the generous contribution of the two donors that co-financed it: the
Enhanced Integrated Framework and the Australia’s Governance for Growth Program. The TPFU also received
significant technical support from DLA Piper and the Government of Vanuatu, which greatly assisted with the
The Target audience of this policy document is the policymaker, the private sectors, the donor community,
trade analysts and other development stakeholders.
The drafting of the TPFU was possible thanks to the work, efforts and experience of the Team Leader, Dr
Andrea Giacomelli. His perseverance in coordinating and joining together the various parts of the long process
of the TPFU, made it the strong policy paper that it is now.
The TPFU 2019-2025 was drafted by:

• Dr Andrea Giacomelli (Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 (“borders” and “facilitation infrastructure”), and 10);
• Mr Peter Judge and Fred Samuel (Chapter 5);
• Dr Eduardo Wally Austin (Chapter 6 – Quality infrastructure);
• Dr Ruth Frampton (Chapter 6 - Biosecurity);
• Ms Catherine McDougall (Chapter 7);
• Mr Peter Morris (Chapter 8);
• Dr Karan Nagpal (Chapter 9);
• Mr Andrea Ibba and Mr Peter Judge (Chapter 11);
• Mr Ross Hopkins (Chapter 12);
• Mr Sven Callebaut, Mr Fred Samuel and Mr John Stevens (Chapter 13);
The TPFU 2019-2025 could not have been completed without the support of the following people.
The Director General Ambassador Roy Mickey Joy for his support and guidance; former Acting Director
General Mr George Borugu for his leadership during the initial stages of the policy; Trade Advisor Mr Peter
Judge for his hard work in the drafting of the chapters and his skills in coordinating the people involved in
the making of the policy; Mr James Tatangis, Mr Eliu Luen, Mr Briscosley Kauh, Mr Brill Palmer, Mr Yuen
Lawi, Ms Rose Liu, Ms Maimona Luke, Mr Andrea Ibba, Mr John Willie, all members of the Trade Development
Division led by the Principal Trade Development Officer, Mrs Luisa Letlet, for their substantial involvement and
assistance throughout each stage of the formulation of the TPFU; the government line agencies and statutory
bodies involved in the trade policy update for their participation, feedback, and assistance provided to the
consultants for the drafting of the policy; the Utilities Regulatory Authority Vanuatu, and the Telecommunica-
tions Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator for the technical support provided; the GIZ technical
assistance for their contribution to the content of the policy; the National Trade Development Committee for the
contribution to the formulation of the policy and for their endorsement.
Hunter Sizemore, lead communications design consultant of vSolutions, for layout and design; the Vanuatu
Tourism Office, the Department of Industry and the Vanuatu Daily Post for providing the pictures for the cover
page and the Sun Productions for printing this booklet.
The existence of this policy document would not have been made possible without your contributions and
assistance and for this, the Government of Vanuatu would like to show appreciation for your efforts and
recognise your inputs.
ii
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AB Accreditation Body CAB Conformity Assessment Body
ABM Au Bon Marche CAC Codex Alimentarius Commission
ACP African Caribbean Pacific CCNASWP Codex Committee for North
America and South West Pacific
ADB Asian Development Bank
CDP Committee for Development Policy
AfT Aid-for-Trade
CEO Chief Executive Officer
AI Artificial Intelligence
CERT VU Computer Emergency Response
AML/CFT Anti-Money Laundering and Coun- Team Vanuatu
tering the Financing of Terrorism
CGBEs Commercial Government Business
AMU Asset Management Unit Enterprises
ANZ Australia and New Zealand Bank CIWG Coconut Industry Working Group
APG Asia-Pacific Group on Money CNO Crude Coconut Oil
Laundering
CoM Council of Ministers
APTC Australian Pacific Training Coali-
tion COP Conferences Of the Parties
ASBAE Asia South Pacific Association for COPSL Coconut Oil Production Espiritu
Basic and Adult Education Santo Limited
ASEAC Association of South East Asian CPM Commission on Phytosanitary
Countries Measures
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian CRB Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
Nations
CSN Commonwealth Standards Network
ASYCUDA Automated System for Customs
Data CTSP Company and Trust Service
Providers
ATM Automated Teller Machine
DAC Development Assistance
AUD Australian Dollars Committee
AVL Airports Vanuatu Limited DARD Department of Agriculture and
Rural Development
AVOL Air Vanuatu Operations Limited
DB Ease of Doing Business
B2B Business to Business
DCIR Department of Customs and Inland
B2C Business to Consumer Revenue
BAU Business As Usual DCO Development Committee of Offi-
cials
BIHE Bilingual Institute of Higher Educa-
tion DEPC Department of Environmental
Protection and Conservation
BOP Balance of Payments
BRANTV Barrier Removal for Achieving the
National Energy Road Map TargetsDFAT Australian Department of Foreign
of Vanuatu Affairs and Trade
BSE Bovine Spongiform Encephalop- DFS Department of Fisheries
athy
DGM Department of Geology and Mines
BSP Bank of South Pacific
DLV Department of Livestock
BV Biosecurity Vanuatu
DoE Department of Energy
BVD Bovine Virus Diarrhoea
DoET Department of External Trade
CA Current Account
DoF Department of Forestry
CAAV Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 iii
DoI Department of Industry FIS Financial Inclusion Strategy

DoL Department of Labour FIU Financial Intelligence Unit
DoT Department of Tourism FTA Free Trade Agreement
DPH Department of Ports and Harbours FTDCAU Food Technology Development
Centre and Analytical Unit
DSM Deep Sea Mining
GAP Good Agricultural Practices
DSP Director Service Providers
GATS General Agreement on Trade in
DSPPAC Department of Strategic Policy Services
Planning and Aid Coordination
GBE Government Business Enterprise
EAP East Asia Pacific
GBEAP Grid Based Electricity Access
EDF European Development Fund Project
EDF 11 11th European Development Fund GCF Green Climate Fund
EDZ Economic Development Zone GCSP General Company Service
Providers
EE Energy Efficiency
GCTA Government Contracts and
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone Tenders Act
EFTPOS Electronic Funds Transfer at Point GDP Gross Domestic Product
Of Sale
GEF Global Environment Facility
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
GeNS Generic ePhyto National System
EIF Enhanced Integrated Framework
GGGI Global Green Growth Institute
EMMP Environmental Management and
Monitoring Plan GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Interna-
tionale Zusammenarbeit GmbH
EPA Economic Partnership Agreement
GNI Gross National Income
EPC Environmental Protection and
Conservation Act GOS Global Outsourcing Services
ER Employment Relations GPA Government Procurement Agree-
ment
ESTA Espiritu Santo Tourism Association
GPI Gender Parity Index
ESWS Electronic Single Window System
GRT Gross Registered Tonnage
EU European Union
HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical
F&V Fruits and Vegetables Control Points
FAD Fish Aggregating Device HIES Household Income and Expendi-
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization ture Survey
HS Harmonized Commodity Descrip-
FATF Financial Action Task Force tion and Coding System
FCA Financial Centre Association HTLTC Hospitality Tourism Leisure
FCC Fidelity Communication Corpora- Training Centre
tion ICAO International Civil Aviation Organi-
FDI Foreign Direct Investment sation
FFA Forum Fisheries Agency ICCO International Cocoa Organization
FFA Free Fatty Acid ICL Interchange Limited
FIC Forum Islands Country ICN Interchange Cable Network
FIPA Foreign Investment Promotion Act ICT Information and Communications

Technology
iv List of Acronyms
IDA Industrial Development Act MCCE Ministry of Climate Change and

Energy
IEC International Electrotechnical
Commission MEC Macroeconomic Committee
IFC International Finance Corporation MFEM Ministry of Finance and Economic
Management
IHS Import Health Standard
MFN Most Favoured Nation
ILO International Labour Organisation
MFTA Melanesian Free Trade Agreement
IMF International Monetary Fund
MIA Ministry of Internal Affairs
INDC Intended Nationally Determined
Contribution MIPU Ministry of Infrastructure and
Public Utilities
IoT Internet of Things
MLNR Ministry of Lands and Natural
IP Intellectual Property Resources
IPAS Industrial Property Automation MoE Ministry of Education
System
MoET Ministry of Education and Training
IPDS Ifira Port Development Services
MoFAICET Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Inter-
IPP Independent Power Producers national Cooperation, and External
Trade
IPPC International Plant Protection
Convention MoH Ministry of Health
IPR Intellectual Property Right MPA Marine Protection Area
IRR Internal Rate of Return MPI Ministry for Primary Industries
IRU Indefeasible Rights of Use MPs Members of Parliament
ISCO International Standard Classifica- MSG Melanesian Spearhead Group
tion of Occupations
MSGTA Melanesian Spearhead Group
ISM International Support Measure Trade Agreement
ISO International Organization for MSMEs Micro, Small, and Medium Enter-
Standardization prises
ISPM International Standard for MTTCNVB Ministry of Tourism, Trade,
Phytosanitary Measure Commerce, and Ni-Vanuatu Busi-
ness
ITU International Telecommunication
Union MYDST Ministry of Youth Development,
Sports and Training
IVS International Visitor Survey
NAB National Advisory Board on
LCL Less than Container Loads Climate Change and Disaster Risk
LCSP Limited Company Service Reduction
Providers NALLNF National Adult Language, Literacy
LDC Least Developed Country and Numeracy Framework
LILO Liner In/Liner Out NAMA Non-Agriculture Market Access
LLN Language, Literacy and Numeracy NBP National Biosecurity Policy
LMIS Labour Market Information System NBV National Bank of Vanuatu
LMPC Land Management Planning NER Net Enrolment Rates

Committee NERM National Energy Roadmap
MALFFB Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, NFI National Forest Inventory
Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity
New Zealand Ministry of Business,NGO Non-Government Organisation
MBIE
Innovation and Employment NHRDP National Human Resource Devel-
opment Plan
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 v
NIP National Indicative Program PADI Professional Association of Diving

Instructors
NISCOL Northern Islands Stevedoring
Company Limited PBO Principal Biosecurity Officer
NPP New Policy Proposals PEA Preliminary Environmental Assess-
ment
NQI National Quality Infrastructure
PFEM Public Finance and Economic
NQP National Quality Policy Management
NSB National Standards Body PHAMA Pacific Horticultural and Agricul-
tural Market Access
NSDP National Sustainable Development
Plan PICs Pacific Island Countries
NTDC National Trade Development PICTA Pacific Island Countries Trade
Committee Agreement
NTFSC National Trade Facilitation PIF Pacific Islands Forum
Steering Committee
PLMAM Pacific Labour Mobility Annual
NTPC National Trade and Production Meeting
Committee
PMO Prime Minister’s Office
NZD New Zealand Dollar
PNG Papua New Guinea
ODA Official Development Assistance
PPA Power Purchase Agreements
ODI Overseas Development Institute
PPG Public and Publicly Guaranteed
OECD Organization for Economic Coop-
eration and Development PPS The Personal Property Securities
OFC Offshore Financial Centre PSET Post-School Education and
Training
OFCWG Offshore Financial Centre Working
Group PTI Pacific Trade and Invest
OGCIO Office of the Government Chief PVO Principal Veterinary Officer
Information Officer
PWD Public Works Department
OIE Office International des Epizooties
(World Organization for Animal RBV Reserve Bank of Vanuatu
Health) RE Renewable Energy
OIML Intentional Organisation of Legal REDD Reduce Emissions from Deforesta-
Metrology tion and Forest Degradation
OJT On-the-Job Training RIMS Road Inventory Management
OMR Office of the Maritime Regulator System
OO Online Outsourcing ROO Rules of Origin
OPSP Overarching Productive Sector RRAP Rural Road Access Policy

Policy RRAS Rural Road Access Strategy
ORCBDS Office of the Registrar of Cooper- SAD Single Administrative Document
atives & Business Development
Services SAR Special Administrative Region
OTT Over The Top (OTT) SCHS Sea Container Hygiene Systems
PAA Priority Action Agenda SDT Special and Differential Treatment
PACER Plus Pacific Agreement on Closer SEA Strategic Environmental Assess-
Economic Relations Plus ment
PacLII Pacific Islands Legal Information SIDS Small Islands Developing States
Institute
SIS Small Islands States
PACPS Pacific States of the Africa Carib-
bean Pacific group
vi List of Acronyms
SMP Espiritu Santo Meat Packers TRR Telecommunication and Radiocom-

Limited munication Regulator
SOE State-Owned Enterprise TSC Teaching Service Commission
SPARTECA South Pacific Regional Trade and TVET Technical and Vocational Educa-
Economic Co-operation Agreement tion and Training
SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Commu- TVL Telecom Vanuatu Limited
nity
UAP Universal Access Policy
SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional
Environment Programme UHT Ultra-High Temperature
SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary UK United Kingdom
SPTO South Pacific Tourism Organization UN United Nations
SSS Shipping Subsidy Scheme UNCTAD United Nations Conference for

Trade and Development
STSP Special Trust Service Providers
UNDESA United Nations Department of
SWOT Strengths Weaknesses Opportuni- Economic and Social Affairs
ties and Threats
UNDP United Nations Development
TAB Trading Across Borders Programme
TAC Total Allowable Catch UNELCO Union Electrique du Vanuatu
Limited
TAFE Technical and Further Education
UNESCAP United Nations Economic and
TBT Technical Barriers to Trade Social Commission for Asia and
the Pacific
TC Tropical Cyclone
UNFCCC United Nations Framework
TDD Trade Development Division Convention on Climate Change
TEC Traditional Economy Criteria UNGA United Nations General Assembly
TEI Traditional Economy Impact UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
TFA Trade Facilitation Agreement UNWTO United Nations World Tourism
TFSC Trade Facilitation Steering Organization
Committee URA Utility Regulatory Authority
TIFA Trade and Investment Framework US United States
Agreement
USD United States Dollar
TIS Trade in Services
USP University of the South Pacific
TLAC Tripartite Labour Advisory Council
VAC Vanuatu Agriculture College
TMDF Tourism Marketing Development
Fund VADB Vanuatu Agricultural Development
Bank
TMNP Temporary Movement of Natural
Persons VAL Vanuatu Abattoirs Limited
TPF Trade Policy Framework VanIPO Vanuatu Intellectual Property
Office
TPFIM Trade Policy Framework Imple-
mentation Matrix VANSTA Vanuatu Standardised Test of
Achievement
TPFU Trade Policy Framework Update
VAPA Vanuatu Agritourism Plan of Action
TPR Trade Policy Review
VARTC Vanuatu Agricultural Research and
TRBR Telecommunications, Radiocom- Technical Centre
munications, and Broadcasting
Regulator VASP Vanuatu Agricultural Sector Policy
TRIPS Trade-Related Aspects of Intellec- VAT Value Added Tax
tual Property Rights
VaVaC Vanuatu Value Chain
TRP Trade Ready Programme
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 vii
VBS Vanuatu Bureau of Standards VQIS Vanuatu Quarantine and Inspec-

tion Services
VCBN Vanuatu Cooperative Business
Network VS Veterinary Section
VCCI Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal
and Industry
VSOA Vanuatu Scuba Operators Associa-
VCMB Vanuatu Commodities Marketing tion
Board
VSTAP Vanuatu Strategic Tourism Action
VCNE Vanuatu College of Nursing Educa- Plan
tion
VTMDP Vanuatu Tourism Marketing Devel-
VCO Virgin Coconut Oil opment Plan
VFSC Vanuatu Financial Services VTO Vanuatu Tourism Office
Commission
VTOA Vanuatu Tour Operators Associa-
VHRA Vanuatu Hotels and Resorts Asso- tion
ciation
VTS Vanuatu Terminal Services Limited
VIBTA Vanuatu Islands Bungalow and
Tourism Association VUI Vanuatu Utility Infrastructure
VIPA Vanuatu Investment Promotion VUV Vanuatu Vatu

Authority VWC Vanuatu Women’s Centre
VISIP Vanuatu Infrastructure Strategic WAHIS World Animal Health Information
Investment Plan System
VISSP Vanuatu Interisland Shipping WB World Bank
Support Project
WBG World Bank Group
VIT Vanuatu Institute of Technology
WHO World Health Organization
VITE Vanuatu Institute of Teacher
Education WIPO World Intellectual Property Organi-
zation
VKIA Vanuatu Kava Industry Association
WSS Wong Sze Sing
VLDC Vanuatu Livestock Development
Corporation WTO World Trade Organization
VMC Vanuatu Maritime College WTTC World Travel and Tourism Council
VNCS Vanuatu National Coconut Strategy
VNER Vanuatu National Energy Roadmap
VNFVS Vanuatu National Fruits and Vege-
tables Strategy
VNKS Vanuatu National Kava Strategy
VNPF Vanuatu National Provident Fund
VNSO Vanuatu National Statistics Office
VNTC Vanuatu National Training Council
VPC Vanuatu Police College
VPMU Vanuatu Project Management Unit
VPPA Vanuatu Primary Producers
Authority
VQA Vanuatu Qualifications Authority
VQAF Vanuatu Quality Assurance Frame-
work
VQF Vanuatu Qualifications Framework
viii
FOREWORD
I am honoured to introduce the Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 (TPFU)
on behalf of the Government and the people of Vanuatu.
The TPFU’s predecessor, the Trade Policy Framework 2012, has been a success
story in setting the stage for trade and economic oriented approaches to inform and
guide Vanuatu’s political discourse, shaping our political agenda. The combination
of the previous policy, along with the formation of the National Trade Development
Committee, mean that trade governance in Vanuatu is now frequently cited as an
example of good practice. This has laid a strong foundation, which this new policy
will build on.
The TPFU replaces its predecessor and continues its mission. Mirroring the National
Sustainable Development Plan’s Goal ECO 1, the TPFU’s vision is to achieve ‘a pros-
Honourable Jotham Napat
perous economy encouraging trade and investment to provide economic opportunities
Deputy Prime Minister for all members of society throughout Vanuatu’. This statement clearly defines the
Minister of Tourism, Trade, inclusivity at the core of the policy: its mission is not only to improve the trade and
Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu business environment in Vanuatu, but to do so while creating job opportunities for
Business
all, and ensuring that wealth is more evenly distributed.
The TPFU also clearly redefines the rationale for having a trade policy. As a small island nation with limited
natural resources, there will never be sufficient domestic demand for Vanuatu to be able to produce every-
thing it needs. Therefore, the country must seek to trade – importing where necessary, and exporting prod-
ucts to the global economy to raise revenue and incomes. In order to achieve this, all of Government must
work together with the private sector and other partners to improve the business environment. This is not
a task that the Ministry can achieve by itself. The TPFU clearly lays out the role of numerous Government
Departments and Agencies, all of whom must come together to help support development.
As of 2019, Vanuatu is moving towards becoming a modern country, immersing in the global economy. It
has strong economic ties with the neighbouring MSG countries, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Australia, and
New Zealand, increasing economic exchanges with the United States, the Philippines, and Malaysia, and
it is establishing new relationships with China and Bangladesh. Our country is also the proud world leader
in kava production, is among the top producers of coconuts, and exports high quality beef, cacao, and
sandalwood. It is also a renowned tourism destination, counting more than 332,000 visitors in 2017 – figures
that are expected to increase thanks to the blend of natural beauty and tradition that our country can offer.
Vanuatu’s economy relies on own-account and semi-commercial agriculture and services sector (mostly
tourism), which account respectively for about 20% and 70% of the Gross Domestic Product. Being an
archipelago in the South Pacific, domestic and external trade play an important role in everyone’s life. As
examples, copra is shipped to Sanma from numerous provinces, such as Malampa and Torba, and it finds
its way towards many overseas destinations; coffee is produced in Tafea, processed in Shefa and finally
exported overseas; kava is produced in almost all the provinces, most notably Penama, and traded and
processed for domestic consumption or international trade. Similarly, we also rely on many services and
products that we do not and cannot produce, such as cars, mobile phones, and machineries, to connect with
the world and to improve our infrastructure. The TPFU identifies gaps and failures in the present systems
and proposes way forwards to improve our domestic and international linkages.
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 ix
The future looks bright and exciting for Vanuatu. Among other things, in 2020, Vanuatu will celebrate
40 years since independence and will graduate from the United Nation’s group of the least developed
countries. LDC Graduation in particular is a great testament to the hard work of the people of Vanuatu in
the four decades since independence, and something we should view with pride. However, this is just the
end of one step on our path to development. We must build upon this progress. The following years will
also pose some challenges to our country, in particular ensuring there are sufficient quality employment
opportunities for our very young and rapidly growing population.
While looking towards the future, we should not forget the past. Vanuatu is and has been an island country
where the traditional or kastom economy still coexists with the global economy. Aware of this, the TPFU
critically questions the impact that each proposed recommendation may generate on the kastom economy.
This unique approach will help to ensure that economic growth is sustainable and inclusive.
I would like to end by commending the hard work of the team who have pulled together such a high-quality
product, and in particular the leadership and expertise of the team leader, Dr. Andrea Giacomelli. I would
also like to thank Australia, the Enhanced Integrated Framework, and DLA Piper, for their support in
compiling this policy.
I hope that the TPFU will be used by politicians, government officials, not for profit organisations, donor
partners, and all the members of the civil society to build a stronger and fairer society. This policy will
provide a framework to address any trade related issue for the next five years at least, and I strongly urge
all parties to work together to help make it a success.
Honourable Jotham Napat

Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business
6 th December 2019
x
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1.1 THE NSDP, A SNAPSHOT
TABLE 1.2 TPFU GOALS AND CHAPTERS, AND NSDP OBJECTIVES
TABLE 2.1 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE
TABLE 2.2 SUSTAINABILITY PARAMETERS
TABLE 3.1 BALANCE OF PAYMENTS, GOODS AND SERVICES BALANCE, VUV MILLION
TABLE 3.2 MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, MAIN PRODUCTS
TABLE 3.3 MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, HIGH GROWTH SECTORS
TABLE 3.4 MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, MAIN DESTINATIONS
TABLE 3.5 SERVICES EXPORTS, MAIN SERVICES, MILLION VATU
TABLE 3.6 SERVICES EXPORTS, DESTINATIONS (APPROXIMATED BY TOURISTS’ ORGIN)
TABLE 3.7 MERCHANDISE IMPORTS, MAIN PRODUCTS IN 2008
TABLE 3.8 MERCHANDISE IMPORTS, MAIN PRODUCTS IN 2016
TABLE 3.9 MERCHANDISE IMPORTS, ORIGINS
TABLE 3.10 SERVICES IMPORTS, MAIN SERVICES, MILLION VATU
TABLE 4.1 FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, RESERVED SECTORS
TABLE 4.2 FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, RESERVED ACTIVITIES BELOW A MINIMUM THRESHOLD
TABLE 4.3 VANUATU TRADE WITH EXISTING AND POTENTIAL PARTNERS TO TRADE AGREEMENTS
TABLE 4.4 MFTA TRADE IN SERVICES, SECTORS WITH SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS
TABLE 4.5 PICTA TRADE IN SERVICES, SECTORS WITH SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS
TABLE 4.6 SKILL LEVEL OF PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES
TABLE 4.7 PACER PLUS, TARIFF LIBERALISATION OF FORUM ISLAND COUNTRIES SIGNATORIES
TABLE 4.8 PACER PLUS, POLICY SPACE FOR IMPORT SUBSTITUTION
TABLE 4.9 PACER PLUS TRADE IN SERVICES, SECTORS WITH SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS
TABLE 5.1 CONCESSION AGREEMENTS FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND SUPPLY
TABLE 5.2 UNLEADED PETROL PRICES IN VANUATU, PACIFIC, AND FIJI, 2017
TABLE 5.3 ELECTRICITY PRICES FOR DIFFERENT CONSUMER GROUPS
TABLE 5.4 MAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAIN PLAYERS
TABLE 5.5 QUALITY OF SERVICE ISSUES AND MITIGATING ACTIONS
TABLE 5.6 PRICES, SPEED, DATA ALLOWANCE FOR COMPUTER-BASED BROADBAND
TABLE 6.1 DOING BUSINESS AND TRADING ACROSS BORDERS IN PICS, 2017
TABLE 6.2 COMPONENTS OF BORDER COMPLIANCE IN VANUATU, 2017
TABLE 6.3 STEVEDORING REGIONAL COMPARATIVE TARIFF CHARGES, 2017, USD
TABLE 6.4 LINKAGES BETWEEN DOING BUSINESS REFORMS AND TFA ARTICLES
TABLE 6.5 TFA IMPLEMENTATION, KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND WAY FORWARD
TABLE 6.6 VANUATU’S ROAD NETWORK, RIMS
TABLE 6.7 VANUATU’S ROAD NETWORK, 2030 TRANSPORT PLAN
TABLE 6.8 MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION OF THE ROAD NETWORK
TABLE 7.1 PRIVATE CREDIT BUREAU COVERAGE (PERCENTAGE OF ADULTS)
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xi
TABLE 8.1 ISCO OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES RELATED TO TOURISM

TABLE 8.2 PROPORTION OF INDUSTRY TYPE REPRESENTED IN SURVEY RESPONSES
TABLE 8.3 MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING BUSINESS
TABLE 8.4 EASE OF RECRUITMENT OF NI-VANUATU WITH REQUIRED SKILLS
TABLE 8.5 RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTY BY QUALIFICATION
TABLE 8.6 POST-SCHOOL QUALIFICATIONS, PER CENT OF EACH OCCUPATION GROUP
TABLE 8.7 LEVEL OF AGREEMENT TO STATEMENTS ABOUT NI-VANUATU WORKERS
TABLE 8.8 FOREIGN WORKERS IN VANUATU BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY
TABLE 8.9 FOREIGN WORKERS IN VANUATU BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY – TOURISM SECTOR
MAJOR CATEGORIES TO 3-DIGIT LEVEL
TABLE 8.10 TOP TEN MOST DIFFICULT OCCUPATIONS TO RECRUIT – TOURISM SECTOR PERCENTAGE
OF ALL RESPONSES – N=80
TABLE 8.11 GENERAL/BASIC SKILLS LACKING IN NI-VANUATU TOURISM SECTOR WORKFORCE

PERCENTAGE OF ALL RESPONSES – N=69
TABLE 8.12 FOREIGN WORKERS IN VANUATU BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY – MANUFACTURING AND

AGRICULTURE SECTORS - MAJOR CATEGORIES TO 3-DIGIT LEVEL
TABLE 8.13 TOP TEN MOST DIFFICULT OCCUPATIONS TO RECRUIT – MANUFACTURING AND AGRICUL-
TURE SECTOR - PERCENTAGE OF ALL RESPONSES – N=43
TABLE 8.14 GENERAL/BASIC SKILLS LACKING IN NI-VANUATU MANUFACTURING/AGRICULTURE WORK-

FORCE - PERCENTAGE OF ALL RESPONSES – N=37
TABLE 8.15 PSET INVESTMENT 2016 AND 2018
TABLE 8.16 SHARE OF PSET INVESTMENT 2016 AND 2018
TABLE 8.17 MOST SIGNIFICANT ISSUE AFFECTING QUALITY OF PSET QUALIFICATIONS (TOP 5)
TABLE 8.18 PERCEIVED TEACHING AND MANAGEMENT STAFF SKILL LEVELS
TABLE 8.19 ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS (JULY 2018)
TABLE 8.20 INDUSTRY INVESTMENT IN SKILLS TRAINING
TABLE 8.21 INDUSTRY PREFERRED TRAINING MODALITY
TABLE 8.22 PRIVATE PROVIDER ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS (JULY 2018)
TABLE 9.1 TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH FOR EACH TUNA SPECIES
TABLE 10.1 TRADE POLICY MAINSTREAMING, RAPID ASSESSMENT
TABLE 10.2 TOTAL ODA DISBURSEMENTS TO VANUATU BY DONOR, MILLION USD AT 2017 PRICES
TABLE 10.3 AID-FOR-TRADE DISBURSEMENTS TO VANUATU BY DONOR, MILLION USD AT 2017 PRICES
TABLE 10.4 AID-FOR-TRADE DISBURSEMENTS TO VANUATU BY PURPOSE, MILLION USD AT 2017

PRICES
TABLE 10.5 TOTAL ODA DISBURSEMENTS TO VANUATU INCLUDING CHINA, MILLION USD AT 2017
PRICES *
TABLE 11.1 CATTLE PRODUCTION FIGURES
TABLE 11.2 EXPORT OF F&V PRODUCTS, VATU MILLION
TABLE 11.3 KAVA GROWERS BY PROVINCE
xii List of Figures
TABLE 11.4 PRODUCERS AND MANUFACTURERS’ CHALLENGES IN VANUATU

TABLE 12.1 VANUATU OUTER ISLANDS - TOURIST ARRIVALS BY AIR
TABLE 12.2 VANUATU CRUISE SHIP CALLS – 2009 -2018
TABLE 12.3 VANUATU AIR ARRIVALS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
TABLE 13.1 SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE VANUATU OFC, 2017
TABLE 13.2 SWOT ANALYSIS, OFFSHORE FINANCIAL SERVICES
TABLE 13.3 THE ICT SECTOR IN VANUATU, A SNAPSHOT
TABLE 13.4 SWOT ANALYSIS, ICT AND ICT-RELATED SERVICES
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xiii
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 2.1 GDP AND GDP PER CAPITA (2006 PRICES)
FIGURE 2.2 SECTORAL CONTRIBUTION TO GDP
FIGURE 2.3 GDP REAL ANNUAL GROWTH RATES
FIGURE 2.4 EXPENDITURE SHARES OF GDP
FIGURE 2.5 CONTRIBUTION OF DEMAND COMPONENTS TO GDP GROWTH
FIGURE 2.6 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, OUTPUTS
FIGURE 3.1 MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, VALUE BY GROUP OF TOP DESTINATIONS
FIGURE 3.2 TRENDS IN TOURISM ARRIVALS AND EXPORT OF TRANSPORT SERVICES, INDEX NUMBER
FIGURE 4.1 FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS, PERCENTAGE OF GDP
FIGURE 4.2 COMPARISON OF VIPA AND RBV FDI SERIES, INDEX NUMBER
FIGURE 4.3 VNPF MEMBERS, ESTIMATED FDI CONTRIBUTION
FIGURE 4.4 MERCHANDISE TRADE WITH MSG COUNTRIES, INDEX NUMBER
FIGURE 4.5 MERCHANDISE TRADE WITH PICTA NON-MSG PARTIES, INDEX NUMBER
FIGURE 5.1 CONSUMPTION OF PETROLEUM FUEL, 2014
FIGURE 5.2 ENERGY MIX FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION, FEBRUARY 2019
FIGURE 5.3 GDP PER CAPITA AND ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY (% POPULATION), PACIFIC SMALL ISLANDS
DEVELOPING STATES, 2016
FIGURE 5.4 RURAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS, PERCENTAGE
FIGURE 9.1 ANNUAL CATCH VOLUMES OF TUNA SPECIES FOUND IN VANUATU’S EEZ AGAINST TAC,
METRIC TONS
FIGURE 9.2 ELECTRICITY PRICES ON EFATE AND ESPIRITU SANTO, JANUARY 2017 – JULY 2018
FIGURE 10.1 AID-FOR-TRADE PROJECTS MANAGED BY THE MTTNCVB, VUV MILLION, COMMITTED
FIGURE 11.1 COPRA AND COCONUT OIL EXPORTS, VATU MILLION
FIGURE 11.2 COPRA AND COCONUT OIL PRICES OVER THE LAST DECADE, USD PER METRIC TONNE
FIGURE 12.1 EXPORT OF TOURISM SERVICES, VUV MILLION
FIGURE 12.2 TOURISM ARRIVALS, AIR AND CRUISE PASSENGERS
FIGURE 13.1 EXPORT OF FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE SERVICES, PERCENTAGE OF SERVICES EXPORT
FIGURE 13.2 EXPORT OF ICT SERVICES, VANUATU
FIGURE 13.3 EXPORT OF ICT SERVICES, PERCENTAGE OF SERVICES EXPORT, PACIFIC ISLAND SMALL
FIGURE 2.1 GDP AND GDP PER CAPITA (2006 PRICES)
FIGURE 2.2 SECTORAL CONTRIBUTION TO GDP
FIGURE 2.3 GDP REAL ANNUAL GROWTH RATES
FIGURE 2.4 EXPENDITURE SHARES OF GDP
FIGURE 2.5 CONTRIBUTION OF DEMAND COMPONENTS TO GDP GROWTH

xiv List of Figures
FIGURE 2.6 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, OUTPUTS
FIGURE 3.1 MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, VALUE BY GROUP OF TOP DESTINATIONS
FIGURE 3.2 TRENDS IN TOURISM ARRIVALS AND EXPORT OF TRANSPORT SERVICES, INDEX NUMBER
FIGURE 4.1 FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS, PERCENTAGE OF GDP
FIGURE 4.2 COMPARISON OF VIPA AND RBV FDI SERIES, INDEX NUMBER
FIGURE 4.5 MERCHANDISE TRADE WITH PICTA NON-MSG PARTIES, INDEX NUMBER
FIGURE 5.2 ENERGY MIX FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION, FEBRUARY 2019
FIGURE 5.3 GDP PER CAPITA AND ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY (% POPULATION), PACIFIC SMALL ISLANDS
DEVELOPING STATES, 2016
FIGURE 5.4 RURAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS, PERCENTAGE
FIGURE 9.1 ANNUAL CATCH VOLUMES OF TUNA SPECIES FOUND IN VANUATU’S EEZ AGAINST TAC,
METRIC TONS
FIGURE 9.2 ELECTRICITY PRICES ON EFATE AND ESPIRITU SANTO, JANUARY 2017 – JULY 2018
FIGURE 10.1 AID-FOR-TRADE PROJECTS MANAGED BY THE MTTNCVB, VUV MILLION, COMMITTED
FIGURE 11.1 COPRA AND COCONUT OIL EXPORTS, VATU MILLION
FIGURE 11.2 COPRA AND COCONUT OIL PRICES OVER THE LAST DECADE, USD PER METRIC TONNE
FIGURE 12.1 EXPORT OF TOURISM SERVICES, VUV MILLION
FIGURE 12.2 TOURISM ARRIVALS, AIR AND CRUISE PASSENGERS
FIGURE 13.1 EXPORT OF FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE SERVICES, PERCENTAGE OF SERVICES EXPORT
FIGURE 13.2 EXPORT OF ICT SERVICES, VANUATU
FIGURE 13.3 EXPORT OF ICT SERVICES, PERCENTAGE OF SERVICES EXPORT, PACIFIC ISLAND SMALL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Vanuatu is the fourth biggest Forum Islands Country in terms of population (273,000 in 2016), the fifth biggest
country in terms of land mass, and the twelfth biggest country in terms of Exclusive Economic Zone. It is a
young country, with 66% of its population being less than 30 years old.
Most of Vanuatu’s population still engages in own-account production, mostly vegetables (97%), but also live-
stock (86%), and fish (58%). Overall, the weight of the Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry sector (own-account
plus commercial) is still significant, at around 20% of the Gross Domestic Product. Most of the remaining
Gross Domestic Product (70%) is generated by the services sector.
Vanuatu has bilateral diplomatic relations with around 70 countries. At regional level, the country is a founding
member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
The Vanuatu Trade Policy Framework Update (TFPU) 2019 is the country’s trade policy. It assesses the factors
constraining Vanuatu’s trade competitiveness and proposes recommendations to address those constraints.
The TPFU 2019-2025 reaffirms the rational of its predecessor, the Trade Policy Framework 2012. For a small
country like Vanuatu, domestic demand is not enough to stimulate competitive production processes and
generate employment opportunities for all. As such, targeting foreign markets remains the most viable option
to promote economic development. Despite its focus on export promotion, the TPFU does not take a negative
stance on attempts to increase the share of domestic demand satisfied by local production.
The TPFU 2019-2025 is a multi-sectoral policy which is aligned with the Vanuatu’s National Sustainable
Development Plan (NSDP) 2016-2030, and which consolidates in a single document the main trade-related
directions of the Government’s sectoral and sub-sectoral polices.
The NSDP 2016-2030 proposes a vision of a “stable, sustainable, and prosperous Vanuatu”. This is to be
achieved through the pursuance of 15 goals. One of these goals, ECO 1, is particularly important as it
recognises that without trade and investment, “economic opportunities for all members of society throughout
Vanuatu” may not be achieved. Given this, the TPFU adopts a vision which simply mirrors ECO1.
The vision of the TPFU 2019-2025 is to achieve “a prosperous economy encouraging trade and investment
to provide economic opportunities for all members of society throughout Vanuatu”.
Encouraging trade and investment requires coordinated action in a number of areas. By drawing extensively
on the NSDP 2016-2030, the TPFU 2019-2025 identifies 12 Goals which articulate its vision in as many
dimensions. These are:
Goal 1: An economy that pursues sound macroeconomic policies
Goal 2: An economy that promotes exports in areas of comparative advantage and that, where feasible,
reduces reliance on imported goods and services
Goal 3: An economy that engages in and benefits from trade agreements
Goal 4: An economy where energy and telecommunication services are modern, reliable, and affordable
Goal 5: An economy that facilitates trade through state-of-the-art customs, biosecurity, and quality infrastruc-
ture systems, and through better transport infrastructure
xvi Executive Summary
Goal 6: A business-friendly economy

Goal 7: An economy with an adequate supply of skills to encourage trade
Goal 8: An economy where trade and investment are sustainable
Goal 9: An economy where trade is mainstreamed
Goal 10: An economy that supports primary sectors and agro-processing with high export performance or
potential, and strong tourism linkages
Goal 11: An economy that supports accelerated export of tourism services and increased retention of tourism
earrings
Goal 12: An economy that supports emerging service sectors with high export potential or with the potential
to increase the country’s export competitiveness
The extensive breadth of the TPFU 2019-2025 means that its implementation will provide an important
contribution towards achieving the NDSP’s goals, over and above goal ECO 1. Notably, it is estimated that
implementation of the TPFU 2019-2025’s recommendations will contribute to achieve 61% of the NSDP’s 33
economic objectives, 55% of its 29 environmental objectives, and 36% of its 36 society objectives.
CHAPTER 2: THE MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased at a rate of 2.7% between 2006 and 2016. With population
growing at a rate of 2.2% over the same period, the increase in per-capital GDP was limited. Vanuatu’s real
per-capita GDP in 2017 was VUV 238,382, broadly the same level as 2010.
The period 2006-2016 saw a relative decline in the importance of Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry (22.7%
to 19.9% of GDP), an increase of Industry (8.7% to 10.8%), and an Increase in Services (68.6% to 69.3%).
The decline in Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry was linked to cyclone PAM, but also to the crisis of the beef
industry. The increase in Industry was triggered by the recent boost on infrastructure spending. As to Services,
tourism, urbanisation, and the digital revolution were the driving forces between the observed trends. The
Construction and Services sectors are expected to continue driving the economy in the next few years – growth
forecasts for 2019 and 2020 are 3.4% and 4.0%.
A tangible increase in per-capita GDP can be achieved if productivity increases in rural areas, which are
currently operating below potential. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to target these areas. In this respect,
there is scope for:
• Agriculture and agro-processing to capture an increased share of domestic demand and increase
exports in areas of comparative advantage (see Chapter 11)
• Tourism to diversify its supply towards rural areas (see Chapter 12)
• Services to increase competitiveness of other sectors, including through the application of new tech-
nologies (see Chapter 13)
Whilst targeting rural areas, other options should be pursued to promote economic development. In the
short-term, public investment in infrastructure will continue to be the key driver of growth. Communicating
the Government’s decision on whether income taxation will be introduced could also be beneficial, as it would
reduce investor and consumer uncertainty.
In the longer term, the additional working age population (20,000 units in the next five years) should produce
a positive impact on growth, although not necessarily on per-capita income. The latter is more likely to benefit
from the following options, which the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends:
• Sustain the increased levels of capital formation generated by the current public investment program
(see Chapter 6)
• Continue to invest in human capital accumulation to improve outcomes of school and post-school
education and training (see Chapter 8); and
• Improve the business enabling environment to promote innovation (see Chapter 7).
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xvii
To make a difference, growth must not only be strong, but also sustainable. Whilst there are no imminent
threats to Vanuatu’s economic performance, some recent trends should be kept under control. Up to 2013
public debt was fluctuating at around 22% of GDP. The year 2014 saw a shift in policy, with the government
embarking on major investment projects funded by increasing non-tax revenues, grants, and by some foreign
loans. The fiscal expansion pursued since 2014 has increased public debt, from 19.7% in 2013 to 43.5% in
2018. The Government is mindful of the risks of an excessively high debt, and is committed to a debt ceiling
of 60% of GDP. The strategic use of non-tax revenues reflects this commitment. The share of non-tax reve-
nues, mostly coming from the Honorary Citizenship Programs, increased from 2% of GDP in 2014 to 12%
in 2018. The Government is conscious of the fact that this source of revenue may not be sustainable. This
awareness has triggered a responsible use of non-tax revenue with the view of underpinning sustainability
(including through prepayment of public debt), and promoting long-term growth (including through investment
in infrastructure development and the purchase of strategic assets).
Vanuatu’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDCs) status in December 2020 will not produce signif-
icant macro-economic effects. However, some negative impacts will be felt. Market access will sometimes
be affected, especially to countries that are granting duty-free and quota-free treatment to LDCs. In the
short term, Vanuatu should seek to obtain ‘zero duty transition periods’ from those countries, however, in the
longer-term the country may need to establish trade arrangements to preserve its competitiveness. In China,
an emerging market for Vanuatu’s merchandise exports, duty rates on noni juice and kava will increase after
graduation. This is true also for Japan, the main destination of Vanuatu’s beef, where duties on the latter
will increase to 38.5%. Following graduation Vanuatu will also face additional obligations at the World Trade
Organization in terms of reduced exemptions from existing disciplines (e.g. protection intellectual property
and prohibition of export subsidies) and future obligations (e.g. obligation of undertaking commitments during
trade negotiations). Strengthening entities such as the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office and the Department
of External Trade will be useful to face the new environment. The development cooperation landscape might
also change after graduation, with a higher percentage of tied Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and
of loans. As to the level of ODA, this should not be significantly impacted noting that bilateral aid is allocated
on criteria that do not focus on LDC status. Access to some multilateral facilities and to dedicated support to
attend multilateral meetings will, however, be lost. Membership fees to multilateral organisations are expected
to increase, thus requiring some prioritisation of Government resources.
Data on poverty are scarce, but anecdotal evidence suggest that this is not a major issue in Vanuatu. Between
2006 and 2010 economic growth contributed to reduce food poverty from 7.4% to 3.2%, however basic needs
poverty remained stable at 13%. New poverty estimates should be produced to assess the impact of the
latest macroeconomic trends.
CHAPTER 3: TRADE COMPOSITION AND TRENDS

Vanuatu’s deficit in the Balance of Trade in Goods and Services is the result of a negative Balance of Trade
in Goods and a positive Balance of Trade in Services. This deficit declined from VUV 10.2bn in 2008 to VUV
1.7bn in 2014, before increasing significantly in the aftermath of cyclone PAM. Boosting exports in areas of
comparative advantage and competitively substituting some imports is needed to bring the deficit back to its
pre-2015 level.
Vanuatu exported around VUV 5bn of merchandise in 2018. Merchandise exports are concentrated in a limited
range of products, with the share of the first five commodities fluctuating between 70% and 80% during the
past decade. A number of significant changes have been observed since 2008, including a halving of the
export of coconut products, a four-time increase in the value of kava exports, a collapse of beef exports, and
an emergence of value addition activities of a certain significance (noni juice, essential oils).
xviii Executive Summary
TABLE 3.2: MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, MAIN PRODUCTS
2008 2018
Product Value (VUV) Share Product Value (VUV) Share
Copra 1,194,016,373 26% Kava 2,531,391,618 52%
Coconut Oil 827,763,098 18% Copra 549,919,572 11%
Kava 615,669,547 13% Coconut Oil 403,768,954 8%
Beef 474,997,845 12% Cocoa 189,802,924 4%
Cocoa 242,889,212 5% Sandalwood 126,286,398 3%
Tahitian Limes 212,615,454 5% Noni Juice 83,149,019 2%
Timber 96,492,403 2% Essential 82,875,631 2%
Oils
Ornamental Fish 74,507,721 2% Beef 81,926,188 2%
Hides & Skins 44,158,247 1% Timber 50,842,350 1%
Essential Oils 43,088,585 1% Copra Meal 39,636,570 1%
Total 4,665,003,579 100% Total 4,871,165,728 100%
Share of total Share of
Exports 82% total Exports 85%
Source: calculations on Department of Customs and Inland Revenues (DCIR)
The ten major destinations absorbed between 80% and 90% of Vanuatu’s merchandise exports during the
past ten years. Back in 2008 most of Vanuatu’s goods were exported to Europe, Asia, Forum Island Countries,
and Australia/New Zealand. Ten years down the line Europe, once a major importer of coconut oil and cocoa,
has lost significance in favour of developing Asian countries; the share of Japan, once a major importer of
beef, had significantly declined; China had emerged as a major destination; and booming kava exports had
played a primary role in increasing the share of the United States and of Forum Islands Countries (especially
Kiribati). Export re-orientation increases the potential benefits of trade agreements with Asia, especially
China and the ASEAN group.
TABLE 3.4: MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, MAIN DESTINATIONS
2008 2018
Country Value (VUV) Share Country Value (VUV) Share
Philippines 990,698,732 21% USA 827,661,267 17%
Netherlands 571,795,294 12% Fiji 645,074,177 13%
New Zealand 556,722,280 12% Kiribati 589,275,504 12%
New Caledonia 399,200,243 9% Malaysia 525,027,563 11%
Malaysia 322,520,860 7% New Caledonia 444,521,530 9%
Fiji 306,497,114 7% Australia 388,637,429 8%
Japan 265,943,974 6% Philippines 365,151,291 7%
Australia 193,886,224 4% China 292,819,756 6%
Germany 151,854,538 3% Bangladesh 196,037,091 4%
PNG 142,606,750 3% New Zealand 116,447,387 2%
Total 4,665,003,579 100% 4,871,165,728 100%
Share of total 90%
Exports 84%
Source: calculation on DCIR
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xix
Vanuatu exported VUV 36bn of services in 2017. Travel and transport have consistently dominated the export
landscape and still present ample margins to grow, even beyond past rates of 5% a year from 2008 to 2017.
Export of financial services declined significantly during the past ten years due to the crisis of the offshore
industry. In terms of destinations (proxied by tourists’ origin), Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia
absorbed most of Vanuatu’s service exports (around 80%), although an increase was observed in the share
of Pacific Islands Countries (4% in 2008 to 7% in 2017) and China (0% to 3%).
The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to continue targeting increased exports of travel services to leisure tour-
ists, whilst also giving attention to other segments. For example, education-oriented tourism is becoming an
important phenomenon that can be nurtured by a strategic approach to the country’s post-secondary education
and training sector (see Chapter 8). During the past decade, the share of travellers using Air Vanuatu to visit
the country has probably increased. i Strengthening the ability of the national carrier to serve existing and
new routes will be important to not only increase export of travel services, but also transport services. From
this point of view, the TPFU 2019-2025 welcomes the recent expansion of Air Vanuatu’s fleet.
TABLE 3.5: SERVICES EXPORTS, MAIN SERVICES, MILLION VATU
2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2017

Transport 2,700 3,053 3,002 4,365 4,983 4,244
Travel 17,286 20,980 22,347 24,979 26,345 27,108
Business 1,905 2,040 2,365 1,604 2,005 1,771
Personal 15,381 18,940 19,982 23,375 24,340 25,337
Health related 0 0 0 0 0 0
Education related 271 388 239 1,568 1,945 2,589
Other 15,110 18,552 19,743 21,807 22,395 24,177
Telecommunications, computer, and 424 593 150 507 1,071 1,031
information services
Construction 0 16 16 20 16 41
Insurance and pension services 99 22 692 328 0 0
Financial services 1,800 975 652 431 351 337
Charges for the use of intellectual 24 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
property
Other business services 519 514 433 392 431 338
Personal, cultural, and recreational 5 12 16 18 16 44
services
Government goods and services 737 541 617 1,334 2,717 2,884
Total Exports 23,594 26,732 27,942 32,396 35,945 36,144
Source: RBV
Vanuatu imported VUV 35bn of merchandise in 2016. Given the limited productive capacity of the country,
imports cover a broad range of products. To promote a more balanced growth the TPFU 2019-2025 identifies
some areas where imports can be reduced or substituted. For example:
• Rice (VUV 1.5 bn in 2016). Support could be provided to production and consumption of locally grown
sources of carbohydrates - cassava, sweet potatoes, and other root crops
• Fossil fuels (VUV 5.2bn of imports in 2016). Can be replaced with renewable energy when this does
not undermine trade competitiveness (see Chapters 5 and 9)
• Cigarettes and tobacco (VUV 0.6bn of imports in 2016)
• Un-healthy food preparations (e.g. imported snacks, biscuits). These could be discouraged in favour
or healthier local alternatives (fruits and vegetables)
i Export of transport services (mainly foreign visitors using Air Vanuatu) grew faster than tourism arrivals during the past de-
cade, thus suggesting that there was an increase in the share of visitors travelling with Air Vanuatu
xx Executive Summary
In 2016, about 35% of imports came from Australia and New Zealand. Another 36% came from Asia, mainly
Singapore (12%, mostly fossil fuels), China (12%), and Japan (6%, mostly vehicles). If trade from major origins
is liberalised, the Government should pay attention to protect policy space in sectors where it may intend to
limit imports and promote consumption of domestic goods.
Vanuatu imported VUV 17bn of services in 2017, of which about 60% was transport – mainly sea transport
of freight. Import of business services increased from 0.6bn in 2008 to VUV 1.6bn in 2017. This is probably
a reflection of the ‘servification’ of modern economies, as well as of possible skill gaps in the local labour
market. Improving the quality of schools and of the Post-Secondary Education and Training (PSET) system
can help by substituting imports of some business services (see Chapter 8).
CHAPTER 4: EXTERNAL TRADE POLICIES AND TRADE AGREEMENTS

Multilateral trade policies affecting imports, exports, production, and foreign investments
Customs procedures in Vanuatu are modern, relatively fast, ii and compliant with trade facilitation principles. At
the 2018 Trade Policy Review (TPR) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) “members praised Vanuatu for its
considerable reduction in customs clearance time.”
Vanuatu applies preferential rules of origin (ROO) in the context of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Trade
Agreement (MSGTA), and the Pacific Island Country Trade Agreement (PICTA). The TPFU 2019-2025 recom-
mends the establishment of non-preferential rules of origin to support policy measures like anti-dumping and
countervailing duties, safeguard and retaliation.
The country’s applied Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) average tariff decreased from 16.7% in 2008 to 9.3% in
2018, and is in line with the global average - 8.7% in 2016. Vanuatu applies higher tariffs on goods which are
produced locally, and for revenue generation. Tariff concessions to promote development exist for the manu-
facturing, tourism, and fisheries sectors, among others. Tariff rates for chicken wings (HS code 0207.1410)
and alkaloids (HS codes 2939.7100 and 2939.7900) are above multilateral bound rates and should either be
reduced or renegotiated.
Amongst prohibited imports, Vanuatu should consider repealing the ban on European beef, which was put in
place in late 1990s as a control for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), a disease which is no longer
prevalent.
The Import Duties (Consolidation) (Amendment) Act of 2013 No. 29 is the legal basis to conduct investigations
for the application of anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures. The framework is incomplete, and
would benefit from the adoption of more detailed disciplines, for example on how to calculate dumping margins.
Vanuatu does not provide export subsidies. A domestic support program has been introduced to prop-up copra
prices. The value of the subsidy is relatively small (VUV 150 million annually) and should be permitted under
the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, even after Vanuatu’s graduation from LDC status.
The 2018 TPR report by the WTO Secretariat notes that notifications are outstanding for policies affecting
imports (customs valuation, import licensing, contingency measures), production, and trade (Sanitary and
Phytosanitary measures (SPS), Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), and state trading enterprises). Technical
assistance from the WTO Secretariat should be sought to fulfil WTO notification obligations.
The key market access limitation to Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) is found in the Foreign Investment
Promotion Act (CAP 248) – FIPA. The FIPA reserves selected activities to Ni-Vanuatu and restricts other
activities below certain thresholds. The business regulatory environment would benefit from the written
statement of a criteria to guide decisions on reservation – this could be included in the Bill for the Investment
Promotion and Facilitation Act, the FIPA’s successor. One possible criterion is whether the development of a
sector requires a level of physical or human capital which exceeds what is locally available.
Notwithstanding reservation, FDIs are performing well in Vanuatu. During the period 2007-2017, Vanuatu’s
FDIs averaged 5.6% of GDP, compared to 2.9% in developing East Asia Pacific (EAP), and 2.3% in lower-
middle income countries. FDIs emerge are a decisive contributor to Vanuatu’s capital accumulation, and are
probably the main contributor to the economy’s formal employment. The great majority of FDI inflows come
ii Three days and seven hours required for customs clearance in 2017
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxi
from Australia (37% on average). During the last decade, however, China has significantly increased its share,
from 3% in 2007 to 21% in 2017. Promoting FDIs in the TPFU’s priority sectors is important to align foreign
investments with the country’s trade strategy.
Free and preferential trade agreements
Free and preferential trade agreements reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, thus promoting a country’s export
in areas of comparative advantage, and reducing costs of consumer goods and production inputs. They may
also facilitate flow of capital and labour, which further promotes economic growth. Generally speaking, for an
agreement to generate a positive impact it is important that trade is liberalised with countries that are already
trading with each other, as this will create trade with the most efficient partners instead of diverting it towards
less efficient ones. The table below estimates the shares of Vanuatu’s trade with its partners.
TABLE 4.3: VANUATU TRADE WITH EXISTING AND POTENTIAL PARTNERS TO TRADE AGREEMENTS
Trade in Trade in Services Foreign Investment Labour

(share) (share)
Goods (share) (share)
Agreement/Partner Export Import Export Import Inflows Outflows Export Import
MSG 10% 9% .. .. .. .. 2% 18%
New Caledonia 5% 1% 12% .. .. .. 33% 11%
PICTA [trading partners] 12% 8% .. .. .. .. 2% 15%
PICTA [signatories] 15% 9% ≈6% .. .. .. 2% 19%
PACER Plus [signatories] 28% 35% ≥64% > 24% ≥ 45% .. 54% 48%
PACER Plus [potential] 37% 43% 71% > 24% ≥ 45% .. 55% 61%
Japan 3% 5% 1% .. .. .. .. ..
China 6% 10% 3% .. ≥ 12% .. .. ..
India 0% 1% .. .. .. .. .. ..
ASEAN 38% 26% .. .. .. .. .. ..
US 4% 2% .. .. .. .. .. ..
EU 2% 6% 8% .. ≥ 6% .. 6% 24%
UK 0% 0% .. .. .. 1% 5%
Source: Calculations on DCIR, VNSO (Vanuatu National Statistic Office), Department of Forum Affairs and Trade (DFAT), United
Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE), and Howes
The original Trade Agreement among the Melanesian Spearhead Group of Countries (MSGTA) covers goods
only. It came into force in 2006, and has liberalised all trade, with the exception of alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and
sugar cane. The impact of the agreement has so far been limited, probably because of the limited production,
diversification, and import capacity of MSG members. In Vanuatu, preferential import and export values in
2016 were pretty much the same as in 2008. In 2016 the MSGTA was revised, expanded to new areas (trade
in services, labour mobility, investment), and renamed Melanesian Free Trade Agreement (MFTA), but has yet
to be ratified. The MFTA presents opportunities to reduce the cost of exporting merchandise to and importing
merchandise from MSG countries, gain access to employment opportunities in the semi-skilled sector (espe-
cially in PNG), fill critical labour shortages, and attract FDIs from the biggest MSG countries. It is possible
that, by virtue of improved ROO, local manufacturers will find it easier to get duty-free access to the MSG
market. Similarly, thanks to service commitments going beyond WTO obligations, ni-Vanuatu businesses will
find it easier to export their services. Should Fiji and PNG decide not to join the Pacific Agreement on Closer
Cooperation Plus (PACER Plus), the MFTA would also protect against the possibility of trade diversion. Given
the above, the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that Vanuatu signs and ratifies the MFTA.
The Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) is a trade agreement among Forum Island Countries
(FICs) which fully liberalises trade in goods, with the exclusion of alcohol and tobacco. It entered into force
in 2003 but Vanuatu ratified it in 2005. To date, eight FICs iii have announced their readiness to trade under
iii Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Kiribati
xxii Executive Summary
PICTA. During the past ten years merchandise imports from non-MSG PICTA parties were negligible (aver-
aging VUV 6 million), including due to their limited productive capacity and economic diversification. On
the other hand, exports to non-MSG PICTA parties increased dramatically thanks to the ability of Vanuatu’s
exporters to satisfy Kiribati’s demand for kava. Kiribati imposes no import duty on kava, and, thanks to PICTA
preferences, this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. Discussion is ongoing on options to
strengthen PICTA, including by promoting ratification by more FICs, simplifying rules of origin, iv modernising
its trade in goods disciplines, promoting the entry in force of the Trade in Services Protocol concluded in 2012,
and re-activating negotiations on a labour mobility scheme for semi-skilled and skilled workers. Modern PICTA
disciplines for trade in goods and a protocol on trade in services may produce some benefits compared to the
status-quo, however these disciplines will become redundant if PACER Plus is ratified by its signatories. On
the other hand, the potential benefits from a PICTA labour mobility scheme would remain, noting that such
a scheme is not envisaged under PACER Plus, and the different skill levels between FICs can trigger bene-
ficial mobility. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that Vanuatu monitors developments on PICTA disciplines
in goods and services, and that it supports re-opening of negotiations on a PICTA labour mobility scheme.
The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) is an agreement between FICs,
Australia, and New Zealand. It is a comprehensive treaty covering trade in goods, services, investment,
development cooperation, plus an arrangement on labour mobility. The agreement has been signed by 11
countries and ratified by Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa. It will enter into force after eight countries ratify.
The chapter of trade in goods includes disciplines on customs procedures, SPS measures, and TBT that
have the potential to speed-up clearance and facilitate market access for Vanuatu’s products. On the import
side, Vanuatu has protected sectors with a potential for substitution, and has agreed to only liberalise 85%
of its tariff lines within 35 years from the entry into force. On the services side, PACER Plus can promote a
better regulatory environment; it can also improve access to Forum markets for ni-Vanuatu service providers,
noting that commitments under PACER Plus are deeper than those made under the WTO General Agree-
ment on Trade in Services (GATS) and PICTA. The chapter on investment introduces protections that can
stimulate FDIs from Australia and New Zealand. The PACER Plus can also benefit ni-Vanuatu workers via
better cooperation on Australia and New Zealand’s initiatives; and increase productive capacity and quality
of Vanuatu goods, services, and labourers via targeted development assistance programs. The TPFU 2019-
2025 recommends that Vanuatu ratifies PACER Plus.
As the global balance of power shift towards Asia, Vanuatu will need to consider how to engage with its new
partners. China is already satisfying about 12% of Vanuatu’s import needs, v it has become the second biggest
source of FDIs, and a prime source of Overseas Development Assistance. Vanuatu is already exporting a
significant share of its merchandise to China, as well as increasing levels of tourism services. The substantial
and growing trade relations between China and Vanuatu justify the establishment of a free trade agreement
furthering trade integration, and complementing the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA)
signed by the Government as part of its accession to the Belt and Road Initiative. Graduation from LDC status
creates additional incentives to move in the direction of a free trade agreement with China (see Chapter 2).
Similar considerations apply to ASEAN countries. Like China, ASEAN members are closer to Vanuatu than
some of its traditional commercial partners, prompting very significant trade flows. These are mainly concen-
trated in merchandise, with ASEAN members absorbing 36% of Vanuatu exports, and with Vanuatu importing
26% of its merchandise from ASEAN members. To be of interest to China and ASEAN, a free trade agreement
should probably be regional in scope. Regional negotiations would benefit from support by dedicated teams of
professionals, which would supplement national capacity to address contentious issues and ensure mutually
beneficial deals. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that Vanuatu promotes regional consensus on the option
of negotiating regional trade agreements with China and ASEAN countries.
The TPFU 2019-2025 also recommends to ratify the recently concluded trade agreement with New Caledonia,
to seek to establish TIFAs with Japan and the United States, to join the European Union (EU)’s Generalized
System of Preferences Plus (GSP+), and to continue monitoring developments with regard to the Economic
Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU.
iv Currently based on the 40% local value content rule

v Based on 2016 data. The actual figure maybe higher if goods originating from China are recorded as coming from another
ports – for example, Hong Kong
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxiii
CHAPTER 5: BACKBONE SERVICES AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE

Vanuatu relies heavily on imported fossil fuels. The import bill for fossil fuels was VUV 5.2bn in 2017, or 6%
of GDP. About 90% of imported petroleum fuel is used for electricity generation (24%) and transport (66%).
Other
Cooking 4%
5%
Electricity
24%
Land Transport
56%
Air Transport
7%
Sea Transport
3%
Source: Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
Pacific Energy is currently the sole importer of bulk petroleum products for public supply. It operates its
own petrol sales network and sells fuel to the Au Bon Marche (ABM) petrol stations, and to the two elec-
tricity concessionaires - Union Electrique du Vanuatu Limited (UNELCO) and Utilities and Infrastructure
Limited (VUI). At the request of the Government, Pacific Energy calculates a national price, which generates
cross-subsidisation from Port Vila to the islands.
Vanuatu’s pre-tax prices of diesel and petrol are 15-20% lower than the Pacific average. There may be scope
to further reduce prices by increasing competition. In Fiji, where pre-tax prices are substantially lower, there
are three international companies importing petroleum products, whilst Tonga, which also has lower prices,
has two international companies. The Government is developing provisions for URA to impose ‘light-handed’
regulation on the petrol market. The competition legislation recommended by the TPFU 2019-2025 can also
help in this area.
For Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Origin is the sole major wholesaler. It distributesits own retail shops and
other retailers. There are a few small LPG importers. Use of LPG is still very low in Vanuatu. Prices for LPG
are roughly the same as the Pacific average, but significantly higher than in Fiji. The Government is examining
options for price monitoring of LPG. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that the Office of the Price Controller
undertakes a study on the LPG market, to see whether there is any scope for price regulation.
Improving access to and reducing costs of electricity is key for trade competitiveness. The Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) survey conducted by Reserve Bank Vanuatu in 2016 found that access to
electricity and high electricity costs is one of the main impediments for MSMEs, with 64% of formal MSMEs
and 72% of informal MSMEs considering electricity costs as the main problem.
The Vanuatu National Energy Roadmap 2016-2030 set a target of 100% access and 100% renewable gener-
ation by 2030. However, as of 2019 electricity is mainly (82%) generated through diesel. Also, in 2016 only
60% of the population had access to electricity. Access outside the concession areas is very limited (9%),
and mostly based on solar lamps and systems. This means that, to meet its own targets, the Government
must upscale efforts on renewables and access. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to support the use of
coconut oil as an alternative to diesel, including through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) funding.
It also recommends to develop an electrification plan for renewable energy in remote islands, and supports
implementation of the Barrier Removal for Achieving the National Energy Road Map Targets of Vanuatu
(BRANTV) project.
xxiv Executive Summary
FIGURE 5.2: ENERGY MIX FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION, FEBRUARY 2019

Hydro, 9%
Solar, 4%
Wind, 4%
Copra oil, 1%
Diesel, 82%
Source: URA
In Vanuatu, two utility companies hold concession contracts for generation and sale of electricity: UNELCO in
Efate and parts of Malekula and Tanna, and VUI in Luganville. Both are vertically integrated. The concession
agreements, especially those for UNELCO, have limited the power of the regulator to facilitate access to
new entrants in the concession areas, including through Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). It also appears
that the provisions of the agreements have failed to provide incentives to reduce costs or increase efficiency,
noting that Vanuatu’s tariffs are higher than the Pacific average, fuel efficiency is lower, and outages are more
frequent. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends the development of a handbook on concession contracts outlining
procedures for contract award and roles and rights of the Government and the concessionaires.
Telecommunication services are essential for trade competitiveness: they contribute to economic growth in
their own right, and they have become an essential input for many export-oriented activities. Vanuatu has
witnessed significant progress in the spread of telecommunication technology. Between 2000 and 2016
mobile subscriptions per 100 population increased from 2.1 to 80.8, and the percentage of population using
the internet increased from close to zero to 24%. Between 2014 and 2017 the amount of data downloaded
increased from 15.5TB to 632.4TB. The opening of the telecommunications market to competition in 2008
and the construction of the undersea cable in 2014 were the two main domestic forces behind this trend.
The Vanuatu National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy was launched in 2013. Its
priorities include access to ICT in education, access to ICT infrastructure and devices, e-Government, inte-
gration of ICT in sectoral policies, building trust, development of local content, and ICT capacity building.
Implementation has been good but room for improvement exists, especially on the Government side. Whilst
priorities are still relevant, the policy should be updated to consider new developments in this fast-changing
sector.
The Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, & Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) is responsible for imple-
menting the Universal Access Policy (UAP), which was approved in 2013. The objective of having 98% of
the population covered by voice, narrowband, and broadband services by 2018 has been achieved, and the
policy should now be updated.
The year 2013 also saw the launching of the cybersecurity policy. Progress has been made with the devel-
opment of draft cybersecurity legislation and the establishment of a Computer Emergency Response Team
(CERT VU) supporting businesses, organizations and individuals affected by cybersecurity incidents. The
cybersecurity legislation should now be finalised and approved.
In 2018 the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) listed Vanuatu’s regulatory regime as the best
in the Pacific and the 11 th best in the Asia Pacific region. To repeat these successes, it is critical that the
Government continues to protect the regulator’s independence, and facilitates its modernization. A first step
in the right direction was taken in 2018, when an amendment to the Telecommunications and Radiocommuni-
cations Regulations Act transferred regulatory powers over broadcasting services to the telecommunications
regulator. This transformed the TRBR into a ‘convergence regulator’ – i.e. the regulator of an industry whose
sub-sectors are converging by virtue of technological trends. It will now be important to introduce ‘Generation
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxv
5 regulations’ vi harmonising the regulatory regimes of different sub-sectors and helping TRBR face emerging
challenges – for example, Over the Top Services.
As of 2018, there were ten service providers in Vanuatu, including three wholesale operators, two main
mobile voice and broadband operators, and four small scale internet service providers. The limited market
size and Vanuatu’s topography make it unlikely that a third main mobile voice and broadband operator will
enter the market.
The quality of services in Port Vila and Luganville (4G+ broadband) is definitively better than in more remote
areas (mostly 3G broadband). Specific information on service quality is being collected through a Quality of
Services (QoS) audit, which should provide data to producers and the regulator about which areas they need
to improve, as well as empower consumers to make informed decisions about which product is most suited
to their needs. The QoS audit should be finalised.
With regard to prices, evidence is mixed. Vanuatu has the second-highest price in the Pacific for voice and
SMS mobile-cellular services, the lowest price in the Pacific for a prepaid handset-based package of 500MB,
and very high prices for computer-based broadband, both fixed and mobile.
The high price for computer-based broadband is linked to the low level of usage, both in terms of the propor-
tion of population using internet, and in terms of usage-type, with a large proportion of users being engaged
in low-capacity activities such as social media. This means that a relatively small customer base has to pay
back the high investment costs incurred to increase the country’s data capacity. The Government should
seek ways to encourage increased usage of the existing capacity to reduce prices for the entire country – for
example by promoting e-Government and supporting establishment of a data centre (see Chapter 13).
For the telecommunications industry, high quality physical infrastructure is exceptionally important, and the
cost to build and maintain it is very high in Vanuatu. Critical infrastructures include the power supply, telecom-
munications base stations (towers), submarine cable, and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs). Options
recommended by the TPFU 2019-2025 to improve infrastructure quality include finalising the Infrastructure
Sharing Policy for towers, and deploying of a second international submarine cable. Infrastructure sharing
has the potential to promote competition and improve coverage, especially in rural areas. A second cable
can create the much-needed redundancy, which would be important to attract investments, given Vanuatu’s
high level of vulnerability to natural disasters. Any additional undersea cable should also extend capacity
to the outer islands – in particular prioritising Tanna and Espiritu Santo - in order to more equitably spread
economic opportunities and growth across the country.
CHAPTER 6: TRADE FACILITATION AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE

Vanuatu’s trade competitiveness will greatly benefit from the country’s ability to reduce the time and cost
of trading across borders, and to provide convincing evidence that its goods and services meet safety and
quality requirements of importing countries.
Time and cost of trading across borders
Vanuatu lags behind other Pacific Island Countries (PICs) with regard to ‘Trading Across Borders’, the World
Bank indicator measuring time and cost to export and import. Evidence reveals that port handling (stevedoring)
charges are the main cause of Vanuatu’s high costs.
TABLE 6.3: STEVEDORING REGIONAL COMPARATIVE TARIFF CHARGES, 2017, USD
Vanuatu Samoa Fiji Tonga

Port Vila Apia Suva Nuku’alofa
Stevedoring import 20’ 403.25 50.93 71.91 178.14
Stevedoring export 20’ 403.25 50.93 71.91 178.14
Stevedoring import Revenue Ton (RT) 23.62 4.24 7.79 3.27
Stevedoring export Revenue Ton (RT) 23.62 4.24 7.79 3.27
Source: ADB
vi According to the ITU, key features of Generation 5 regulation are: collaborative regulation, inclusive dialogue, and harmo-
nized approach across sectors
xxvi Executive Summary
Ninety percent of Vanuatu’s traded goods are transported by sea via Port Vila and Luganville wharves.
Stevedoring services at the two wharves are provided by Ifira Port Development Services (IPDS) and the
Northern Islands Stevedoring Company Limited (NISCOL), two private concessionaires. IPDS and NISCOL
have 50-year concession agreements, expiring respectively in 2068 and November 2065, and envisaging
exclusive rights. The Maritime Sector Regulatory Act no. 26 of 2016 gives the Office of the Maritime Regulator
(OMR) the power to “monitor and regulate tariffs, prices and charges imposed at ports and on port users”.
However, the OMR lacks capacity to effectively regulate stevedores. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that
assistance is provided to the OMR to undertake its duties. Assistance could be modelled on previous programs
which were successful in building capacity of the telecommunications and utility regulators.
The Vanuatu’s Trade Facilitation Steering Committee (TFSC) was established in 2017 to support imple-
mentation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The latter includes
provisions that can reduce time and cost of trading across borders by streamlining border procedures. In
2018 Vanuatu notified its commitment to implement the TFA. Of the agreement’s 36 applicable provisions,
Vanuatu is already complying with 12 (Category A), is committed to comply other 12 after a transitional period
(Category B), and is targeting compliance with the remaining 12, subject to receiving assistance (Category
C). As of October 2018, Vanuatu was on-track to implement most of its Category B commitments, and had
already ratified the Revised Kyoto Convention, whose provisions mirror disciplines of the TFA. However, it
still has to ratify the TFA. Ratification would come at no cost, but would be important to secure assistance to
implement the agreement’s provisions. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that Vanuatu ratifies the TFA and
continues implementing the priority projects agreed by the TFSC, including extending automation beyond
customs through the Electronic Single Window System (ESWS) project.
Transport infrastructure
Transport infrastructure (airports, ports, and roads) is also crucial to facilitate trade. In fact, strategic infra-
structure can unleash an economy’s structural transformation - as happened with the Efate ring road and the
Espiritu Santo east road. Vanuatu’s trade facilitation infrastructure includes two main international seaports
(Port Vila and Luganville); three international airports (Port Vila, Luganville, and Lenakel); 3,000 km of roads;
26 domestic airports; and 36 domestic wharves, landings, and jetties.
The Vanuatu Infrastructure Strategic Investment Plan (VISIP) 2015-2024 is the main document providing
direction for investment in infrastructure. The Vanuatu Transport Plan 2030, not yet in place, provides situation
analysis and high-level guidance to the transport sector.
The country’s aviation infrastructure has recently undergone major rehabilitation and improvement, which
has allowed the three international airports to meet and maintain International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) standards and, for Bauerfield, to serve larger aircrafts (code E). Thanks to these works Vanuatu can
now target increasing tourism flows (see Chapter 12), and providing better support services to time-sensi-
tive, high-value, low-volume export sectors. vii To further support the tourism industry, the TPFU 2019-2025
recommends to upgrade the Bauerfield international passenger terminal. It also supports the recommendation
of the Vanuatu Master Plan 2017 to increase airport passenger charges to USD 33 at Bauerfield to fund the
USD 212 mn aviation investment program for the next 20 years. Domestic airports are small and basic, but
essential to further tourism development. Amongst the airports recommended for upgrade by the Vanuatu
Tourism Marketing Development Plan (VTMDP), Norsup should probably be prioritised and upgraded to Code
C turboprop (ATR-72) noting its size, significance for agriculture, tourism potential, and the complementary
road improvements which are taking place in Malekula.
As an island country, Vanuatu depends on maritime transport for merchandise trade but also for tourism,
yet for a long time there has been a mismatch between the increased traffic and the capacity of international
ports. This issue has been solved with the recent construction of a 200-metre international wharf in Port Vila
(Lapetasi wharf), and the upgrade of the international wharf in Luganville – now a 361-metre wharf. Statis-
tical data on international shipping can support market access; it should be collected in collaboration with
shipping operators and made available to the public. Domestic shipping terminals are still in a poor state, yet
they are essential to improve trade competitiveness by reducing time and cost of inter-island shipping. The
TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to re-activate works under the Vanuatu Interisland Shipping Support Project
(VISSP). Modernising the domestic fleet can also have an impact. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to
consider eliminating reservation on inter-island shipping services with vessels below 80 tonnes, as these are
far older than vessels in the non-reserved category.
vii Merchandise trade should also benefit by the new cargo terminal at Bauerfield airport, which was completed in 2017
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxvii
Strengthening the road network is pivotal to promote rural development, a key target of the TPFU 2019-2025.
As part of its fiscal expansion, the Government has increased investment in rural roads, including with support
from donor partners for maintenance/rehabilitation (especially Australia) and improvement (especially China
in Tanna and Malekula). The TPFU 2019-2025 supports current investments in the road network, but notes
that the current budget for maintenance/rehabilitation, at VUV 1bn per year, only provides 30 to 40% of the
required resources. This will reduce the level of service provided by the road network over time, which may
hamper its potential to support structural transformation. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that the budget
for maintenance and rehabilitation for roads is increased to at least VUV 2.5 bn per year. It also recommends
to restrict improvements (earth-gravel to seal) during the next five years to Tanna and Malekula.
The upgraded waterfront in Port Vila has represented an innovative trade-related infrastructure project. The
impact of this project should now be evaluated. The impact of a possible upgrade of the Luganville waterfront
should be assessed before making a final decision on whether to beautify – the rural nature of the Espiritu
Santo tourism product may imply smaller benefits from urban beautification.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures

Overseas SPS measures can, by their very nature, restrict Vanuatu’s exports unless the country can demon-
strate that systems are in place to protect animal, plant, and human health and to guarantee food safety.
Vanuatu is a member of the main international SPS standard-setting bodies, namely the International Plant
Protection Convention (IPPC), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the Codex Alimentarius
Commission (CAC). Attendance at the meetings of these organizations, and compliance with their notification
obligations, could improve. Biosecurity Vanuatu (BV) is the department responsible for implementing SPS
provisions on animals and plants, whereas the Department of Health is responsible for food safety.
All the main pieces of SPS-related legislation pre-date Vanuatu’s accession to WTO. Not surprisingly, legis-
lation is in need of amendment. A Biosecurity Bill combining and streamlining the existing SPS legislation is
reported to be have been drafted and consulted on, but not yet enacted. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends
the review and enactment of the Biosecurity Bill.
Although the National Biosecurity Policy (NBP) is a relatively new development, due to recent ‘game-changing’
issues coming to the fore (e.g. the arrival of new pests and diseases affecting priority value chains, and
significant changes in senior BV staff), a review of the NBP is recommended.
Almost invariably, there is SPS-related documentation associated with the export and import of animal and
plant products. Vanuatu’s system(s) for the associated data collection, record keeping, document preparation,
and transmission is paper-based and manual. There is considerable scope for automation. Implementation
of the BV module of the Electronic Single Window System (ESWS) project should allow permits and the likes
of phytosanitary certificates to be processed electronically. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that Vanuatu
considers integrating the ESWS project with the IPPC system of for creation of electronic phytosanitary
certificates (ePhytos) – known as GeNS. It also recommends to consider other dimensions of BV work where
automation can improve performance.
Capacity of BV staff offices at certified ports of entry (especially in Port Vila and Luganville) appear structurally
inadequate, and should be increased. Moreover, the absence of key staff for prolonged periods has contrib-
uted to BV being short-staffed to manage the additional workload associated with the incursion of a new pest
(coconut rhinoceros beetle, (CRB)) and with implementation of the NBP’s priorities.
SPS-related tests on cocoa, virgin coconut oil, and kava for export are undertaken by the Vanuatu Bureau of
Standards (VBS). The VBS is also active in quality testing – for example organic fertilizers, nutrient content
of locally processed food, etc. Its capacity to increase the number of samples tested and to extend the range
of tests performed is severely constrained. For some tests with limited throughput sub-contracting is the best
option, and in these instances the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to strengthen arrangements with overseas
ISO-accredited (e.g. AsureQuality) or OIE-recognised diagnostic and testing laboratories. In terms of domestic
capacity, the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends the acquisition of a commercial blender to reduce the time taken
to complete a test, and the recruitment of permanent laboratory assistants – currently on temporary contracts.
Work towards laboratory accreditation is also recommended.
xxviii Executive Summary
Priority pests and diseases to be fought, contained, and possibility eradicated remain those with a potential
to severely affect Vanuatu’s top commodities, including coconut (CRB), and beef (vibriosis and invasive
pasture weeds).
In terms of SPS standards, priority should continue to be given to the establishment of a Codex standard for
kava, as a guarantee of unabated market access.
Some countries, including important trade partners to Vanuatu (Australia, New Zealand, US) are becoming
increasingly concerned about the risks posed by pests and diseases carried by sea containers. This has led
to cooperative arrangements between NISCOL/IPDS and New Zealand for the application of SPS measures
(e.g. inspection, cleaning) to exported containers. However, similar measures do not exist for imported
containers. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that BV start applying measures to imported sea containers
similar to those applied to exported containers.
Quality Infrastructure (QI)

While SPS systems give assurance that a country’s products are healthy and safe, QI systems aim at providing
evidence that these products are of good quality, thus promoting access to more numerous and more profitable
markets. The key components of a QI system include: QI policy, legislation and regulations; QI institutions
with responsibility for standardization, metrology, and accreditation; and QI services assessing conformance
with standards - testing, inspection, and certification. It is important to note that the World Trade Organization
(WTO)’s Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) normally relies upon national QI institutions for its
implementation.
In Vanuatu, the QI system is in its infancy. The country lacks a National Quality Policy (NQP) specifying
vision, objectives, expected outcomes and required measures with respect to the development of a national
QI system. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that a NQP is drafted and approved.
The VBS was established in 2016 as a body corporate of the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and
Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB), with the mission of leading the development of the national QI system.
As previously illustrated, the VBS also supports the SPS system. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that
Vanuatu notifies to the WTO that the VBS is the new TBT enquiry point.
The VBS Act has given the bureau functions in most of the core QI areas including standardization, conformity
assessment, and metrology. The VBS Act also gives the bureau a semi-autonomous status, although this
provision has yet to be implemented. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that this provision is implemented
to make sure that the bureau can impartially perform its functions.
Standards of imported products are likely to differ based on the origin of the trading partner. The same applies
to goods and services which are locally produced and sold. Lack of declared national standards may represent
an obstacle for investors, and undermine the development of a quality culture among national producers. The
TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to establish a catalogue of priority national standards for produced, exported,
and imported goods and services.
Metrology is a barrier against fraud and a promoter of international trade. Metrology laboratories are the
depositories of national measurement standards and provide calibration services that can reduce trading
costs and generate revenues. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to establish a metrology laboratory for basic
measurement standards, and to work towards its international recognition.
Besides providing testing services, the VBS supports companies to obtain certification against certain stan-
dards. The TPFU 2019-2025 welcomes these services. It also recommends that in the medium-term the VBS
considers starting to provide certification services against priority standards such as HACCP and ISO 22000.
Accreditation of conformity assessment bodies gives the ultimate guarantee that conformity assessment
services undertaken in a country will be internationally recognised, thus facilitating trade – assessed once,
accepted everywhere. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that the VBS works towards accreditation for its
own services, and supports other conformity assessment bodies wishing to be accredited by promoting
arrangements able to reduce costs.
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxix
Given the economic and demographic situation of FICs, regional cooperation represents a viable and sustain-
able option for FICs to address some of the challenges faced by their national QI systems. A regional QI
initiative is ongoing and the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends Vanuatu takes active part in this initiative.
CHAPTER 7: DOING BUSINESS - REFORMS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

A business enabling environment promotes private investment in areas of comparative advantage, which can
in turn boost innovation and increase economic growth. This chapter proposes a series of recommendations
to improve the business enabling environment.
Business policies, laws and regulations

The Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA) is mandated to regulate and promote foreign investment. A
Bill for the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act has been consulted for many years, but its approval has
been delayed by the lack of a policy providing direction for foreign investment. Now that a National Investment
Policy has been finalised, it should be submitted to the Council of Ministers and, soon after its approval, the
Bill for the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act should be presented to Parliament.
The country’s investment promotion strategy is still nascent; the National Investment Policy identifies priority
sectors and related investment opportunities, while the TPFU 2019-2025 includes recommendations for the
development of these sectors. VIPA should now prepare practical investment promotion strategies for each of
the priority sectors included in the National Investment Policy, and use the recommendations of the TPFU’s
sectoral chapters to inform these strategies.
The process to obtain and renew a business license is time-consuming. Vanuatu could consider simplifying
this by moving onto the electronic platform developed by the Vanuatu Financial Service Commission (VFSC)
for company registration.
The Industry Development Act introduces the possibility to impose export taxes on primary products to
encourage value-addition. There is scope to increase investor confidence by amending the Act to introduce
clearer criteria for considering the imposition of an export tax, for example the conduct of an independent
economic analysis, and an annual monitoring and evaluation exercise.
A competition framework discourages anticompetitive business and Government practices, thus fostering
innovation, productivity, and trade competitiveness. Consumer protection is also conducive to healthier
competition, as it empowers consumers with rights creating a level playing field for businesses. In 2019 the
Government passed its first competition and consumer protection policy. This policy sets out a number of
important principles, but will not by itself generate more competition unless legislation informed by those
principles is developed and approved by Parliament.
An excessive backlog of court cases generates court delays, which may discourage potential investors.
Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms reduce the number of cases channelled through the court system,
thereby reducing delays. Arbitration is a type of alternative dispute resolution. In arbitration, the parties present
arguments and evidence to an independent third party, the arbitrator, who makes a determination. Setting
up a system of domestic arbitration may take years, but Vanuatu can ratify the New York Convention on the
Enforcement of Arbitral Awards, which would give stakeholders the option of using international arbitrators
whose awards are domestically enforceable.
Mediation is another form of alternative dispute resolution. It requires participation of a third party (a medi-
ator), whose role is to assist the parties to reach agreement on the resolution of the dispute. In Vanuatu,
a court may refer a matter to mediation, but it would be beneficial to encourage the use of mediation prior
to the lodging of a formal dispute via court proceedings. Establishment of an alternative dispute resolution
centre would serve this purpose.
Vanuatu has not produced regular consolidated legislation since 2006. This reduces the ease of doing busi-
ness. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that Vanuatu publishes consolidated versions of national legislation
at shorter intervals, ideally in real-time.
xxx Executive Summary
Labour
Regulations concerning the labour market identify the minimum requirements that employers and employees
must comply with. They must balance two competing interests, namely protecting the employees’ rights, and
giving employers flexibility to create jobs.
The Vanuatu’s legal framework for the labour market is complex, with five main pieces of legislation for
domestic workers, and three additional laws for international workers. In 2012, the Tripartite Labour Advisory
Council attempted to modernise this framework through a Bill for the Employment Relations Act seeking to
combine all the relevant labour legislation. However, the absence of a labour policy expressing the national
consensus on matters such as social welfare, minimum wage, foreign workers, etc., led the Bill to be eventually
abandoned. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends the development and approval of a national labour policy,
followed by a review of all legislation in accordance with the agreed directions.
To help its members navigating the complexities of the labour market, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (VCCI) has released an Employer’s Guidebook giving business owners a simple overview of the
different statutory requirements. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that the Department of Labour develops
a plain-language guidebook for employees to clarify their rights and obligations.
Land
Only ni-Vanuatu customary land owners and the Government may own the land. A person who does not own
land may acquire a leasehold interest. Government land is mainly located in urban areas, allows for certainty
of ownership, and is subject to a relatively streamlined process to acquire a leasehold interest. Acquiring an
interest on customary land is lengthier and more burdensome.
The Government is currently considering establishing an Economic Development Zone (EDZ) in Espiritu Santo.
In Vanuatu, the most significant constraint that an EDZ could help resolving is access to land. The TPFU
2019-2025 recommends to produce a final feasibility study on the establishment of the Espiritu Santo EDZ.
One of the key issues raised at the 2006 National Land Summit, i.e. many leases were poorly drafted, has
yet to be addressed. The TPFU 2019-2025 proposes the development of a tri-lingual, plain language template
for land lease agreements, with different options for key legal clauses - rent review, right of way, transfer of
fixtures and improvements, etc.
The 2013 land reform program created many new Government entities; however, no entity was established to
provide independent advice to landowners on matters such as lease agreement negotiations, and distribution
of benefits between custom owners. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to consider establishing such an
entity, with the view of reducing the risk of disputes which undermine the business enabling environment.
Financial Sector
When MSMEs access finance for starting a business, they mostly use informal savings (own savings) – this is
the case for 81% of rural businesses and 68% of urban businesses. Improving access to finance is essential
to help entrepreneurs to start and expand businesses.
Accessing finance requires a collateral. Land issues (ownership and reform) reduce the importance of land
as a collateral. As a result, movable collateral becomes important. Vanuatu has a good system to register
security interests on moveable property, however, the complexity of security agreements discourages debtors
from creating a security interest in first instance. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to introduce tri-lingual,
plain language templates for security agreements backed by movable property and leasehold interests.
Helping lenders to accurately assess a borrower’s risk increases their willingness to supply finance. Credit
bureaus facilitate this task by collecting information about borrowers’ repayment history, unpaid debts, or
credit outstanding. Data Bureau Vanuatu, the country’s private credit bureau, collects information on about
12% of ni-Vanuatu adults, but operates in a legislative vacuum, which may undermine privacy and accuracy
of the collected statistics. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to introduce a regulatory framework for private
credit bureaus.
Increasing borrower’s confidence in the fairness of the lending system is also important to promote access to
finance. Consumer credit legislation to protect potential borrowers against unfair lending practices is absent
in Vanuatu. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to develop a consumer credit policy and related legislation.
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxxi
A good bankruptcy framework facilitates access to finance by promoting the orderly recovery of credit. The
Companies Act 2013 provides for a sound bankruptcy regime for business. Consideration can be given to
introduce a bankruptcy regime also for individuals.
The Vanuatu’s Financial Inclusion Strategy (FIS) 2018-2023 aims at increasing access to financial services
for ni-Vanuatu and access to financing products for their MSMEs. Its action plan envisages, inter-alia, working
with the MTTCNVB to introduce a MSMEs Act, which is currently in draft form with the name of Small Busi-
nesses Development Bill. The TPFU 2019-2025 supports this recommendation, together with an update of
the 2011 MSMEs Policy.
Lack of interoperability across the electronic payment platforms of Vanuatu banks increases the cost of doing
business. In other words, the customer of a bank cannot use his debit card at any other bank’s ATM and
EFTPOS machine. As part of the FIS action plan to ensure interoperability, the Government is required to
implement a Payment Systems Act, which the TPFU 2019-2025 supports.
Interchange fees are paid between banks for the acceptance of card-based transactions. It is a fee that the
merchant’s bank pays to the customer’s bank and that therefore reduces the amount received by merchants.
Fees in Vanuatu are not regulated and range between 1.5% and 5% of the transaction value. Evidence shows
that regulation has led to lower interchange fees in other countries, and Vanuatu may consider pursuing this
avenue.
Intellectual property rights

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) legislation was adopted in anticipation of the country’s accession to the
WTO. Vanuatu protects trademarks, copyright, patents, designs, geographical indications for wine, trade
secrets and circuit layouts. There are about 9,000 registered trademarks, and 130 granted patents.
The Vanuatu’s Intellectual Property Office (VanIPO), the country’s registrar of IPRs and administrator of related
legislation, is a unit under the MTTCNVB. The TPFU 2019-2025 supports establishing VanIPO as statutory
body, protecting traditional knowledge and expressions of culture, and extending protection of geographical
indications beyond wines. It also recommends to consider joining the treaties which give international protec-
tion to the IPRs protected domestically, and to embrace automation for registering IPRs.
Public Sector Entities

Vanuatu has eleven Commercial Government Business Enterprises (CGBEs) which are majority Govern-
ment-owned and operate under a commercial mandate. In addition, the Government has minority interests
in IPDS, NISCOL, and Interchange Limited. CGBEs are monitored by the Government Business Enterprise
Unit within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.
Poor performance of many CGBEs led to the development of a GBE policy and a CGBE Bill. The latter
addresses critical aspects, for example it requires profitability, limits the number of directors who are public
servants, mandates the production of audited financial statements, and formalises community services obli-
gations. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends finalization and approval of the CGBE Bill.
Whilst the CGBE regulates the provision of public guarantees, it does not cover on-lending - Government
loans whose proceeds are lent to CGBEs. Moreover, the CGBE does not apply to companies where the
Government has a minority interest. The development of a clear policy on these matters can help transpar-
ency and business confidence.
Closure of some poorly performing CGBEs, notably the Vanuatu Agriculture Development Bank and the
Vanuatu Commodity Marketing Board (VCMB), would assist in rationalising the Government portfolio and, in
the case of VCMB, improving the performance of the agriculture sector.
Streamlining the Government procurement process could improve the ease of doing business. In particular
the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that the VUV 5 million threshold for open tendering is increased. It also
recommends to consider amending the Tender Regulations to clarify the criteria for the Central Tender Board
to opt out of open tendering.
xxxii Executive Summary
Private Sector Entities

The VCCI is the premier entity representing the private sector. The VCCI is legally entitled to an annual
contribution equal to 10% of all the business license fees. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management
has capped the VCCI grant to VUV 20 million, though this is probably below the organisation’s entitlement.
Funding arrangements of the VCCI should comply with the VCCI Act.
Composition of the VCCI Council is diverse; however, this hasn’t always been the case. To future-proof diver-
sity, the Government could consider amending the VCCI Act to encourage youth and Ni-Vanuatu participation
in the Council and restrict the number of consecutive mandates for councillors.
Many businesses are not aware that VCCI membership status is obtained upon payment of the business
license fees, nor are they aware about of the VCCI’s objectives and services. To improve visibility, the Govern-
ment should provide an informational brochure on the VCCI to all companies when the business license fee is
paid. Other options recommended by the TPFU 2019-2025 to improve representativeness include formalising
VCCI consultation arrangements with the Government, and confirming VCCI’s membership to the National
Trade Development Committee (NTDC).
CHAPTER 8: EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Skills gaps and shortages hinder productivity and competitiveness, and are particularly damaging in sectors
open to international competition, such as those prioritised by the TPFU 2019-2025.
This chapter draws on ad-hoc surveys undertaken as part of the National Human Resource Development Plan
(NHRDP) drafting process, noting that Vanuatu lacks a routine approach to collect and disseminate labour
market data. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that the Department of Labour establishes a web-based
Labour Market Information System (LMIS) facilitating routine data input from industry; that the LMIS is comple-
mented by detailed triennial labour market surveys; and that the data so collected is released to relevant
agencies to inform career counselling and course development.
According to the Industry Survey 2018, finding skilled workers is the top issue affecting businesses.
TABLE 8.3: MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING BUSINESS
Issue All Other Tourism Manufacturing &

Responses Agriculture
Rank lxvii Rank Rank
Finding skilled workers 1 1 2
Energy costs 2 6 1
The duties and tax system 3 4 3
Government regulations 4 3 3
The state of the roads 5 2 5
Access to credit or finance 6 8 7
Business permits 7 4 9
Lack of good work habits among your workers 8 7 6
Problems with suppliers 9 9 8
The cost of foreign workers 10 10 10
viii
Source: Vanuatu Industry Survey 2018
There is a preference to employ skilled ni-Vanuatu workers when these are available, but availability decreases
at higher levels of qualification. The tourism sector has identified chefs, managers (general, food and beverage,
finance etc.), and finance and accounting staff as occupations that are most difficult to recruit. In the agriculture
and manufacturing sectors scarcity is the highest for engineers, managers (again various forms), sales and
marketing staff, and tradespeople.
viii Relative proportion of responses in relation to each issue

Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxxiii
Improving the quality of primary and secondary education is crucial to lay the foundations of a skilled work-
force. The TFPU 2019 does not include specific recommendations on this issue, but acknowledges key chal-
lenges (a large number of widely dispersed schools, limited supply of qualified teachers and principals, low
numbers of children enrolled at the right age, high repetition rates, large numbers of out-of-school children,
weak infrastructure, and linguistic diversity), and recommends to continue monitoring and improving results
in areas such as net enrolment, completion rates, certified teachers, and educational attainment.
Recent years have seen significant reforms in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system,
including establishment of a Vanuatu Qualification Authority (VQA) responsible for quality-assuring post-
school qualifications, and creation of a Tertiary Education Directorate at the Ministry of Education and Training
taking over responsibility for scholarships, teacher education, higher education, and Technical and Vocational
Education and Training (TVET).
PSET reforms have played a role in increasing government budget to the sector, including for the purpose of
establishing an Institute of Higher Education. The TPFU 2019-2025 supports establishment of an Institute of
Higher Education merging existing PSET providers, with a budget allocation including a performance-based
component, and with courses suitable to capture an increasing share of the scholarships budget.
The budget allocation to scholarships has increased significantly in recent years, up to VUV 800m in 2018.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that scholarships are supply-driven; that there may be an oversupply of degree
and post-graduate degree holders who are unable to find employment in their chosen profession; and that
not enough scholarships are awarded to develop skills which are in high-demand by the industry, including
middle-level technical skills. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that the award of international and national
scholarships be demand driven – i.e. directly linked to the NHRDP and any emerging areas of skill shortages
and gaps. It also recommends that triennial impact evaluations of the scholarship program are undertaken
to measure performance and to inform adjustments to award criteria.
Awarding more scholarships to attend the courses offered by domestic PSET providers can improve value-
for-money, subject to the providers’ ability to deliver qualifications which are in high-demand, and at the
required standard. Some challenges exist to meet these conditions, which need to be addressed. According
to the 2018 PSET Providers Survey, the low technical and teaching capacity of local PSET teachers is the
second most significant factor undermining the quality of PSET qualifications. Moreover, despite an increasing
number of VQA-accredited qualifications, most (70%) are still delivered at the two lowest levels of the Vanuatu
Qualification Framework – Certificates I and II.
Introducing performance-based criteria from PSET providers can help improving their quality and sustainability.
The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that PSET investments by the Government include performance-based
funding approaches, and that performance-based criteria include: ability to meet the level required for schol-
arship award; ability to meet access and inclusion targets; and ability to meet accreditation targets (Certificate
level III accreditation and above).
Other recommendations to strengthen PSET providers include: development and accreditation of courses
suitable address priority areas of skill shortages and gaps; MoET’s provision of professional development
programs for current PSET instructors in priority areas of skill shortages and gaps; placement of PSET instruc-
tors on work experience in private businesses to gain a better understanding of industry requirements; and
enhanced provision of on-the-job training by PSET providers (noting that this modality ranks highly amongst
respondents to the 2018 Industry Survey).
CHAPTER 9: TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This chapter assesses the sustainability of Vanuatu’s export sectors, recommends options to promote sustain-
able development, and evaluate the trade impact of some sustainability-oriented policies.
Development of Vanuatu’s export sectors can adversely affect the surrounding environment. The Environ-
mental Protection and Conservation (EPC) Act 2011 requires a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA)
for all projects, followed when necessary by a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). These assess-
ments may impose conditions on projects, which if violated can lead to penalties and ‘stop work’ notices.
This is a good regulatory framework, but challenges remain with regard to implementation. First, according
to the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC), several projects, especially foreign
xxxiv Executive Summary
investments, have started without environmental permits. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to establish an
obligation for VIPA to forward each foreign investment application to the DEPC, and to update the application
form to clearly mention the legal obligation to undertake environmental assessments. The Prime Minister Office
should also be mandated to forward approved donor project proposals to DEPC to ensure their environmental
compliance. Second, capacity within DEPC is limited, and should be increased. Notably, there are only three
officers assigned to PEA studies, and one officer assigned to compliance monitoring. Human resources from
other Departments could be leveraged to support DEPC, for example the Department of Tourism is already
mandated to assess compliance of tourism operators with the EPC Act before engrafting accreditation.
Moreover, Vanuatu could explore the option of using Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) for key
sectors. SEAs aim at identifying systemic environmental risks for sensitive sectors, and as such may ease
the burden of undertaking project-specific PEAs and EIAs.
Deep Sea Mining (DSM) is an export sector with the potential to damage the environment, although given
the nascent stage of its technology, no consequences are expected during the period covered by the TPFU
2019-2025. To prepare for the future, the Department of Geology and Mines has drafted a national DSM policy
recommending to use Vanuatu’s existing environmental regulatory framework to assess risks from issuing
prospecting licenses. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to approve the DSM policy after consultations, and
amend the regulatory framework in line with its recommendations.
For Vanuatu’s export-led development to be sustainable, the country should not over-exploit its stock of
exhaustible natural resources, including forests and fisheries. Vanuatu has already experienced over-ex-
ploitation with timber, whose production and exports grew in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and eventually
declined by mid-2000s. Assessing the sustainability of current harvesting practices (10,000 cubic meters
per annum) is challenging, noting the latest National Forest Inventory (NFI) was carried out in 1989-90, i.e.
before over-exploitation took place. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that a new NFI is undertaken as soon
as possible to determine sustainable yields, and agree on reforestation targets.
As to fisheries, the most important commercial species found in Vanuatu’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ix
is tuna. For each of the four main tuna species found in Vanuatu (albacore, bigeye, skipjack, and yellowfin),
the country’s annual catch is significantly lower than the volume that can be caught without threatening the
regional tuna stocks. Vanuatu should continue monitoring catch and ensure it remains below sustainable
yield limits.
In terms of coastal fisheries (up to 12 nautical miles from the coast), the main species are snapper, aquarium
fish, and sea cucumber. The latter was over-exploited, but the 10-year moratorium introduced in 2008 promoted
recovery, and possibilities now exist for new trade development. As to reef and lagoon fisheries (up to three
nautical miles from the coast), anecdotal evidence points to over-exploitation, but data are scarce. Donor
assistance to upscale initiatives such as the Tails project - self-monitoring by fishermen with the help of tablet
computers – can help promoting sustainability.
The Vanuatu National Energy Roadmap (VNER) commits the Government to use 65% of renewable energy to
produce electricity by 2020, and 100% by 2030. Transitioning to renewable energy will be challenging, noting
that in February 2019 only 18% of electricity was produced using renewables (wind, solar, hydropower and
biofuel). From a trade perspective, what is important to assess is the impact of transitioning on electricity
access, price, and reliability. In off-grid (rural) areas, the VNER’s commits the government to transition to
renewables while increasing electricity access up to 100% by 2030. The Government is complying with the
VNER by promoting construction of ‘solar micro-grids’ in areas of concentrated demand, and purchase of solar
products (lamps, home systems, etc.) in areas of dispersed demand. This strategy increases access, and
is therefore consistent with trade development objectives. Transitioning to renewables in grid areas, mainly
Efate, poses some challenges. Transitioning to wind or solar power requires substantial capital investment
for generators and stabilizers that would increase unit prices of electricity by 10-30% and damage trade
competitiveness. As to other sources: transitioning to hydro power is not feasible due to the lack of major
rivers in Efate; transitioning to coconut oil would require schemes to increase its production and stabilise its
price at below one-third of the diesel price; and transitioning to geothermal would require further assessment
of the real potential at the Takara area. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to avoid transitioning to solar
and wind unless donors fund capital expenditure for generators and stabilizers; to explore options to expand
use of coconut oil; and to further assess geothermal potential in Vanuatu to see if a new concession can be
considered.
ix Up to 200 nautical miles from the coast
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxxv
As documented by recent studies, climate-related natural disasters impact economic growth through identifi-
able trade channels. At the same time, trade-related laws have the potential to facilitate disaster risk reduction
and recovery. To climate-proof trade development it is important for these aspects to be better understood
and addressed at national level. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that the linkages between trade and
natural disasters are regularly discussed at the meetings of the NTDC and of the National Advisory Board.
Reducing gender discrimination has the potential to increase women’s participation to the labour market,
including in Vanuatu’s export sectors, and boost economic growth. In Vanuatu, gender disparities persist in
areas such as access to PSET institutions, access to credit and other financial services, and access to land.
Given these disparities, it is perhaps not surprising that even though women constitute 49% of Vanuatu’s
population, they are only 39% of the formal workforce. The National Gender Equality Policy and the National
Financial Inclusion Strategy have developed a number of recommendations and indicators to track women’s
economic empowerment. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that these indicators are tracked and reported
annually to the NTDC.
Whilst the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends several policy actions to grow Vanuatu’s modern economy, it is also
important to be cognisant of the effects these recommendations may have on Vanuatu’s traditional kastom
economy. For Vanuatu’s economic model to be sustainable, these differing and sometimes conflicting value
systems have to be reconciled and managed, so that ni-Vanuatu can enjoy the benefits of economic growth
while continuing to benefit from the services provided by their traditional communities. To achieve this objec-
tive, each recommendation of the TPFU 2019-2025 has been assessed in the light of its expected impact on
the traditional economy. Tracking the Alternative Indicators for Well-being in Melanesia and reporting on their
status at NTDC meetings will help validating the ex-ante assessment undertaken by the TPFU 2019-2025.
CHAPTER 10: TRADE MAINSTREAMING AND ITS PILLARS

The Vanuatu’s trade mainstreaming program was endorsed by the Council of Ministers in 2012 to ensure that
the trade dimension is duly considered whenever Government policy is formulated and implemented. It is led
by the MTTCNVB, and includes three pillars: policy, institutions, and development cooperation. During the
past eight years Vanuatu has been successful in implementing the program and has emerged as an example
of good international practice. Key achievements include:
• Approval and regular monitoring of the Vanuatu’s TPF;
• Positive track-record in achieving the TPF’s recommendations;
• Increased visibility of trade in subsequent national development policies;
• Establishment and professional management of a NTDC, and ability of the NTDC to inform important
development cooperation and policy decisions;
• Establishment and growth of the Trade Development Division (TDD), the unit under the Office of the
MTTCNVB’s Director General tasked to lead the trade mainstreaming program; and
• Increased Aid-for Trade resources managed by the MTTCNVB, from VUV 50 million/year during the
period 2012-14 to VUV 350 million for the period 2018-20
Despite these achievements, opportunities for improvement still exist under each of the program’s pillars. At
policy level, a rapid review of relevant national policies reveals that although trade concepts are sometimes
mainstreamed, this does not happen to a sufficient degree, including in some agriculture sub-sectors (live-
stock and fisheries), as well as in the education, training, infrastructure, energy, and climate change sectors.
Moreover, even policies which mainstream trade concepts sometimes fail to acknowledge or reference the
TPF 2012. The TPFU 2019-2025 is much more comprehensive than its predecessor, and this should help the
MTTCNVB to further promote policy mainstreaming.
At institutional level, there is an urgent need to legally establish the NTDC. A Trade Governance Act should
give legal status to the NTDC’s decisions, incentivise more senior representation, strengthen cooperation
between the MTTCNVB and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity, set
out a procedure for the establishment of advisory public-private working groups, and give a legal basis to the
National Trade Facilitation Steering Committee.
xxxvi Executive Summary
In 2013 the Department of External Trade (DoET) was moved from the MTTCNVB to the Ministry responsible
for Foreign Affairs. This has reduced coordination between domestic and external trade policies, and delayed
progress on trade agreements. To address these issues, the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to bring the DoET
back to the MTTCNVB.
During the TPF 2012 implementation period, the MTTCNVB became board member of important bodies
whose determination have an impact on trade development, for example the Vanuatu Project Management
Unit, the Vanuatu Primary Producers Authority, and the Vanuatu Qualification Authority. Seeking membership
of additional trade-related bodies, for example the Scholarship Board and the National Advisory Board, is
highly recommended.
Unlike Aid-for-Trade, Government resources allocated to the MTTCNVB increased only marginally, from VUV
400 million in 2013 to VUV 442 million in 2019. Limited coordination during the preparation of New Policy
Proposals (NPPs) has undermined the Ministry’s inability to secure additional government funds. The TPFU
2019-2025 provides a unifying narrative and practical project ideas for the Ministry, which should inform the
next rounds of budget preparation.
At development cooperation level, room for improvement still exists. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends
scaling up efforts with partners that have so far been less proactive in engaging with the MTTCNVB (World
Bank, Asian Development Bank, China, and Japan), as well as promoting discussion on opportunities for
blended projects – an area that the MTTCNVB has still to explore.
A brief analysis of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and Aid-for-Trade (AfT) concludes the chapter.
Total ODA disbursed to Vanuatu, as reported by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD), increased on average by 3.4% a year during the past decade, from USD 98 million in 2008 to USD
132 million in 2017. This is in line with global trends. Australia was the major donor, with an average share
of 46%, followed by New Zealand (17%) and Japan (13%). OECD does not report data from China. If these
are included, x China emerges as the second biggest donor.
About 33% of ODA within Vanuatu was spent on AfT projects during the past 10 years. This compares well
with the global average of about 25% and comes as a result of major infrastructure projects supported by
Japan, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. Transport projects absorbed on average 70% of AfT
disbursements, followed by energy projects, mostly renewable energy, whose average share was around
7%. As to the productive sectors, support was significant for agriculture and tourism, which jointly absorbed
around 12% of AfT during the past decade. In conclusion, AfT disbursed to Vanuatu was very much aligned
with the country’s needs, and with the TPFU’s recommendations. AfT flows can be usefully monitored once
a year, and a short report presented to the NTDC.
x Data on China’s ODA are reported by the Lowy Institute

Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxxvii
TABLES 10.3 AND 10.4: AID-FOR-TRADE DISBURSEMENTS
Share Share
Donor Sector
2008-17 2008-17
Japan 28.2Transport and Storage 70.7
Australia 22.0Communications 3.0
United States 18.9Energy 7.3
New Zealand 17.2Banking and Financial Services 0.8
Asian Development Bank 4.6Business and Other Services 1.5
World Bank Group 3.1Agriculture 6.7
France 2.6Forestry 0.7
EU Institutions 1.6Fishing 1.9
United Arab Emirates 1.0Industry 0.2
Others 0.8Mineral Resources and Mining 0.0
Trade Policies and Regulation 1.8
Tourism 5.4
TOTAL 100.0TOTAL 100.0
Source: OECD
CHAPTER 11: GOODS

Coconut
Coconut products have historically been a high performing export commodity for Vanuatu, contributing to
the wellbeing of the majority of the rural population. Over the period 2008 to 2018, the average combined
merchandise export share of coconut products (crude coconut oil, copra, and coconut meal) has been about
38%. Despite coconut’s importance for the economy, Vanuatu has specialised on a limited number of coconut
products with minimal value addition. The sector has potential to move towards value addition with products
such as virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut water, coconut sugar, coir, and coconut shell charcoal, but
first it needs to address some of its challenges.
Coconut exports experienced a significant fall in 2018 due to the fall of the international price for crude coconut
oil. In addition, companies suffered from a decline in coconut production caused by aging or senile plantations
(about 50% of coconut trees in 2017), natural disasters, high transactional costs (logistics, overheads, etc.),
and strong global competition in the sector. Exposure to pests (in particular the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
in the Shefa province in 2019), has exacerbated this trend.
Aging tree population calls for continuing the roll-out of the coconut replanting program and the research
in genetic improved varieties (flavour and yield). A case is also made for moving away from bulk commod-
ities towards high value products that are less sensitive to transactional costs and price fluctuations. The
Government should consider undertaking a study on virgin coconut oil and other coconut products to identify
market access’ opportunities and challenges, supply and demand imbalances, and reinforce linkages in the
value chains.
While moving towards product diversification, there is the need to strengthen the coconut value chain. To do
so, Vanuatu can adopt national standards for coconut production and primary processing (Good Agriculture
Practices), as well as for further processing (Codex standards), which are aligned with international standards.
It can then support producers and processors to meet those standards, for example by improving handling,
transport and storage conditions of primary processed coconut products.
In order to reduce the exposure to pests, the Government should develop a pest control framework involving
specific preparedness and response strategies, in line with relevant FAO’s International Standards for
Phytosanitary Measures.
xxxviii Executive Summary
Cattle
Historically, Vanuatu has had a very good environment for cattle, with productive pastures and a favourable
animal health status. The industry has been very well-established for a number of years, and the country
had the largest herd in the Pacific - approaching 200,000 heads in 2007. Along with kava, beef is the only
merchandise export for which Vanuatu has had a global brand. In recent years however, the industry has
been under threat, with declining head numbers, falling productivity, and falling quality, all meaning that the
industry is now at a crisis point. This is shown by both exports – which have fallen from VUV 500m in 2012,
to just under VUV 100m in 2018 – and by production, which has fallen by a third from 2014 to 2018.
There have historically been three major destinations for cattle exports, with Japan and Papua New Guinea
each averaging just under 40% over the past decade, and the Solomon Islands averaging about 20%. After
graduation from LDC status, there will be a tariff of 38.5% on exports to Japan – this will likely prove fatal
for this market unless the Government can negotiate a concession. Demand by tourists and locals has also
been increasing, although there is poor data on this. There is also a very large informal market, especially for
custom events. Evidence is lacking for this market, but anecdotally it is very large. The Government should
promote alternatives to cattle for these occasions.
According to the 2016 Mini Census, there were roughly 115,000 heads of cattle in Vanuatu, shared between
14,000 households. Of the cattle farmers, 0.2% are large (>1,000 heads); these provide roughly 60% of the
cattle for the formal market, and are predominantly based on Efate and Espiritu Santo. A further 9% of farmers
are small-to-medium (50-1,000 heads), and provide 24% of the supply for the formal market. The remainder
are small-holder farmers, and evidence suggests that they are consistently unprofitable. There are three
abattoirs, whose businesses are being put under strain by the declining production and large overheads. In
order to offset the falling production, the Government is pursuing a restocking programme, with an increased
focus on economic development.
Whilst Vanuatu currently enjoys disease-free status, the ability of BV to gain international recognition for this
and to respond to emergencies is limited. This lack of capacity is a constrain to market access. Regarding
quality, the evidence suggests this too has been declining, with some restaurants even resorting to importing
beef due to concerns about quality. This has been compounded by declining skills, particularly relating to
pasture management (invasive weeds are a large and growing issue), water management, and calving. In
part this lack of skills has been caused by insufficient training of and by extension officers of the Department
of Livestock.
The high cost of capital expenditure, such as fencing, also places restrictions on the ability of farmers to
function profitably. Poor support industries – particularly utilities and transport, also add significant costs
to farming. The state of the industry means large swathes of good land are being sold for residential use,
which is a severe threat to the long-term status of the industry. The Government and private sector must work
intensively together if this trend is to be reversed, and if the cattle industry is to return to its former status.
Fruits and vegetables
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (F&V) have not historically been among the most exported goods in Vanuatu,
and exports of these fresh products have been low and volatile over the 2008-2018 period. Major export
items include Tahitian lime, coffee, root crops, and vanilla, as well as preparations such as essential oils,
and noni juice.
While F&V present many opportunities for value addition and growing export potential, presently Vanuatu
relies on importing large amounts of fresh produce from external markets. To counter this trend and increase
exports, supply chain inefficiencies should be addressed. The first issue relates to ineffective post-harvest
management due to limited storage facilities, as well as poor sea and land transport infrastructure, which
affect crops’ quality and shelf life. Secondly, there are inconsistencies in supply generated by poor coordi-
nation between buyers and sellers, as well as a lack of information on potential markets. Thirdly, there is a
lack of quarantine treatment facilities and protocols for selected F&V, which results in high barriers to trade.
The Government can play a role in this area, for example by supporting the Vanuatu Cooperative Business
Network’s work in coordinating supply and demand, while also undertaking a feasibility study about the
establishment of a national commodity exchange platform, and improving storage facilities and cold rooms
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xxxix
at strategic locations. Where products can be grown domestically, import substitution strategies should be
pursued with a focus on improving quality standards, consumer safety, and establishing distribution linkages
that ensure a reliable supply for end buyers - restaurants, hotels, resorts, retailers, and wholesalers. In
addition, market access would be facilitated with the establishment of quarantine treatment facilities and
protocols where a robust business case exists for export of certain F&V.
The main economic players in the sector find it difficult to access finance, which limits their ability to scale up
through the purchase of productivity enhancing equipment. To this end, the establishment of funding facili-
ties should be explored, aiming to benefit businesses that demonstrate their capacity to sustainably develop
innovative products and generate employment.
Kava
Kava has for a long time been an incredibly important product for Vanuatu, both economically and for societal
and custom reasons. In recent years however, its economic importance has rocketed, with exports reaching
VUV 2.5bn in 2018, which represented 52% of total merchandise exports. As of late 2017 there were 23
licensed exporters, of which five were large scale. Kava is unique to the country, in that Vanuatu is the world
leader for this commodity, whilst for every other export Vanuatu is just a minor player in a global market.
Kava is also a high-value and durable product, grown across the country, and for which the farmers receive
a high proportion of the total export price. Finally, the global kava market is booming. All of these factors
combine to mean that kava is now definitively Vanuatu’s most important commodity, offering an unparalleled
road to development.
The main destinations for kava are America (31%), Fiji (24%), Kiribati (23%), and New Caledonia (16%).
China is a growing destination. Given that kava is such a tiny commodity on the global stage, there exist very
little data for this market, something which the Government should seek to improve – both on demand and
supply. Access to markets remains subject to arbitrary restrictions – as demonstrated the European ban of
the early part of the millennium. Although evidence clearly shows that kava is safe, there are still unfounded
concerns within the international community. Standards therefore are incredibly important to maintain market
access by improving aspects such traceability, product labelling, reliability of laboratory tests, etc. Finalising
the Codex standard for kava remains crucial to sustain market access. Increasing trainers for farmers, and
further development of support industries, would also help increase quality.
Kava is grown across the nation, but is particularly prevalent in Penama and Tafea provinces. There were
roughly 18,000 households growing kava according to the 2016 Mini Census. Anecdotally however, rising
prices have led to very significant increases in the amount of kava being planted. Given kava has a three-year
lead time (at least) before it can be harvested, the rise in planting hasn’t yet transferred to the global market
price. The Government must keep a very close eye on the market, and possibly consider how to increase
global demand. As part of this, development of new products and further value addition should be encouraged
within Vanuatu, for example of powder which currently makes up 44% of Vanuatu’s kava exports.
Vanuatu’s regulation for kava is now slightly confusing, as it talks about age of kava, which can’t be tested
for. The Kava Act should be amended to correct this. The Kava Industry Association is an excellent public-pri-
vate body, but it is currently reliant on the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA)
Plus program, and so an independent funding mechanism should be established. Efforts should be made to
strengthen the Pacific Kava Council.
Forestry products
Despite volatile trends for the period 2008 to 2018, forestry products (sandalwood and timber) have bright
future prospects for export as they are high-value non-perishable products, which are well-suited for inter-
national trade. In particular, world demand for sandalwood (both processed and unprocessed) keeps rising,
resulting in a steady increase of its price in international markets due to limited global supply.
In order to sustainably benefit from its sandalwood resources, Vanuatu should consider reviewing the sandal-
wood supply chain and its regulatory framework (replanting plans, quota, licenses, royalties, minimum pricing)
vis-à-vis potential improvements (auction pricing, limiting licenses, and resource base aggregation), and
evaluate whether domestic processing should be promoted.
xl Executive Summary
Cocoa
Cocoa has historically been a key export crop for Vanuatu. Over the past ten years, however, cocoa exports
have been volatile, following the international price for cocoa beans. Dependency on the international market
is due to the country’s specialisation in cocoa’s primary processing (fermenting and drying), which occurs
nearby its place of harvest and produces a non-perishable product ready for domestic and international trade.
Like coconut, aging plantations threaten cocoa production, calling for the establishment of a cocoa nursery
and the replanting of cocoa trees using genetically productive varieties of seedlings.
In recent years a few chocolate manufacturers have established in Vanuatu, and now supply high quality
chocolate bars to the domestic market, cruise ships, and international markets such as Fiji, Australia and
New Zealand. Transitioning away from raw cocoa bean exports towards value-adding products is a first step
for Vanuatu’s producers and processors to reduce their dependency on the international price for cocoa
beans. A further step consists of keeping high quality standards in chocolate manufacturing and promoting
Vanuatu’s chocolate products. The Government can play a role in these areas, for example by providing
post-drying facilities such as storage and cold rooms at key ports of entry to improve cocoa beans’ quality
and consistency, and by facilitating Vanuatu’s visibility as a cocoa producer and chocolate manufacturer in
the international markets.
Fisheries
Fisheries comprise the marine, freshwater, aquaculture, and recreational subsectors. Aquaculture is a sector
in its infancy but it is already supported by the Government and has good potential to develop further in the
future. The recreational sub-sector’s importance is increasing: it involves sport fishing and has strong links
with tourism. After the closure of the country’s fish factory in 2014, most of Vanuatu’s fish was caught against
a fee and landed in other nations. This led to a sharp decline in fish exports, which were near zero in 2018.
The launch of the Sino-Van fish processing plant near Port Vila in October 2019 may revert this trend and
place fisheries among the top export sectors.
The Sino-Van plant will need a stable political, institutional, and regulatory environment; highly skilled
providers of vessels’ maintenance; an improvement in logistics; enhanced infrastructure for fishing and
marketing; and ease of market access to deliver on its promise of a revitalised fisheries sector in Vanuatu.
To avoid stock overexploitation, and keep the catch within sustainable yield limits, the Government should
continue to monitor total catch very closely. In addition, since the Sino-Van plant and the newly built fish
markets are both Government joint-ventures, it is key that a national entity, such as the NTDC, consistently
monitors their performance.
CHAPTER 12: TOURISM SERVICES

The tourism sector is the mainstay of the Vanuatu economy. Tourism exports represent about 75% of total
exports. They increased by 6.8% a year during the period 2007-2017, from VUV 14 billion (26% of GDP) to
VUV 27 billion (30% of GDP).
Although both air and cruise arrivals have grown over the last decade, cruise arrivals have exhibited the
stronger performance, and in 2017 were about twice the number of air arrivals. However, air arrivals still
provide the biggest contribution to the sector, as the typical tourist arriving by air spends about 50 times as
much as the typical cruise passenger. xi
xi Based on estimates of daily expenditure and length of stay for different types of tourists
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 xli
FIGURE 12.2: TOURISM ARRIVALS, AIR AND CRUISE PASSENGERS

300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Air Arrivals Cruise Passengers
Source: Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO)

The holiday market is by far the major source of tourism arrivals. The vast majority of air visitors only travel to
the island of Efate, although tourists are increasingly travelling to outer islands, especially Tanna and Espiritu
Santo. The latter has greatly benefitted from the introduction of direct flights from Brisbane (Australia). As
to cruise passengers, Port Vila and Mystery Island (Aneityum) remain the main ports of call – 52% and 38%
of calls respectively in 2018.
Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia are the main markets – they jointly provided 79% of air arrivals
and over 90% of cruise passengers in 2017. China has been the fastest growing market during the past
decade (starting from a low base), and now represents 3% of air arrivals.
The sector has ample margins for growth. From the demand side, global tourism departures are expected to
grow at a rate of 3.3% per year until 2030, and Vanuatu is fortunate to be located in close proximity to regions
and countries from which departures are expected to grow even faster. From the supply side, with its 2,300
hotel rooms, its 282 rooms provided by holiday homes, and its many guesthouses, Vanuatu already has the
capacity to hosts many more tourists. It has also potential to further increase strategic capacity, xii but should
do so in a sustainable way by enhancing sector management and planning. The TPFU 2019-2025 supports
the ambitious targets of the Vanuatu Tourism Market Development Plan (VTMDP), including achieving 200,000
air arrivals by 2025, and increasing the proportion of visitors to the outer islands - 58,000 visitors by 2025.
It also proposes a target of 400,000 cruise passengers by 2025, with increased dispersal of cruise visitors
around Efate and to Espiritu Santo.
Given the increased growth levels targeted and the increasingly competitive international environment, addi-
tional marketing funds will be needed. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends that the levy supporting the Tourism
Market Development Fund (TMDF) is charged on all businesses benefitting from tourism, noting that at the
moment only a sub-set of beneficiaries pay the levy. It also recommends to increase the value of the VTO
marketing funds through a combination of levy and government grant.
As noted in Chapter 6, infrastructure can be transformational for the sector. The TPFU 2019-2025 supports
new road developments in Tanna and Malekula as key drivers of tourism dispersal to the outer islands, calls
for an increased budget to road maintenance and rehabilitation, and favours the development of a new airport
terminal in Port Vila. It also recommends to pay more attention to waste management and sewage systems
whose capacity is stressed by tourism development, especially in urban areas.
Tourism is a major source of employment in Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Strategic Tourism Action Plan (VSTAP)
estimates approximately 8,000 workers are employed by the sector – equivalent to 37% of formal employees
in 2013. Looking ahead, tourism presents great potential to provide jobs to the 20,000 young people who
will become of a working age during the next 5 years. To transform potential into reality, Vanuatu will need to
xii The Vanuatu Tourism Market Development Plan recommends targeting two new major brand name hotels, and two upmarket
boutique resorts
xlii Executive Summary
further its training capacity for the sector. The Vanuatu Industry Survey 2018 indicated that 52% of tourism
businesses already find it hard to recruit ni-Vanuatu with the required skills, up to the point that concerns
have been expressed over the impact of expanding labour mobility schemes into the tourism and hospitality
industry. Increased and improved training provisions will be particularly important if the growth targets of the
VTMDP are to be achieved.
Tourism relies upon a wide range of support sectors. The TPFU 2019-2025 very much welcomes the planned
expansion of the of Air Vanuatu fleet with four new Airbus A220, which will allow the country to strengthen
connections with traditional markets and to start connecting to new regional destinations. Most food products
served by the tourism industry are imported. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to build stronger linkages
between tourism and the primary industries, including selected fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat products
– see Chapter 11. Recommendations to improve crucial support sectors such as electricity and telecommu-
nications are formulated in Chapter 5.
Legislation affecting the industry include the Foreshore Development Act (permissions for foreshore develop-
ment), the Tourism Council Act (governance and accreditation), the Foreign Invest Promotion Act (reservation
of certain activities), and the Import Duty Act (duty exemption). From a policy perspective, the sector is led
by the Vanuatu Strategic Tourism Action Plan (VSTAP), and has a number of sub-sectoral policies covering
issues such as cruise tourism, sustainability, and marketing. The VSTAP’s last year of implementation was
2018, and the policy should now be updated.
CHAPTER 13: OTHER SERVICES (OFFSHORE AND ICT)

Offshore services
Vanuatu provides Offshore Financial Services (OFC) to non-residents. Back in 2008, the export of financial
services represented 8% of total services exports. This share has rapidly decreased over the following
years, especially as a consequence of the global fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and
tax evasion, and today is close to 1%.
Most of the services provided by the OFC relate to the establishment and management of international
companies, and the award of licenses to securities dealers. In the past, the main clients of the sector were
Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, and EU nations, but as of today almost 60% of the registered compa-
nies originate from China and Hong Kong, partly as a result of tying the sector with the permanent residency
program – incorporating an international company in Vanuatu is a pre-requisite for acquiring residency.
The sector comprises of seven international banks, a range of insurance companies, and legal and accounting
firms. The sector’s contribution to the GDP is unknown, but a common number entertained by the industry
is that it represents between 3-5%. The sector still employs a pool of 900 highly skilled individuals (3.5% of
formal employment) who serve the needs of Vanuatu’s diversification, and also support local businesses.
The sector is regulated by the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV, for banks and insurance companies), and the
Vanuatu Financial Service Commission (VFSC, for legal and accounting firms), but also monitored by the
Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for the purpose of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of
Terrorism (AML/CFT).
Since 2015, the regulatory framework of the offshore financial industry has undergone substantial reform
to comply with recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Reforms have lifted the veil of
secrecy on Vanuatu’s offshore companies, and as a result Vanuatu has been removed from the FATF list of
AMF/CFT deficient jurisdictions. Even after being whitelisted by the FATF, Vanuatu remains engaged in the
reform process, and it is still considered a non-cooperative tax jurisdiction by the EU for failure to meet some
standards related to tax-base erosion and companies’ physical presence.
Thanks to the reforms undertaken, Vanuatu has now a more efficient FIU, a more effective Reserve Bank and
Financial Service Authority, and a set of laws and regulations aligned with international standards. To capitalise
on its skills Vanuatu must find new services to export, including by exploiting the interaction with new tech-
nologies – such as in the case of cryptocurrencies. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends the establishment of a
public-private working group under the NTDC to structure dialogue on this matter, a study on the new services
that Vanuatu can reasonably export, and missions to leading OFC jurisdiction to better assess the options
identified by the study. At institutional level, the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to move registration functions
for online gaming to VFSC to better promote a sector which shares features with the offshore industry.
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025 1
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services

The Vanuatu’s ICT infrastructure has developed substantially during the past decade (see Chapter 5). As
a result, exports ICT services has increased from VUV 400 million in 2008 to VUV 1 billion in 2017. These
services are almost exclusively transmission of data via the undersea cable, and do not reflect the existence
of other significant commercial activities, such as computer services. xiii Although ICT-enabled services are
also exported from Vanuatu (for example financial and insurance services), they are not categorised as ICT
exports.
Other Vanuatu ICT and ICT-enabled services are sold domestically, and contribute to increase competitiveness
of other export industries. The potential of the ICT sector to serve the driver of economic development is still
largely untapped - with the exception of tourism in the private sector, and customs in the public sector, use
of ICT and ICT-enabled services is still very limited.
Vanuatu lacks qualified and experienced local workers, forcing ICT service providers to import foreign exper-
tise. The TPFU 2019-2025 recommends to increase provision of accredited certificates and graduate diplomas
in ICT related matters, with more focus on coding, programming, and content development, in line with industry
needs.Vanuatu’s legal framework has still some gaps that need to be filled as a priority matter to build trust
in the country’s ICT ecosystem and trigger further uptake of its services. In particular, Vanuatu needs to
approve a Privacy and Data Protection Act, a Consumer Protection Act (including online protection), and a
Cybersecurity Act.
With the noted exception of telecommunications, Vanuatu may still be unable to generate value from the
export of ‘pure’ ICT services. However, there is great potential to use ICT to boost trade competitiveness of
other sectors.
In the public sphere, the TPFU 2019-2025 recommends the progressive establishment of an overarching
e-government platform to provide better government services, move away from paper-based data collection,
digitise and automate payments, and generate opportunities for content development. Some progress is
being made by the agencies involved in the Electronic Single Windows System project, but additional priority
agencies should be identified for digitization. The e-government platform should be informed by the experi-
ence of relevant overseas countries, and led by a “digital governance roadmap”, which should be developed
and approved.
In the private sphere, the TPFU 2019-2025 supports the country push to incentivise mobile payments, as this
is an essential enabler of Vanuatu’s ability to buy and sell ICT and ICT-enabled services.
As to ‘pure’ ICT services, there is scope to assess the feasibility of establishing a private data centre. Vanuatu
and the South Pacific region are missing world class data-centre facilities despite the expected increase of
data storage and processing needs of governments, corporations, and potential international clients with an
interest to have their transactions taking place in the region. A data centre would not only support digitation,
but also increase utilisation of exiting bandwidth and, in turn, reduce internet costs for the average consumer.
The e-Trade Strategy that the Government is planning to develop in the next months will further elaborate on
options to increase export of ICT and ICT-related services.
xiii In the balance of payment, ICT service exports include telecommunications services (transmission of data via telecommu-
nication means), computer services (sale of software, data processing, etc.), and information services (news agency services,
etc.).
Ch. 1: Introduction
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Country Overview
1.1.1 Geography and population
The Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is located
about 2,500 km east of Australia, 500 km north-east of New Caledonia, 1,000 km west of Fiji and 1,300 km
south-east of the Solomon Islands.
The Vanuatu’s archipelago counts around 80 islands, 1 with Hiw being the northernmost island, and Matthew
and Hunter being the southernmost islands. Of the islands, 14 have surface areas of more than 100 square
kilometres.
The country has a land area of 12,189 square kilometres, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 680,000
square kilometres, and population of 273,000 in 2016 – the year of the last census. 2 This makes Vanuatu the
fourth biggest Forum Islands Country (FIC) xiv in terms of population, the fifth biggest country in terms of land
mass, and the twelfth biggest country in terms of EEZ. 3
Vanuatu’s population is distributed across six provinces; Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa, Shefa, Tafea.
About 18% of Vanuatu population (50,000 people) resides in Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital city. 4
Vanuatu is a very young country; about 66% of its population is less than 30 years old, and about 40% is less
than 15 years-old. The median age in 2016 was 20, against a global figure of 29.6. 5 Based on United Nations
projections, 6 Vanuatu population is likely to double by 2050. xv
1.1.2 Institutions 7
The Republic of Vanuatu is a parliamentary democracy. Under the current Constitution, which was adopted
in 1980 when the country became independent, the national political structure consists of a legislative, an
executive, and a judiciary branch.
The head of the country is the President, who is elected for a term of five years by a two thirds majority of an
electoral college including the 52 Members of Parliament (MPs) and the six heads of provincial governments.
The power of the President is primarily ceremonial. The President appoints the Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court, and three other justices.
The legislative branch is a unicameral Parliament consisting of 52 members, all of whom are elected every
four years. The Parliament makes laws by passing bills introduced by one or more members, or by the Prime
Minister or a Minister. When a bill is passed by the Parliament, it must be presented to the President, who
assents to it within two weeks. If the President considers the bill to be inconsistent with a provision of the
Constitution, the Supreme Court needs to be referred to for its opinion. The bill must not be promulgated if
the Supreme Court considers it inconsistent with the Constitution.
The head of the executive branch (government) is the Prime Minister, who is the head of Government and is
xiv The Forum Island Countries are Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New
Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanu-
atu. These 16 countries, plus Australia and New Zealand, form the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), the region’s premier political and
economic policy organisation.
xv The total population should by between 340,000 and 368,000 by 2030, and between 429,000 and 526,000 by 2050.
elected by a majority vote of a three-quarters quorum of the Parliament. The Prime Minister appoints other
Ministers from among the members of Parliament. The national Council of Chiefs (Malvatu Mauri), elected
by district councils of chiefs, advises the Government on matters relating to Vanuatu citizens’ culture and
language.
The head of the judicial branch is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, which consists of the Chief Justice
and other judges. Two or more members of the Court may constitute a Court of Appeal. Magistrate courts
handle routine legal matters. Vanuatu’s legal system is based on both British common law and French civil
law. Village or island courts, presided over by local chiefs, deal with questions of customary law.
1.1.3 Economy
Nearly all rural households are engaged in own-account production, xvi of mostly vegetables (97%), but also
livestock (86%), and fish (58%). Own-account production of vegetables is also prevalent amongst urban
households (61%). 8 This production, especially in rural areas, is often based on the norms, rules, and practices
of the traditional or kastom economy, including egalitarianism, joint ownership of productive assets, barter,
and sustainable use of natural resources.
Semi-commercial agricultural production is also important in Vanuatu as it provides rural households with
the necessary means to satisfy basic needs such as housing, health and education. The main cash crops in
Vanuatu are coconut and coconut products, kava, timber, livestock and cocoa (see Chapter 3).
Agriculture’s share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fluctuates around 20%, which indicates a relatively
low productivity.
Around 70% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is generated by the services sector, to which activities
related to the internal tourism industry contribute significantly (see Chapter 2).
Since 2014 the government has adopted an expansionary fiscal policy aimed at improving the country’s
infrastructures. Whilst this move should increase the medium to long-term growth rate, it is also leading to
more rapid accumulation of government debt, and calls for fiscal reforms to consolidate revenues. 9
1.1.4 International relations

Vanuatu has bilateral diplomatic relations with around 70 countries, mostly located in Oceania, Asia, Europe
and the Americas. 10 At regional level, the country is a founding member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group
(MSG) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Trade agreements are in place between Vanuatu and the members
of these two regional organizations (see Chapter 4). At international level the country acceded to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) in 2012.
1.2 Policy Landscape

The Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2016-2030 is the country’s development
policy. 11 Its vision is that of a “stable, sustainable, and prosperous Vanuatu”. Each of the vision’s elements is
pursued under a pillar, namely society, environment, and economy. A limited number of goals sit under each
pillar, and are to be achieved through the pursuance of more specific objectives.
TABLE 1.1: THE NSDP, A SNAPSHOT
Society Pillar Environment Pillar Economy Pillar

6 Goals 5 Goals 4 Goals
36 Objective 29 Objectives 33 Objectives
Source: Government of Vanuatu (2016a)
Whilst trade-related objectives are included under each of the NDSP’s pillars (see table 1.2), the most explicit
linkages between trade and national development are under the economic pillar. In particular, goal ECO 1 is
to achieve a “stable and prosperous economy, encouraging trade, investment and providing economic oppor-
xvi Own-account production is defined as production for one’s own use
4 Ch. 1: Introduction
tunities for all members of society throughout Vanuatu”. The goal is important as it implicitly recognises that
for a country with a small domestic market such as Vanuatu “opportunities for all” may be difficult to provide
without a strong export perfomance. In fact, most of the NSDP’s economic objectives represent options to
improve Vanuatu’s export competitiveness, and such will find their place amongst the Trade Policy Framework
Update (TPFU)’s recommendations.
The most relevant multi-sectoral policies sitting under the NSDP are the Trade Policy Framework 2012 (TPF
2012) and the Overarching Productive Sector Policy (OPSP) 2012-2017. The TPF 2012, this document’s
predecessor, consolidated the government’s priorities to increase Vanuatu’s export competitiveness. The
OPSP 2012-2017, currently being updated, included key recommendations for the development of the primary
and agro-processing sectors.
The sectoral and sub-sectoral policies most relevant to the TPFU include those by:
The Ministry of Tourism Trade Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB):
• Vanuatu Industrial Development Strategy (2018-22)
• Vanuatu Strategic Tourism Action Plan (2014-18)
• Sustainable Tourism Policy (2019-30)
• Vanuatu Tourism Market Development Plan (2019-30)
• National Co-operative Policy (2017 -22)
• National Investment Policy Statement
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB):
• Vanuatu Agriculture Sector Policy (2015-30)
• Vanuatu National Livestock Policy (2015-30)
• Vanuatu Forest Policy (2013-23)
• Vanuatu National Fruits & Vegetables Strategy (2017-27)
• Vanuatu Coconut Strategy (2016-25)
• Vanuatu National Fisheries Sector Policy (2016-31)
The key messages advocated by the TPF 2012 and the TPFU 2019-2025 are generally informed by the above
sub-sectoral polices.
With some exceptions, the degree of effective utilisation of trade-related polices could be improved. In partic-
ular, whilst the above documents have sometimes helped to build consensus around strategic priorities and/
or specific projects, monitoring of their implementation has rarely been undertaken in a systematic manner.
Lack of systematic monitoring makes it difficult to link a sector’s performance to the degree of policy imple-
mentation, and to support the government to achieve its stated objectives of sectoral growth.
1.3 Rational for a Trade Policy

By putting trade at the centre of the country’s development strategy, the Vanuatu’s TPFU 2019-2025 reaffirms
the rational of its predecessor.For a small country like Vanuatu, domestic demand is not enough to stimulate
competitive production processes and generate decent employment opportunities for all. Therefore, increasing
exports of goods and services in areas of comparative advantage remains the most viable option to promote
economic development. Tourism is a case in point. In 2017 about 36% of Vanuatu’s formal employees xvii were
employed by this export-oriented industry, including employment by hotels, travel agents, airlines, and other
passenger transportation services. 12
xvii The number of active Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) members is about 30,500 in 2016. According to the World
Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), direct employment by the tourism industry in 2017 is 11,000 Full-Time-Equivalents (FTEs)
in 2017
Despite its focus on export promotion, the TPFU does not take a negative stance on attempts to increase
the share of domestic demand satisfied by local production. Firstly, there exist some primary sub-sectors in
Vanuatu where import substitution policies aligned with good international practices xviii can result in sustain-
able retention of value for the local economy. Secondly, when import substitution policies are targeting
international tourists, they can increase competitiveness of the tourism industry by leveraging Vanuatu’s
unique features.
1.4 Vision and Goals

Since the NDSP’s Goal ECO 1 clearly identifies the contribution of trade to national development, the TPFU
adopts a vision which simply mirrors this goal. The vision of the TPFU 2019-2025 is therefore to achieve:
A prosperous economy encouraging trade and investment to provide economic opportunities for all members
of society throughout Vanuatu
Encouraging trade and investment to provide opportunities for all requires coordinated action in a number of
dimensions. By drawing extensively on the NSDP, the TPFU 2019-2025 identifies 12 Goals which articulate
its vision in the different dimensions affecting trade. These are:
Goal 1: An economy that pursues sound macroeconomic policies
Goal 2: An economy that promotes exports in areas of comparative advantage and that, where feasible,
reduces reliance on imported goods and services
Goal 3: An economy that engages in and benefits from trade agreements
Goal 4: An economy where energy and telecommunication services are modern, reliable, and affordable
Goal 5: An economy that facilitates trade through state-of-the-art customs, biosecurity, and quality infrastruc-
ture systems, and through better transport infrastructure
Goal 6: A business-friendly economy
Goal 7: An economy with an adequate supply of skills to encourage trade
Goal 8: An economy where trade and investment are sustainable
Goal 9: An economy where trade is mainstreamed
Goal 10: An economy that supports primary sectors and agro-processing with high export performance or
potential, and strong tourism linkages
Goal 11: An economy that supports accelerated export of tourism services and increased retention of tourism
earnings
Goal 12: An economy that supports emerging service sectors with high export potential or with the potential
to increase the country’s export competitiveness
Each of the 12 chapters that follow will focus on one goal. They will include an assessment of the state of play
in the target area/sector, a set of recommendations to achieve the stated goal, and a detailed implementation
matrix to ensure systematic monitoring.
By illustrating the channels through which implementation of the TPFU’s recommendations will contribute to
the broader development aspirations of the Vanuatu’s people, Table 1.2 further details the linkages between
the two policies. In particular, the TPFU will contribute to achieve 61% of the NSDP’s 33 economic objectives,
55% of its 29 environmental objectives, and 36% of its 36 society objectives.
xviii For Vanuatu these are summarised in Council of Ministers Decision 204/2013
6 Ch. 1: Introduction
TABLE 1.2: TPFU GOALS AND CHAPTERS, AND NSDP OBJECTIVES
TPFU 2019-2025 NSDP 2016-2030

Goal Chapter Objective
1) The macroeconomic environ- ECO 1.1, ECO 1.2, ECO 1.3, ECO 1.4, ECO 1.5, ECO 1.7, ECO
ment 3.1, ECO 3.2, ECO 4.1, ECO 4.3
ENV 1.1, ENV 1.3
2) Trade composition and ECO 1.4, ECO 1.5, ECO 1.7, ECO 3.4, ECO 4.3,
trends ENV 1.1, ENV 1.3
3) External trade policies and ECO 1.5, ECO 1.6, EC 4.7
trade agreements
4) Backbone services and ECO 2.1
related infrastructure SOC 6.7
5) Trade Facilitation and related ECO 2.5, ECO 2.6, ECO 3.3
infrastructure ENV 5.4
6) Doing Business ECO 4.1, ECO 4.8
SOC 5.1
7) Education and skills SOC 2.2, SOC 2.3, SOC 2.4
ECO 4.5, ECO 4.6
8) Trade and sustainable ECO 2.1, ECO 4.5
development SOC 1.7, SOC 4.1, SOC 4.2, SOC 5.4
ENV 1.1, ENV 1.4, ENV 1.5, ENV 2.1, ENV 2.2, ENV 2.3, ENV 3.1,
ENV 3.4, ENV 3.5, ENV 4.3, ENV 4.4, ENV 4.5, ENV 4.6
9) Trade mainstreaming and its ECO 1.4, ECO 4.9
pillars SOC 6.1, SOC 6.4, SOC 6.7, SOC 6.8, SOC 6.9
10) Goods ECO 3.1, ECO 3.4, ECO 4.3, ECO 4.4
ENV 1.1, ENV 1.3
11) Tourism ECO 3.1, ECO 3.2, ECO 4.4
12) Other services (offshore and ICT) ECO 2.9
Source: author’s assessment
1.5 Consultation Process

Consultations on the TPFU started in July 2018. In consulting stakeholders, the recruited international
and national consultants were guided by the TPFU’s Concept Note drafted by the Ministry of Tourism,
Trade, Commerce, and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB) and approved by the National Trade Develop-
ment Committee (NTDC). Face-to-face consultations on Chapters 1-9 were mainly conducted between July
and August 2018, whereas consultations on Chapters 10-14 were mostly undertaken between October and
November 2018. After being cleared by the MTTCNVB, each draft chapter was circulated to stakeholders for
comments. These were incorporated in a final draft, which also included an implementation matrix. Supple-
mentary consultations were required for some chapters, and these took place between July and September
2019. Final consolidation took place in October 2019, and the TPFU 2019-2025 was validated by the NTDC
in November of the same year.
2.1 GDP Composition and Trends
Vanuatu’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was VUV 63.6 billion in 2016 xix. Real GDP grew at an average
rate of 2.7% during the past decade. However, with a population growing at an average rate of 2.2%, the
country only experienced a marginal increase in per-capita GDP, from VUV 222,081 in 2006 to VUV 233,546
in 2016 - see Figure 2.1. xx
FIGURE 2.1: GDP AND GDP PER CAPITA (2006 PRICES)
70,000 245,000
60,000 240,000
50,000 235,000
40,000 230,000
30,000 225,000
20,000 220,000
10,000 215,000
- 210,000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
GDP, VUV mill ion (left axis) GDP per-capita (right axi s)
Source: calculations on Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO)
Services are by far the largest sector, followed by the Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry, and Industry sectors.
In 2006, sectoral shares of GDP were 68.6% for Services, 22.7% for Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry and
8.7% for Industry xxi. By 2016, the share of Services had increased to 69.3%, Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry’s
share had declined to 19.9%, and the share of Industry had increased to 10.8% - see Figure 2.2
The decline in the Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry sector’s share of GDP is explained by the slow growth in
Crop Production (which was badly affected by cyclone PAM), and by the real decline in Animal Production.
On the contrary, heathy growth was recorded for Fisheries, and Forestry.
The increase in the Industry sector’s share of GDP was driven by the recent fiscal expansion benefitting the
Construction sub-sector, xxii and the solid performance of Electricity and Water Supply – linked to urbanisation.
On the other hand, the Manufacturing sub-sector’s GDP recorded a real decline during this period.
xix All GDP figures in this chapter are based on 2006 prices
xx Based on provisional estimates by the Vanuatu National Statistics Office, per-capita GDP in 2017 was VUV 238,382
xxi In calculating the sectoral shares, the value of taxes and subsidies on products as well as the value of imputed bank service
charges have not been considered
xxii The expansion of the construction sub-sector accelerated in 2017. The sector increased by 11% compare to 2016 2017
based on provisional data from the Vanuatu National Statistics Office
8 Ch. 2: THe Macroeconomic Environment
As to Services, five sub-sectors, namely Real Estate; Accommodation and Food Services; Professional,
Scientific, Technical, and Administrative Services; Retail Trade; and Information and Communication, recorded
above-average growth rates during the past decade. For most of the other sectors, average real growth was
either negligible or negative. Progressive urbanisation, a healthy tourism industry, and the digital revolution
are some of the factors explaining the observed trends in the most dynamic Services sub-sectors.
FIGURE 2.2: SECTORAL CONTRIBUTION TO GDP
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
AGRICULTURE, FISHING & FORESTRY INDUSTRY SERVICES
Source: calculations on VNSO
Overall, growth in real GDP was quite strong at the beginning of the period – see figure 2.3. This declined
afterwards, reaching a minimum of 0.2% in 2015 (due to cyclone PAM), before bouncing back to 3.5% in
2016 on the wave of a recovery in Crop Production, Services, and new infrastructure projects. xxiii For 2017
the preliminary estimates by the VNSO register a growth of 4.4%. The Macroeconomic Committee (MEC)
growth forecast for 2019 and 2020 are 3.4% and 4.0% respectively. 13 The main drivers behind the projected
performance include implementation of the new infrastructure projects, and the full recovery of Services.
FIGURE 2.3: GDP REAL ANNUAL GROWTH RATES
9%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
GDP Growth [real]
Economic growth needs to accelerate substantially over the next 5 years to result in a tangible increase of
per-capita GDP. To do so, there is a need to invest in sectors and geographical areas that are operating below
potential. From this point of view an increased focus on rural areas, where about 75% of the population lives 14
xxiii Based on provision data by the Vanuatu National Statistics Office, growth accelerated to 4.4% in 2017, driven by infrastruc-
ture projects
and primarily engages in subsistence agricultural practices, would be beneficial:

• Agriculture and agro-processing can improve their performance to capture an increased share of
domestic (local and tourism) demand and increase exports in areas of comparative advantage (see
Chapter 11)
• There is scope for the tourism industry to provide direct benefits to rural areas via diversification of
its supply (see Chapter 12)
• There is scope for other services to accelerate their growth by enhancing productivity in areas/sectors
operating below potential, including through application of new technologies (see Chapter 13)
2.1.1 Recommendations
a. Increase the growth rate of agriculture and agro-processing (manufacturing), including by capturing an
increased share of domestic demand and increasing exports in areas of comparative advantage
b. Increase the growth rate of the tourism industry, including by segmenting supply strategically across
locations throughout Vanuatu
c. Support services suitable to boost productivity in the other sectors – e.g. Information and Communication
and Professional/Technical/Scientific services
2.2 Macroeconomic Determinants of Growth

2.2.1 Short-term determinants
During the past decade, about 77% of GDP was consumed, 33% was invested, and the average trade deficit
(net exports) was about 11% of GDP.
The period 2006-2016 saw consumption slowly but steadily increasing its share, investment fluctuating around
its average share, and net exports as a share of GDP on a mildly declining path (see Figure 2.4). In other
words, compared to 2006 Vanuatu is today a society that (in percentage terms) consumes a bit more, saves
a bit less, and imports more goods and services to satisfy its consumers.
FIGURE 2.4: EXPENDITURE SHARES OF GDP
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
-20%
-40%
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Final Consumption Expenditure ('C) Gross Fixed Capital Formation (I) Net exports (EX - IM) Other
Source: Calculations on VNSO
The contribution to GDP growth by the different demand components (Figure 2.5) reflects the dynamics illus-
trated above. Consumption contributed positively to GDP growth for 10 out of 10 years, investment for 5 years
and net exports gave a positive contribution for only 4 years. The high import-content of major infrastructure
projects partly explains why a negative contribution of net exports is observed during the years of investment
boom, especially 2008 (major US-funded roadworks) and 2015 (post-PAM reconstruction).
Economic growth in the short term is affected by activities that can impact on the level of aggregate demand.
These include, but are not limited to, lower interest rates; increased real wages; increased government
spending; reduction in taxes; currency devaluation; and increased consumer confidence.
The government proposal to introduce an income tax for firms and for individuals is creating uncertainties
that may undermine consumer and investor confidence. From this point of view, a final determination on
tax reform could help economic growth by reducing uncertainty. Of course, if an income tax was introduced
without a corresponding increase in public expenditure or reduction in other taxes or fees, this would nega-
tively affect growth.
FIGURE 2.5: CONTRIBUTION OF DEMAND COMPONENTS TO GDP GROWTH
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
-5%
-10 %
-15%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Final Consumption Expenditure ('C) Gross Fixed Capital Formation (I) Net exports (EX - IM) Other
Source: Calculations on VNSO
As to interest rates, space is limited. According to the IMF, excess liquidly already exists in the system, which,
coupled with inflation pressures building up, requires a prudent approach. 15
With the Vatu pegged to an undisclosed basket of currencies, and with the real exchange rate broadly in line
with fundamentals and desirable policies, 16 the space to act on this front to stimulate growth is also limited.
Public investment seems to be a reliable source of economic growth for Vanuatu in the short-term. Spending
on infrastructure, including in the context of the reconstruction following cyclone PAM, has been significant
and its effects should continue into 2019. Increasing inflows of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and remit-
tances, stimulated by domestic policies of foreign countries such as China, Australia and New Zealand can
also benefit short-term growth.
2.2.2 Medium-term determinants

In the medium-term, economic growth can increase if additional workers are employed by existing firms to
make full use of the existing capital. To achieve this, the establishment of the right regulatory environment for
the labour market is essential. An excessively rigid regulatory regime will reduce the possibilities to generate
formal employment in the private sector, whereas overly compressed workers’ rights and protections may
reduce their incentive to perform productively. 17
The year 2018 saw a 17.6% increase in minimum wage (VUV 200/hour). This has the potential to produce
adverse effects xxiv on employment. Some options for improvement of the regulatory framework for the labour
market are included in Chapter 7.
2.2.3 Long-term determinants

In the long-term, economic growth is determined by an increase in productive capacity (aggregate supply). This
can be triggered by increase in population; increase in physical capital (construction or durable equipment);
xxiv The nominal annual salary of a full-time employee (8 hours/day for 200 working days) paid the minimum wage would be
VUV 320,000, which is equal to the 2016 nominal per-capita GDP. Unqualified workers, who may command salaries below the
average GDP, might find it difficult to secure employment at the current wage rate.
increase in human capital (education or training); and technological progress resulting in higher productivity
of both capital and labour (total factor productivity).
2.2.3.1 Population
The growth of Vanuatu’s population continues to be sustained. Vanuatu’s population increased at an average
rate of 2.2% during the past decade. With a healthy rate of 3.31 births per woman in 2015 18 population will
no doubt continue to be a key determinant of economic growth during the period covered by the Trade Policy
Framework Update (TPFU) 2019. Given the shape of the population pyramid, there will be marked increase
in the number of people of working age, defined here as 15-54. Notably, with about 30,000 people expected
to enter this age group and only 10,000 expected to leave, the number of people of working age will increase
by about 20,000 units. This will in theory boost growth, although the exact entity of the increase will be deter-
mined by the elasticity of output with respect to labour – and this is likely to be less than 1.
2.2.3.2 Human capital
In 2010 Vanuatu introduced a universal primary education policy through the budget process to phase out
parental contributions by increasing government grants to schools. School grants were first introduced in
Years 1 to 6 and were gradually extended up to Year 10 and early childhood care. The purpose of the financial
support, worth about VUV 1bn in 2018, was to reduce the financial contribution that parents are required to
make to their children’s education, thus facilitating their attendance and attainment. The policy appears to
have favoured human capital accumulation. For example, critical underachievement in Year 4 of the Vanuatu
Standardized Test of Achievements (VANSTA) decreased from 63% in 2009 19 to 14% in 2017. 20 The policy
could also have facilitated the observed improvements in secondary education, with the survival rate to Year
13 increasing from 9.7% in 2010 to 23% in 2018. Other factors may have contributed to the observed trends,
including the increasing percentage of certified teachers in both primary schools (from 69% in 2010 to 73.6%
in 2018), and secondary schools (40% to 93.8%).
Accumulation of human capital will require to continue investing in quality education. Whilst this does not
necessarily mean spending more money, levels of expenditure do also matter. From this point of view, some
concerns relate to the observed decrease of expenditure in primary and secondary education as a percentage
of current GDP, from 4.1% in 2010 to 3.5% in 2017. On a per-student basis, there was a 7% nominal reduction
for primary education and a 33% nominal increase for secondary education. On the contrary, with regards to
Post-School Edition and Training (PSET), expenditure on scholarships more than doubled between 2011 and
2017, both in total (VUV 334m to VUV 752m), and on a per-student basis (VUV 563,000 to VUV 1,224,000).
TABLE 2.1: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE
VUV Per-Student VUV Per-Student

Year VUV Million Percentage of GDP Primary Secondary
2008 2,639 4.3 .. ..
2009 2,632 4.0 .. ..
2010 2,801 4.1 42,478 56,101
2011 2,862 4.0 .. ..
2012 2,890 4.0 39,920 62,345
2013 2,894 3.8 38,770 62,698
2014 3,094 3.9 40,045 63,298
2015 3,120 3.8 39,996 62,363
2016 3,163 3.6 48,105 70,661
2017 3,335 3.5 39,439 74,416
Source: Calculations on VNSO and Ministry of Education and Training (MoET)
2.2.3.3 Physical capital

The World Bank Group (WBG) provides data on gross fixed capital formation as a percentage of GDP, which
can be used as a proxy for physical capital. xxv Vanuatu’s fixed capital formation between 2006 and 2017
averaged 30% (Figure 2.6).
FIGURE 2.6: FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION, PERCENTAGE OF GDP xxvi
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
EAP (excluding high-income) Fiji Lower middle income Vanuatu
Source: calculations on WBG and VNSO
This figure is broadly on par with that of lower-middle income countries (GNI per capita between USD 1,026
and USD 4,035), and above those of Pacific upper-middle income countries such as Fiji. However, Vanuatu’s
capital accumulation is still lagging behind that of more dynamic East-Asia Pacific developing countries,
where investment averaged 41% during the past decade. xxvii
2.2.3.4 Technology
The percentage of population using the internet is adopted as a proxy of technological progress (Figure 2.7).
This has increased significantly during the past decade, from 6% in 2006 to 24% in 2016. Importantly, the
rate of growth has accelerated after 2013 – the year the submarine internet cable was completed. Despite
progress, however, Vanuatu’s access to internet is still below the level enjoyed by lower middle-income
economies (30% in 2016), and of Pacific upper-middle income countries such as Fiji.
Promoting the development of a “technologically savvy” workforce and of an enabling business environment
may facilitate technological innovation in a country. The correlation between technological innovation and the
quality of the regulatory environment is shown in Figure 2.9. Chapters 7 and 8 propose options to facilitate
innovation by addressing bottlenecks in the business environment and skills.
xxv Whilst World Bank and national data slightly differ with regard to the size of fixed capital formation, the two series follow
very similar paths. World Bank data is based on the 2014 version of the National Accounts, which were subsequently revised by
the VNSO – this may explain the slight discrepancies
xxvi 2009 and 2010 value for Fiji are estimates.
xxvii During the period 2006-2014 external debt stock (% of GNI) of East Asia Pacific developing countries was consistently
lower than in Vanuatu, suggesting that domestic savings in those countries played a greater role in funding capital accumula-
tion. See: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS?end=2018&locations=VU-4E&start=2006
FIGURE 2.7: POPULATION USING THE INTERNET, PERCENTAGE
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Fiji Lower middle income Vanuatu
Source: WBG
FIGURE 2.8: TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND THE BUSINESS REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

120
Internet Users 2016 (% population)
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Doing Business Rank 2017
Source: WBG
a. Make a final determination on the proposed tax reform (income tax)
b. Development of a national labour policy - see Chapter 7
c. Target an expenditure in primary and secondary education of 4% of GDP
d. Increase fixed capital formation as a percentage of GDP compared to the 2006-2017 average (30%)
e. Improve the business enabling environment to facilitate technological innovation - see Chapter 7
f. Promote skills development to make a productive use of technological innovation - see Chapters 8 and 13
2.3 Measures to Ensure Sustainability of Vanuatu’s Economic Growth

Measures to ensure macroeconomic sustainability of Vanuatu’s economic growth relate to fiscal and debt
sustainability, inflation and sustainability of the international financial position. Key statistics on these issues
are included in Table 2.2.
TABLE 2.2: SUSTAINABILITY PARAMETERS
Year Net Govern- Inflation Current account Capital and Gross international
lending/ ment (%) balance financial reserves (months
borrowing public debt account of import)
(%GDP)
(%GDP) balance
(% GDP)
(%GDP)
2006 1.1 22.2 1.9 -6.1 .. 4.6
2007 0.3 19.1 4.1 -7.3 .. 4.6
2008 1.4 20.6 5.8 -11.4 .. 2.8
2009 -0.8 20.5 2.4 -7.9 7.1 5.2
2010 -2.5 19.4 3.3 -5.9 9.1 4.5
2011 -2.2 20.7 1.2 -7.8 13.1 4.5
2012 -1.6 21.2 0.8 -6.5 5.4 4.6
2013 -0.2 19.7 1.5 -3.3 7.2 5.4
2014 0.1 23.1 1.1 6.2 25.1 5.2
2015 7.0 34.4 1.5 -1.6 41.0 6.4
2016 7.0 40.7 2.1 0.8 35.7 7.5
2017 -1.2 44.6 3.3 -6.4 15.9 10.1
2018 6.4 43.5 2.6 3.4 7.9 12.0
Source: IMF for inflation, balance of payment statistics, and public debt up to 2011. MFEM for net lending/borrowing, and
public debt from 2012
Up to 2013 public debt was fluctuating at around 22% of GDP. The current account deficit, averaging 7%
of GDP, was financed by the surplus in the capital and financial accounts, and international reserves were
sufficient to cover about 4 months of imports – i.e. the stated government target.
The year 2014 saw a shift in policy, with the government embarking on major investment projects funded by
increasing revenues, grants, and by some foreign loans. Investment projects have targeted enhanced long-
term growth via infrastructure development and acquisition of strategic assets for Air Vanuatu. Post-cyclone
PAM recovery and reconstruction added to the investment needs.
The fiscal expansion pursued since 2014 has increased public debt, from 19.7% in 2013 to 43.5% in 2018.
According to the IMF, this has produced a moderate risk of debt distress, in consideration of Vanuatu’s
vulnerability to natural shocks and the increased debt service burden.
The inflow of infrastructure-related loans and PAM-related grants has had a positive impact on the capital
and financial accounts, which has increased international reserves from 5.4 months of import in 2013 to 12
months in 2017.Other facts of significance observed during this period include:
• The increase in inflation generated by the post-2013 fiscal expansion and by the Reserve Bank of
Vanuatu (RBV)’s accommodating response to cyclone PAM (reduction in the rediscount rate and in
the commercial banks’ reserve requirement ratio). This was exacerbated by the increase in VAT from
12.5% to 15% in 2017.
• The increased share of non-tax revenues – from 2% of GDP in 2014 to 12% of GDP in 2018 – linked
to the Honorary Citizenship program. xxviii The government is mindful of the fact that revenues from
this source may not be sustainable. This awareness has triggered a responsible use of non-tax reve-
nues with the view of underpinning sustainability (including through prepayment of public debt), and
promoting long term growth (including through investment in infrastructure development and purchase
of strategic assets).
In summary, whilst there are no imminent threats to Vanuatu’s economic performance, some recent trends
have the potential to undermine future growth and should therefore be controlled.
xxviii According to the 2019 Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, “in
2018, revenue from the honorary citizenship programs overtook that of VAT for the first Time”.
a. Control net borrowing as a percentage of GDP by
i. Increasing sustainable government revenues; and
ii. Reducing recurrent government expenditure, and prioritising future infrastructure projects;
b. Target a positive recurrent balance (recurrent current revenues minus recurrent expenditures) over the
medium term
c. Managing the level of State debt so that the nominal value of total State debt as a share of GDP remains
well below the 60% threshold
d. Update the debt management strategy on an annual basis
2.4 Vanuatu’s Graduation from LDC Status

Vanuatu’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) group will happen on 4 December 2020,
concluding a journey which started in 1994, when the country first met two of the three graduation criteria.
International Support Measures (ISMs) tailored to the LDC group are usually divided in trade-related measures;
Official Development Assistance (ODA); and general support.
2.4.1 Trade-related measures

Trade-related measures include schemes granting preferential market access to LDCs; Special and Differen-
tial Treatment (SDT) provisions regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO); and trade-related capacity
building for LDCs.
2.4.1.1 Market access
Analysis from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
conducted on 2017 data from the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR) reveals that for the six
main commodities exported by Vanuatu and covering about 80% of merchandise exports (copra, kava, coconut
oil, timber, beef, and cocoa), the impact of graduation will be limited. 21 Notably, for all but beef graduation
will not lead to significant increases in the duty rates applied by major importers.
As to beef, only exports to Japan will be affected (36% of the total), but in this case the duty increase will be
significant – from 0% to 38.5%. Vanuatu can try to seek a ‘zero duty transition period’ from Japan, but this
may be difficult, noting that recently graduated countries (Samoa and Maldives) failed to secure such an
arrangement. Establishing a simple trade arrangement aimed at providing a formal but flexible forum for the
discussion of important trade issues can be explored. Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs)
provide this option, and this is something that Vanuatu may consider, either individually or as part of a regional
endeavour with the Pacific Islands Forum. Vanuatu’s National Livestock Policy 22 does not consider market
access issues, which due to the relevance for the sector will further be addressed in Chapter 11.
Other duty increases noted by UNESCAP as a result of graduation include those for coconut oil export to
Taiwan (15% of total export, from 0% to 4%), and those for tuna exported to Japan and Thailand (100% of
total exports, based on mirror data, from 0% to 3.5%). These changes should not create significant problems
to Vanuatu. xxix
Recent data shows the emerging importance of China as a destination for Vanuatu merchandise, including
for kava and noni – see Chapter 3. On the former, rates will increase from 0% to 3-9%, whereas on the latter
they will increase to 0% to 3-35%. 23 The substantial and growing trade relations between China and Vanuatu
could justify the establishment of a free trade agreement, including to cope with the consequences of grad-
uation on market access.
The possibility to provide preferential market access to services and services suppliers from LDC was
xxix According to WTO data published in the online Preferential Trade Arrangement database, the MFN rate applied by Taiwan
on coconut oil is actually 0%. Moreover, it is possible that Taiwan only represents a transhipment destination for Vanuatu’s co-
conut oil. As to tuna, the duty increase is relatively low, and in any case, it is very likely mirror data for fish export from Vanuatu
are actually capturing exports of foreign vessels flying the Vanuatu’s flag.
approved by WTO Trade Ministers in 2011, and subsequently operationalised in 2013 and 2015. 24 So far, 24
WTO members have submitted notifications of preferences accorded to LDCs, 25 however these are relatively
limited (e.g. visa fee waiver, visa facilitation, contact point for LDC, etc.) meaning that losses from graduation
will not be significant.
2.4.1.2 SDT provisions regarding the WTO
The latest report on SDT by the WTO Secretariat noted 157 provisions favouring developing countries, of
which 16 reserved to LDCs. 26 SDT provisions for LDCs include flexibilities regarding certain rules, flexibilities
in trade negotiations, and longer transition periods. The most significant provisions favouring LDCs are:
• Exemption from prohibiting export subsidies - article 27.2 and Annex VII of the Agreement on Subsidies
and Countervailing Measures;
• Exemption until 1 July 2021 (likely to be renewed) from implementing the Agreement on Trade-Related
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), except for core non-discrimination principles included
in articles 3, 4, and 5 – TRIPS article 66.1 and related decisions;
• Exemption until 1 January 2033 from providing patent protection envisaged under the TRIPS for phar-
maceutical products – TRIPS Council Decision IP/C/73; and
• Exemption from the obligation of undertaking commitments during trade negotiations, for example,
under the Agreement of Agriculture (article 15.2), and during the Doha round of Agriculture and Non-Ag-
riculture Market Access (NAMA) negotiations - General Council Decision WT/L/579; and, for NAMA
also see WTO document TN/MA/W/103/Rev.3.
Immediately after graduation Vanuatu will lose the possibility of introducing export subsidies (which are not
provided at the moment), have to fully apply TRIPS provisions, and be expected to undertake more substan-
tial commitments during trade negotiations. In the short-term, confirming critical post-graduation obligations,
and requesting transition periods to phase them in or specific waivers is a possibility. In the medium-term,
strengthening capacity of the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (VanIPO), and of the Department of External
Trade (DoET) will be important to face the increased responsibilities arising from graduation.
2.4.1.3 Trade-related capacity building
In terms of trade-related capacity building, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) assists LDCs to enhance
capacity of trade ministries and related stakeholders. Moreover, LDCs enjoy priority in the delivery of WTO
technical assistance. 27 Other United Nations agencies and commissions (for example the Committee for
Development Policy (CDP) Secretariat and UNESCAP) also provide trade-related capacity building for LDCs.
Vanuatu will continue receiving assistance from the EIF for up to five years after graduation, and in any case
the core positions of the EIF National Implementation Unit are already integrated and funded by the govern-
ment. Other agencies will continue providing Vanuatu with the assistance normally reserved for developing
countries. No specific action is recommended for this area.
2.4.2 Official development assistance

In 2011 donor countries represented in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Devel-
opment Assistance Committee (OECD/DAC) confirmed an ODA target of 0.15–0.20% of their Gross National
Income (GNI) for the decade 2011-2020 for LDCs. In fact, ODA peaked in 2010 (0.11%) and was only 0.09% in
2016. 28 Previous OECD/DAC determinations included recommendations to provide most ODA as grants (1978),
and to have the majority of aid ODA as untied (2001). These recommendations were substantially met. 29
The development cooperation landscape might therefore be expected to change after graduation, with more
tied ODA and a higher percentage of loans. As to the level of ODA, this is not expected to be significantly
affected in the run-up to graduation, nor afterward. The data even suggest the opposite - that graduating coun-
tries are experiencing an increase in aid, in several cases even after they have been identified for graduation. 30
2.4.2.1 Bilateral ODA
As highlighted by the draft UNESCAP analysis and by previous publications from the United Nations Depart-
ment of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), 31 Vanuatu’s graduation should not affect the overall ODA
polices of the main bilateral donors (Australia, New Zealand, and China), who base their allocation on criteria
that do not focus on the LDC status. The one notable exception is Japan, which has developed an LDC-specific
concessional lending option that will no longer be available to Vanuatu. This should not create problems for
Vanuatu noting the increasing availability of cheap concessional loans in the Pacific fuelled by the competition
for regional influence between China and traditional donors. 32
2.4.2.2 Multilateral ODA
Vanuatu will lose access to some LDC facilities, notably the Enhanced Integrated Framework – which approved
grants worth VUV 650 million during the period 2013-2018, and the LDC-Fund of the Global Environment
Facility (GEF) – which approved grants worth VUV 2.1 billion during the period 2009-2018. 33 The GEF Trust
Fund, which supported Vanuatu with grants worth VUV 1.4 billion – will continue to be available after grad-
uation. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
are required to allocate 60% of their regular budget to LDCs, and their assistance may therefore decrease
after graduation – according to the Lowy Institute’ Pacific Aid Map, total funds committed to Vanuatu by UNDP
and UNICEF during the period 2011-2018 was VUV 1.3 billion and VUV 540 million respectively. 34 Whilst not
insignificant, losses due to graduation should be below 5% of annual ODA – VUV 15 billion according to the
Lowy Institute’s Pacific Aid Map. xxx Vanuatu’s losses can be compensated by re-focusing fundraising activ-
ities towards climate funds non-reserved to LDCs, leveraging increased blended finance, 35 and continuing
to advocate prioritisation of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) in donors’ development cooperation
strategies. A 5-year transition period should also be sought from the EIF.
As to multilateral lending agencies (notably the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank), graduation
should not produce any significant impact on Vanuatu, noting that the LDC status is not a criterion adopted
by these agencies.
2.4.3 General support

The United Nations, its funds, programs, and conventions provide support to LDCs to participate in their
processes, conferences, and meetings. 36 Contribution to the regular budget of the United Nations and to that
of its organisations is capped for LDCs. In the case of Vanuatu, contributions for peacekeeping operations
and for memberships to some international organisations are expected increase after graduation. 37
A United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution adopted in 2012 (67/221) comprises recommenda-
tions to smooth transition for graduating LDCs, including encouraging the application of transition periods
for organisations committed to allocate a certain percentage of their funds to LDCs, for LDC-specific funds,
for organisations providing LDC-specific travel benefits, and for countries providing LDC-trade preferences.
In the short-term Vanuatu can engage with all relevant organisation to agree on smooth transition periods. In
the medium term, prioritising budget allocation for international travel/engagement will be important to ensure
value for money and government’s effectiveness.
Graduation from LDC status should produce limited macro-economic implications in terms of reduced export
earnings, increased government expenditures, and reduced government revenues. The recommendations
proposed aim at mitigating possible adverse impacts:
a. Initiate formal discussions with Japan to seek zero duty transition period for beef
b. Secure a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Japan (bilaterally or regionally)
c. Secure regional consensus on the option to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement between China and Forum
Islands Countries
d. Confirm critical post-graduation obligations, and initiate formal discussions in relevant WTO bodies, including
jointly with the LDC group, to seek transition periods for and specific waivers from those obligations
e. Strengthen capacity of VanIPO – see Chapter 7
f. Strengthen capacity of the Department of External Trade, including filling all vacant positions
xxx 3.65% assuming a pessimistic scenario of 100% loss of assistance from UNICEF and UNDP
18 Ch. 3: Trade Composition and Trends
g. Seek a 5-year transition period from the EIF

h. Develop and distribute briefs including consistent messages to support fundraising by all government
agencies, and based on the critical challenges of Vanuatu – graduation, SIDS status, and environmental
vulnerability
i. Determine the increase in membership fees for international organisations after graduation, and set aside
adequate budget to face the increase
j. Formally engage with all international organisations providing general support measures to Vanuatu to seek
transition periods after graduation, based on UNGA resolution 67/221.
k. Prioritise budget allocation for international travel to/engagement with international organisations
2.5 Poverty Issues

Data on poverty in Vanuatu are scarce – there are just two data points, in 2006 and 2010. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that poverty is not a major issue in Vanuatu. In a country where about 75% of the population lives in
rural areas, and enjoys communal property rights over vast portions of fertile land, poverty is not the normal
state of life. In urban areas, the strong bonds between the members of Vanuatu’s extended families create
informal safety nets whereby no one is left behind.
The last poverty assessment is the Vanuatu Hardship and Poverty Report 2012 38 - the following paragraphs
summarise some its key findings. Between 2006 and 2010 food poverty decreased by about 4 percentage
points, from 7.4% to 3.2%, including in rural areas (6.6% to 2.6%) and in Port Vila (5.1% to 2.0%), whereas
an increase was recorded in Luganville, Vanuatu’s second-largest city.
Whereas recent economic growth helped lifting a significant number of people out of food poverty, its speed
wasn’t fast enough to substantially decrease the incidence of basic needs poverty (food plus essentials), which
only recorded a marginal improvement – from 13% in 2006 to 12.7% in 2007. As to the quality of economic
growth, this was conducive to a decrease in inequality, with the Gini Coefficient for households recording a
decrease from 0.41 in 2006 to 0.31 in 2010.
Poor people are mostly located in rural areas, have low levels of education, and are overrepresented in the
vulnerable groups such as women, aged people, and children. Around 15% of people employed in the formal
sector live below the basic needs poverty line.
The declining path of per-capita GDP since 2010 may have increased the incidence of food and basic needs
poverty during the past 8-9 years; however, data are not available to verify this hypothesis. The production
of new poverty estimates for Vanuatu is clearly required.
Some of the recommendations already made in this chapter are aligned recommendations that, according to
Vanuatu Hardship and Poverty Report 2012, can be effective in addressing poverty.
a. Target an expenditure in primary and secondary education of 4% of GDP
b. Promote skills development to increase productivity and salaries (see Chapter 8)
c. Support positive gender discrimination (see Chapter 9)
d. Produce new estimates for poverty in Vanuatu
CHAPTER 3: TRADE COMPOSITION AND TRENDS xxxi
3.1 Balance of Trade in Goods and Services
Table 3.1 shows aggregate figures for trade in goods and services. The Balance on Trade in Goods has
historically been the major cause of the Current Account deficit. However, it is important to note that the
merchandise trade deficit actually decreased from 2008 (VUV 22.6 billion) to 2014 (VUV 20 billion) as a
result of increasing exports and decreasing imports. This trend was reversed after cyclone PAM, when the
high import-content of reconstruction and infrastructure projects, and the damages inflicted to the agriculture
sector (see Table 3.1), brought the deficit to VUV 28.2 billion in 2017.
The Balance on Trade in Services has traditionally been important to offset the merchandise trade deficit.
The services trade surplus improved from VUV 12.3 billion in 2008 to VUV 19.3 billion in 2017.
TABLE 3.1: BALANCE OF PAYMENTS, GOODS AND SERVICES BALANCE, VUV MILLION
Year Merchandise Merchandise Balance on Services Services Balance of Balance of

Exports Imports Trade in Exports Imports Trade in Trade in Goods
Goods Services and Services
2008 4,230 26,871 -22,641 23,594 11,252 12,342 -10,299
2009 5,887 26,369 -20,482 26,094 11,472 14,622 -5,860
2010 4,695 23,530 -18,835 26,732 12,040 14,693 -4,142
2011 6,011 23,290 -17,279 25,302 12,978 12,323 -4,956
2012 5,071 23,453 -18,382 27,942 13,514 14,428 -3,954
2013 3,653 25,309 -21,656 33,399 14,095 19,304 -2,352
2014 6,160 26,181 -20,021 32,396 14,076 18,319 -1,702
2015 4,249 33,704 -29,455 30,926 19,544 11,382 -18,073
2016 5,444 34,765 -29,321 35,945 16,370 19,576 -9,745
2017 5,909 34,085 -28,176 36,144 16,838 19,305 -8,871
Source: Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV)
An effective trade policy should try to re-establish the positive path towards the reduction in the merchandise
deficit observed before cyclone PAM, and explore ways for the services sectors to increase their surplus.
Reducing the merchandise trade deficit will require enhancing the output of the export-oriented sectors as
well as boosting local production for selected goods that can competitively replace exports.
a. Reduce merchandise trade deficit to pre–2015 levels (25% of GDP) by
i. Increasing exports and,
ii. Boosting local production in areas where imports can be competitively replaced
b. Increase services trade surplus compared to pre-2015 levels (23% of GDP)
xxxi This chapter uses bespoke datasets provided by the Vanuatu Reserve Bank for the balance of payment, the Vanuatu Na-
tional Statistics Office for international tourism, and by the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue for merchandise trade.
The references provided at the end of the chapter can be used to source publicly available (but less detailed) data on these
aspects.
3.2 Trade in Goods - Export

3.2.1 Products
Tables 3.2 and 3.3 provide information on merchandise exports. Vanuatu’s exports are concentrated in a
limited range of products, which is to be expected noting the country’s small size – hence, the limited capacity
to diversify. During the past ten years the export share of the ten main products increased from 82% to 85%.
In 2008 copra was by far the major revenue earner, with a market share of 26%, followed by coconut oil (18%),
kava (13%), beef (12%), and cocoa beans (5%). Together, these five commodities had an export share of 73%.
Other export items of significance (over VUV 50 million) included Tahitian lime, timber, and ornamental fish.
At the end of the period, export concentration was slightly higher, with the first five commodities commanding
a share of 78%. xxxii A number of significant changes were observed, including:
• The halving in the export value of coconut products, down from VUV 2bn to VUV 1bn, as a result of
low international prices, and the increased opportunities offered by kava trading.
• The four-time increase in the value of kava exports, due to a booming demand in the United States and
Kiribati, which drove kava’s share of merchandise exports above the 50% mark. The strong growth of
Chinese demand for kava is also an interesting feature of this period, due to the potential for future
expansion. As highlighted in Chapter 9, some sustainability concerns were expressed during consul-
tations with regard to the impact of increased kava production on deforestation. xxxiii
• The collapse of beef exports, which were impacted by a declining domestic production (see GDP figures
for Livestock in Chapter 2), probably coupled with the need to satisfy an increased domestic demand
coming from residents as well as tourists. The Australian Dollar’s depreciation against the Japanese
Yen started in 2013 may have also contributed to the observed decline, noting that Australian and
Vanuatu compete in the Japanese beef market.
• The strengthening of value addition activities, leading to the emergence of new export products of
significance including noni juice, essential oils (tamanu, nangai) and copra meal. In 2018, noni juice
was mostly destined to China (89%); essential oils were mainly exported to the United States (51%),
China (25%), and Australia (21%); and almost all Vanuatu’s copra meal was sold to Australia (98%).
TABLE 3.2: MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, MAIN PRODUCTS
2008 2018
Product Product
Value (VUV) Share Value (VUV) Share
Copra 1,194,016,373 26% Kava 2,531,391,618 52%
Coconut Oil 827,763,098 18% Copra 549,919,572 11%
Kava 615,669,547 13% Coconut Oil 403,768,954 8%
Beef 474,997,845 12% Cocoa 189,802,924 4%
Cocoa 242,889,212 5% Sandalwood 126,286,398 3%
Tahitian Limes 212,615,454 5% Noni Juice 83,149,019 2%
Timber 96,492,403 2% Essential Oils 82,875,631 2%
Ornamental 74,507,721 2% Beef 81,926,188 2%
Fish
Hides & Skins 44,158,247 1% Timber 50,842,350 1%
Essential Oils 43,088,585 1% Copra Meal 39,636,570 1%
Total 4,665,003,579 100% Total 4,871,165,728 100%
Share of total Share of total
82% 85%
Exports Exports
Source: Calculations on Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR)
xxxii The value of the Herfindahl index, a measure of concertation which has been calculated on the first 10 commodities plus a
residual group, increased from 0.16 in 2008 to 0.32 in 201
xxxiii Up until 2017, sustainability was also an issue with the export of blue water trees (rosewood). In 2017 blue water trees
had become one of the top export commodities, but a temporary ban on logging issued in March 2018 put a halt on exports. In
2017, virtually all blue water tree slabs (99.7%) were exported to China
TABLE 3.3: MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, HIGH GROWTH SECTORS
Average Growth Value in 2018

Product 2008-2018 (VUV)
Copra Meal 72% 39,636,570
Noni Juice 71% 83,149,019
Essential Oils 61% 82,875,631
Source: calculations on DCIR
3.2.2 Destinations
Table 3.4 illustrates exports by major destinations. In 2008 the top 10 destinations absorbed 84% of Vanuatu
exports. These can be grouped as follows: Pacific Island Countries (Fiji, New Caledonia, PNG), with a share
of 19%; Australia and New Zealand, with a share of 16%; Asia (Malaysia, Philippines, and Japan), with a
share of 34%; and European Union (Netherlands and Germany), with a share of 15%.
In 2008 Developing Asia had already emerged as a global factory and was absorbing increasing shares of
Vanuatu’s major commodities for further processing (copra, coconut oil, and cocoa beans). By doing so,
Developing Asia was emerging as a competitor of the EU, which at the beginning of the period was nonethe-
less importing noticeable quantities of coconut oil and cocoa beans. In Developed Asia (Japan), Vanuatu was
successfully exporting beef. Australia and New Zealand, Vanuatu’s developed neighbours, were importing a
higher variety of consumer goods, facilitated by a relatively low distance, and by development cooperation
programs promoting access to their markets. Merchandise exported to Australia and New Zealand in 2008
with a value above VUV 10 million included Tahitian limes, coconut oil (including virgin), beef, cattle hides,
ornamental fish, and sandalwood oil. Pacific Islands were also importing consumer goods from Vanuatu
(mainly kava, beef, and some fish), as well sawn timber.
TABLE 3.4: MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, MAIN DESTINATIONS
2008 2018
Country Value (VUV) Share Country Value (VUV) Share
Philippines 990,698,732 21% USA 827,661,267 17%
Netherlands 571,795,294 12% Fiji 645,074,177 13%
New Zealand 556,722,280 12% Kiribati 589,275,504 12%
New Caledonia 399,200,243 9% Malaysia 525,027,563 11%
Malaysia 322,520,860 7% New Caledonia 444,521,530 9%
Fiji 306,497,114 7% Australia 388,637,429 8%
Japan 265,943,974 6% Philippines 365,151,291 7%
Australia 193,886,224 4% China 292,819,756 6%
Germany 151,854,538 3% Bangladesh 196,037,091 4%
PNG 142,606,750 3% New Zealand 116,447,387 2%
Total 4,665,003,579 100% 4,871,165,728 100%
Share of total
Exports 84% 90%
Source: calculation on DCIR
During the past 10 years the concentration of Vanuatu’s exports remained broadly unchanged, xxxiv but some
significant changes were nonetheless observed. In particular, by 2018 Pacific Islands had become the most
important destination for Vanuatu’s merchandise, the EU and Japan had lost significance, and the United
States (US) and China had become major importers. The top 10 destinations in 2018 can be grouped as
follows: Pacific Island Countries (Kiribati, New Caledonia, Fiji), with a share of 34%; Australia and New
Zealand, with a share of 10%; Asia (Philippines, Malaysia, China, and Bangladesh), with a share of 28%;
and United States, with a share of 17%.
FIGURE 3.1: MERCHANDISE EXPORTS, VALUE BY GROUP OF TOP DESTINATIONS

2008 2018
Pacific Islands, Others, 10%

Others, 16% 18%
Australia and New
Zealand, 10%
Pacific Islands,
34%
Australia and New
Zealand, 16% EU, 16%
Asia, 28%
US, 17%
Asia, 34%
Source: calculations on DCIR
In the US, exports were driven by the emergence of a profitable market for kava, sold as a relaxing alterna-
tive to alcohol. Kava exports increased from VUV 85 million in 2008 to VUV 781 million in 2018 – almost a
third of Vanuatu’s export value for kava, and 95% of exports to the US. The US also became the top importer
of essential oils (nangai) – VUV 43 million in 2018, or 52% of Vanuatu’s export value for this good. A kava
boom was also observed in Kiribati, which in 2018 absorbed roughly almost VUV 600 million worth of kava.
The market share of China increased from 0.3% in 2008 to 6% in 2018. About 44% of China’s imports were
represented by kava. The country also absorbed the near totality of Vanuatu’s export of noni juice. Other items
of significance exported to China (above VUV 20 million) included sandalwood logs and chips, essential oils,
and timber. With regard to the markets losing share, Japan’s decline was mainly due to the collapse in beef
exports (VUV 257 million in 2008 to VUV 41 million in 2017). As to the EU, statistics reveal a re-orientation
of copra, coconut oil and cocoa beans exports towards Developing Asia (Malaysia, Philippines, and Bangla-
desh), triggered by the withdrawal of the shipping company providing direct links to Europe (Bank Line), 39
and compounded by the increased processing capacity, lower transport costs, and less stringent Sanitary
and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards of Developing Asia.
Summing up, evidence from the past decade confirms that Vanuatu’s comparative advantages are in primary
goods and goods adding value to primary production. Increasing production and productivity of the primary
sector remains crucial to boost export values.
Equally important, moving up the value chain for commodities such as coconut, cocoa, kava, and beef by
targeting quality or further processing has the potential to improve export values. In the “low-volume high-
value” category, essential oils have the potential for further export development.
Some of Vanuatu’s fast-growing export industries such as kava pose risks to the preservation of natural forests
and biodiversity, and should therefore be closely scrutinised. A National Forest Inventory (NFI) is planned by
2020 to support efforts on ensuring sustainability.
xxxiv The value of the Herfindahl index, calculated on the first 10 destinations plus a residual group increased from 0.12 in
2008 to 0.11 in 2018
Vanuatu has re-oriented its exports in response to the general shift of economic power towards Developing
Asia and to the booming interest for kava in the US and Kiribati. In this new context, Europe has lost signifi-
cance as an export destination, in what appears to be a structural change that is difficult to reverse.
Export re-orientation has implications for current and potential trade agreements. The Pacific Agreement for
Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus), an agreement whose members absorb about 45% of Vanuatu’s
merchandise exports, present a clear potential for trade creation through better market access and should
be ratified. Further engagement with Asian countries (the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN),
China, and Japan) and possibly the US should also be considered.
a. Increase export of agriculture and agro-processed goods by more than 3.8% a year
b. Conduct a NFI by 2020 (see Chapter 9)
c. Ratify PACER Plus (see Chapter 4)
d. Pursue trade arrangements with key Asian destinations– ASEAN, China, Japan – and possibly the US
(see Chapter 4)
3.3 Trade in Services – Export

3.3.1 Categories
Table 3.5 shows services export by category for the period 2018-2017. Back in 2008, Vanuatu was exporting
VUV 23.6 billion of services - five times the value of merchandise exports. The three major services exported
were travel (73%, mostly leisure tourism), transport (11%, almost exclusively transport by Air Vanuatu), and
financial services (8%, linked to the off-shore industry). Together, these three services covered 92% of total
exports.
TABLE 3.5: SERVICES EXPORTS, MAIN SERVICES, MILLION VATU
2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2017

Transport 2,700 3,053 3,002 4,365 4,983 4,244
Travel 17,286 20,980 22,347 24,979 26,345 27,108
Business 1,905 2,040 2,365 1,604 2,005 1,771
Personal 15,381 18,940 19,982 23,375 24,340 25,337
Education related 271 388 239 1,568 1,945 2,589
Other 15,110 18,552 19,743 21,807 22,395 24,177
Telecommunications, computer, and 424 593 150 507 1,071 1,031
Financial services 1,800 975 652 431 351 337
Charges for the use of intellectual 24 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
property
Other business services 519 514 433 392 431 338
services
Government goods and services 737 541 617 1,334 2,717 2,884
Total Exports 23,594 26,732 27,942 32,396 35,945 36,144
Source: RBV
Despite the setback imposed by cyclone PAM, the past decade was a positive one for the tourism industry,
with growth in air arrivals and arrivals by sea (cruise ships) averaging 1.7% and 7.7% respectively. As a
result, export of travel services increased by about 5% a year. Amongst tourists, receipts from overseas
tertiary students increased the most in percentage terms, and in 2017 this category was generating VUV 2.6
billion – roughly equivalent to the combined export value of copra and coconut oil. Export of transport services
recorded a similar growth to travel services.
As illustrated in Chapter 12, the export of tourism services still has ample margin to grow. The tourism sector
can enhance primary production and productivity and certain forms of value addition by leveraging tourists’
demand for local products (see Chapters 11-12). From this point of view, tourism is an important ally for a more
balanced development model in Vanuatu. Education-oriented tourism is becoming an important phenomenon
that can be nurtured by a strategic approach to the country’s post-secondary education and training sector
(see Chapter 8).
FIGURE 3.2: TRENDS IN TOURISM ARRIVALS AND EXPORT OF TRANSPORT SERVICES, INDEX
NUMBER (2008=1)
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Tourism Arrivals Export of Transport Services
Source: calculations on VNSO and RBV
Export of transport services (mainly foreign visitors using Air Vanuatu) grew faster than tourism arrivals
during the past decade, thus suggesting that there was an increase in the share of visitors travelling with Air
Vanuatu (Figure 3.2). As indicated in Chapter 12, developing new routes is an essential strategy to achieve
higher growth in tourism arrivals. If Air Vanuatu is able to competitively serve some of the new routes this
would not only increase exports of travel services but also of transport services. From this point of view, the
TPFU welcomes the Government’s decision to support Air Vanuatu’s fleet expansion, including through the
purchase of two 108 seats A220-100 and two 133 seats A220-300.
The export of financial services declined significantly due to the tighter scrutiny over Vanuatu’s offshore
industry. In 2017, Vanuatu was exporting financial services worth only VUV 337 million compared to VUV
1.8 billion in 2008. However, on the back of recent reforms, there is possibly some space for the offshore
industry to reinvent itself and start growing again (see Chapter 13). On the other hand, this period saw a
good performance of export of telecommunications, computer, and information services (now worth VUV 1
billion, mostly charges related to data transfer, international calls, and roaming) and government services
(expenditure by diplomats in Vanuatu, probably linked to the opening/expansion of certain international organ-
isations/embassies). Whilst complex Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services cannot be
yet exported from Vanuatu, the ICT industry has a great potential to provide services to other sectors which
can greatly benefit their international competitiveness (see Chapter 13).
3.3.2 Destinations
The high share of travel services over total services exports means that the origin of international visitors
travelling to Vanuatu can be used to approximate export destinations. Countries of origin (arrivals by air) are
reported in Table 3.6. In 2008, 85% of international arrivals were originating from Australia (59%), New Zealand
(15%), and New Caledonia (11%). As of 2017, Vanuatu managed to slightly reduce its export concentration,
with the combined share of the three main origins declining to 79% in favour of countries/groupings such as
Pacific Island Countries (4% to 7%), Europe (5% to 6%), and China (0% to 3%). xxxv
TABLE 3.6: SERVICES EXPORTS, DESTINATIONS (APPROXIMATED BY TOURISTS’ ORGIN)
Country Share 2008 Share 2017

Australia 59% 53%
New Zealand 15% 11%
New Caledonia 11% 15%
Other Pacific Countries 4% 7%
Europe 5% 6%
North America 3% 3%
Japan 1% 1%
China 0% 3%
Other Countries 2% 2%
Total 100% 100%
a. Increase export of travel services by more than 5% a year
b. Increase export of transport services by strengthening the national airline
c. Improve Post-School Education and Training (PSET) to increase export of education services (see Chapter
8)
d. Assess options to reinvent the offshore industry on sustainable grounds (Chapter 13)
3.4 Trade in Goods – Imports

3.4.1 Products
Vanuatu’s top-20 import categories, or Harmonized System (HS) Chapters, xxxvi are shown in Table 3.7 and
3.8, including reference to the most common goods comprised in each category.
xxxv The Herfindahl index decreased from 0.39 in 2008 to 0.32 in 2017. However, if one could include cruise passengers, who
mostly come from Australia, results might differ. Unfortunately, accurate data on origin of cruise passengers is not available
xxxvi The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as the Harmonized System (HS) of tariff nomen-
clature is an internationally standardised system of names and numbers to classify traded products.
TABLE 3.7: MERCHANDISE IMPORTS, MAIN PRODUCTS IN 2008
HS Chapter Mostly comprises Value (VUV) Share

27 Fossil Fuels 7,940,937,346 23%
85 Electrical appliances 3,823,347,327 11%
87 Vehicles 3,380,509,336 10%
84 Mechanical appliances 2,680,208,506 8%
30 Pharmaceutical products 1,532,049,618 4%
10 Rice 1,178,651,429 3%
73 Iron or steel articles 916,831,335 3%
39 Plastic articles 679,774,064 2%
94 Furniture 671,521,122 2%
22 Alcohol 664,367,351 2%
19 Food preparations from cereals, flour, starch or milk 610,989,430 2%
98 Other 609,814,967 2%
72 Iron or steel 601,916,813 2%
25 Cement 583,639,166 2%
44 Timber & Plywood 433,405,654 1%
16 Preserved Pork and Canned Fish 432,142,359 1%
48 Paper and paperboard articles 423,669,223 1%
90 Precision goods (optical, photographic, medical, etc.) 368,459,043 1%
11 Flour 366,268,142 1%
02 Chicken 348,327,553 1%
Top 20 HS Chapters 28,246,829,784 82%
TOTAL 34,575,264,359 100%
Source: DCIR
In 2008, about 80% of imports was concentrated in the top-20 categories. This share, together with the
degree of import concentration, slightly decreased in 2016 xxxvii. Overall, the comparison between 2008 and
2016 reveals a substantial stability of Vanuatu’s import patterns, with 18 of the top-20 categories for 2008
also included in the top-20 list of 2016.
Some structural features of the Vanuatu’s economy are useful to explain import patterns. The country’s lack
of natural resources and limited deployment of renewable energy explains why fossil fuels command the
biggest import share. Vanuatu’s limited manufacturing base (heavy and light industries) explains the high
reliance on imported goods such as mechanical and electrical appliances, precision instruments, iron and steel
articles, plastic articles, furniture, pharmaceutical products, vehicles, iron and steel and cement. Finally, the
limited productivity of the Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry sector, existing and emerging food consumption
habits, and the development of the tourism industry help explaining the significant shares of goods such as
timber, rice, bread, flour, food preparations from cereals and flour (e.g. snacks), preserved pork, canned fish,
chicken, alcohol and tobacco.
xxxvii The Herfindahl index, calculated on the first 20 HS Chapters plus a residual group, decreased from 0.12 to 0.10
TABLE 3.8: MERCHANDISE IMPORTS, MAIN PRODUCTS IN 2016
HS Chapter Mostly comprises Value (VUV) Share

27 Fossil Fuels 5,294,900,483 13%
87 Vehicles 3,645,669,242 9%
84 Mechanical appliances 3,631,378,622 9%
85 Electrical appliances 3,270,660,192 8%
73 Iron or steel articles 2,297,292,849 6%
10 Rice 1,518,737,190 4%
90 Precision goods (optical, photographic, medical, etc.) 1,432,379,017 3%
21 Plumpy nut, relief food for post-disaster 1,344,591,425 3%
25 Cement 1,053,431,004 3%
19 Food preparations from cereals, flour, starch or milk 1,026,934,502 2%
22 Alcohol 968,723,882 2%
39 Plastic articles 881,305,769 2%
30 Pharmaceutical products 878,350,712 2%
89 Ships and boats 872,812,526 2%
94 Furniture 831,253,180 2%
44 Timber & Plywood 725,675,853 2%
02 Chicken 722,810,600 2%
16 Preserved Pork and Canned Fish 669,630,580 2%
24 Cigarettes 618,080,051 1%
72 Iron or steel 612,441,237 1%
Top 20 Chapters 32,297,058,916 78%
TOTAL 41,407,836,643 100%
Source: DCIR
In line with the recommendations of Chapter 2, Vanuatu should target a more balanced development model
by, inter-alia, promoting local consumption of goods that can be produced competitively.
Tables 3.7 and 3.8 suggest certain sectors that could be leveraged to promote a more balanced growth:
• Rice import is substantial, at VUV 1.5 billion in 2016. Vanuatu may wish to support production and
consumption of alternative sources of carbohydrates that grown locally - cassava, sweet potatoes,
and other root crops.
• The consumption of un-healthy food preparations (e.g. imported snacks, biscuits) could be discouraged
in favour or healthier local alternatives (fruits and vegetables). Schools and institutional canteens
(hospitals, tertiary institutions, correctional services, etc.) could be the focus of enhanced efforts in
this area.
• Vanuatu should continue scoping opportunities to replace its dependence on fossil fuels when this
does not undermine trade competitiveness. Transitioning to on-grid renewable sources is not yet a
cost-effective option for Vanuatu (see Chapter 9). But technological progress and global efforts to fight
climate change, including donor-subsidised mitigation, creates opportunities to increase deployment
of renewable energy (see chapter 9). In the case of off-grid development, renewable energy already
represents a win-win solution that promotes greater access to electricity and reduces costs compared
to fossil fuels (see Chapter 9).
• Discouraging consumption of cigarettes and tobacco, whose imported volumes increased between 2008
and 2016, would result in a healthier Ni-Vanuatu population whilst reducing the trade in goods deficit.
• During the past decade, starting from a small value, the forestry sector has grown significantly. If the
sector can expand sustainably, there is a potential for increased production and consumption of local
timber, as well as local production value added wooden furniture.
• Efforts are ongoing to promote local production of chickens, a major imported item, and to reactivate
Efate’s fish processing plant. If successful, these efforts have the potentials to substitute some imports.
3.4.2 Origins
Table 3.9 illustrates the major sources of Vanuatu’s merchandise imports. Close to 90% of Vanuatu’s merchan-
dise imports originate from 10 countries. These can be consolidated in five groups: Australia and New Zealand,
the closest developed group, commanded a share of 36% in 2008; Asia (Singapore, China, Thailand, Japan,
and Hong Kong) had share of 38%; Pacific Island Countries (Fiji) presented a share of 9%; Europe (France)
and the US commanded a share of 4% and 2% respectively. In 2016, the shares of the identified groups
remained broadly unchanged compared to 2008. Within groups, the major change observed during the past
decade was an increase in the Chinese import share (8% to 12%) and a reduction in the share of Singapore
(19% to 12%).
The composition of imports from a specific country is explained by its economic size, distance from Vanuatu,
and specialisation/economic development. With regard to the top-ten origins:
1. Imports from Australia cover a vast range of products, with the largest five categories (43% of total imports)
including machineries/appliances, electrical equipment, ships, cereals (rice), and tobacco.
2. Singapore is the main (intermediate) source of fuels (92% of total imports).
3. Like Australia, New Zealand exports to Vanuatu cover a vast range of products. The largest five categories
(41% of total imports) include wood (timber), machineries/appliances, instruments (optical, photographic,
medical etc.), cement, and pharmaceutical products.
4. Imports from mainland China also cover many products, but present a higher concentration than Australia
and New Zealand. The first five categories (57% of total imports) include machineries/appliances, electrical
equipment, iron/steel, and vehicles
5. The larges five categories for Fiji cover 60% of total imports from the country. Three of these categories
are food preparations. The other two categories are cement and dyes
6. 90% of imports from Japan are concentrated on vehicles and iron/steel
7. The top-five categories from France cover 80% of total imports. These include food preparations (50% of
total imports), machineries/appliances, electrical equipment, wine and spirits, and perfumes.
8. Imports from Thailand are highly concentrated, with the first five categories representing 83% of total
imports. Like Singapore, the country serves as a transhipment port, this time for vehicles (61% of total
import). Other significant categories include meat/fish preparations and sugar confectionery, cement, and
electrical equipment.
9. The largest five categories from the US cover 82% of total imports and include instruments (optical, photo-
graphic, medical etc.), pharmaceutical products, machineries/appliances, and aircraft parts
10. Hong Kong has a similar export pattern to China. Exports to Vanuatu cover a wide range of products, with
the top-five categories representing 65% of total imports. In the same way as China, these include electrical
equipment, machineries/appliances and iron/steel. The other two categories are furniture and apparel
Overall, reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers vis-a-vis major importers will increase imports and reduce
prices of goods originating from the most competitive providers to the benefit of Ni-Vanuatu consumers
(cheaper consumer goods) and producers (cheaper inputs of production). To avoid increasing imbalances,
Vanuatu should prioritise agreements with countries which are both major import origins, and export destina-
tions. Potential candidates include Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN countries, China, Japan, and possibly
the US.
If trade from major origins is liberalised, the government should pay attention to protect policy space in
sectors where it may intend to limit imports to promote local consumption of domestic goods (infant indus-
tries). These include rice, fruits and vegetables (including root crops), timber, and perhaps wooden furniture.
Noting existing attempts to promote local production of chicken, and processed fish, policy space should also
be protected in these areas. These sectors are particularly relevant to the PACER Plus agreement and to a
potential agreement with ASEAN countries.
TABLE 3.9: MERCHANDISE IMPORTS, ORIGINS
Country 2008 (VUV) Share 2008 2016 (VUV) Share 2016

Australia 8,518,311,645 25% 10,206,465,194 25%
Singapore 6,731,072,180 19% 4,977,056,591 12%
New Zealand 3,867,665,821 11% 4,942,989,452 12%
China 2,662,064,996 8% 4,768,001,921 12%
Fiji 3,067,649,903 9% 3,459,135,299 8%
Japan 2,381,633,113 7% 2,608,442,890 6%
France 1,413,473,872 4% 1,975,302,323 5%
Thailand 842,197,691 2% 1,261,994,296 3%
United States 557,902,343 2% 1,193,504,464 3%
Hong Kong 676,101,631 2% 1,057,630,711 3%
Top 10 Origins 30,041,973,572 87% 36,450,523,141 88%
TOTAL 34,575,264,359 100% 41,407,836,643 100%
Source: DCIR
1. Replace imports by promoting local production of:
2. Fruits and vegetables (including food crops)
3. Timber and wooden furniture
4. Reduce imports by increasing taxes (domestic excises) and promoting awareness campaigns with regard to:
a. Unhealthy food preparations
b. Cigarettes and tobacco
5. Promote off-grid uptake renewable energy (see Chapter 9)
6. Promote on-grid uptake of renewable energy only when donor subsidies make it a cost-effective option
compared to non-renewable sources (see Chapter 9)
7. Ratify PACER Plus (see Chapter 4)
8. Pursue trade arrangements with key Asian destinations– ASEAN, China, Japan – and possibly the US
(see Chapter 4)
9. In new trade agreements maintain policy space for rice, fruits and vegetables (including root crops), timber,
wooden furniture, chicken, and processed fish (see Chapter 4).
3.5 Trade in Services – Imports

3.5.1 Categories
Vanuatu’s main imported services are transport (mainly sea transport of freight) and travel. The share of these
sectors decreased from 81% in 2008 to 71% in 2017. This was mainly due to an absolute decline in personal
travel. On the contrary, the share of transport services increased from 56% to 61%.
A few other sectors saw a significant increase in their share during the past ten years. These include tele-
communications, computer, and information services (2% to 8%), financial services (3% to 5%) and other
business services (6% to 9%).

TABLE 3.10: SERVICES IMPORTS, MAIN SERVICES, MILLION VATU
CATEGORY 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2017

Transport 6,283 6,455 6,694 7,221 10,501 10,275
Travel 2,876 2,881 3,434 3,568 2,679 1,762
Business 631 870 911 997 866 595
Personal 2,245 2,011 2,523 2,571 1,813 1,167
Education related 419 278 306 950 472 235
Other 1,826 1,729 2,204 1,610 1,323 885
Telecommunications, computer, and 281 1,285 1,313 802 835 1,381
Financial services 340 357 476 230 59 808
Charges for the use of intellectual property 3 0 0 20 20 35
Other business services 643 511 587 1,157 1,491 1,574
services
Government goods and services n.i.e 476 118 82 202 114 226
Source: RBV
As highlighted in Chapter 8, local skill gaps and shortages are significant. Improving the quality of schools
and of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system can help to substitute imports of some busi-
ness services.
The increased share of transport services may reflect a greater use of foreign airlines by Ni-Vanuatu, as
well as increased payments to foreign providers of freight transport. The increase in other business services
captures the increasing ‘servification’ of modern economies, as well as possible skill gaps in the local labour
market. Finally, the increase in imports of telecommunications, computer, and information services reflects
the development of the ICT industry – charges by foreign telecommunication providers for transmission of
voice, data and other information by electronic mail, telephone, etc.
a. Promote provision of competitive local business services by strengthen the education and PSET system
(Chapter 8), with the view of replacing some imports
CHAPTER 4: EXTERNAL TRADE POLICIES AND TRADE
AGREEMENTS
4.1 Multilateral External Trade Policies xxxviii
4.1.1 External trade policies directly affecting imports of goods

Vanuatu applies several measures that directly affect imports. The latest Trade Policy Review (TPR) report
by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat 40 categorizes these measures in customs procedures,
valuation, and requirements; rules of origin; tariffs; other charges affecting imports; import prohibitions,
restrictions, and licensing; and anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures.
4.1.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements
All imported goods are subject to customs control. Importers are required to register in the Automated
System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), World version. Imported goods are cleared from customs control by
the completion of an import declaration - known as Single Administrative Document (SAD); the commercial
invoice; a packing list; shipping documents (airway bills or bills of lading); and an import permit or license, if
applicable. Vanuatu does not require pre-shipment inspection. Use of a licensed customs broker is mandatory,
and only customs brokers and licensed personnel have access to the custom system (ASYCUDA World).
The Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR) maintains a risk management system, by virtue of
which 48% of imports are not subject to physical or documentary examination. Importers, brokers and traders
can apply for an advance ruling on the classification of goods, duty exemption or concession, the country of
origin of goods, or the valuation rule to apply to goods. This is at a fee of VUV 5,000 for each application and
it is issued within 40 days from the date of receipt of the request. The average time for clearance (arrival of
vessel to release by customs) was three days and seven hours in 2017 41 - this should now be shorter thanks
to the introduction of ASYCUDA World and the completion of a new infrastructures – new wharf in Port Vila,
upgraded wharves in Luganville, and upgraded airports in Port Vila and Luganville. At the TPR meeting, WTO
“members praised Vanuatu for its considerable reduction in customs clearance times”. 42 The primary method
of valuation is the transaction value of the imported goods. Nothing in Vanuatu’s customs disciplines violates
WTO rules. In fact, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(UNESCAP) Vanuatu’s customs procedures are the most compliant with trade facilitation and paperless trade
principles among Pacific Island Countries (PICs). 43 Customs procedures are further addressed in Chapter 6.
4.1.1.2 Rules of origin
Vanuatu applies preferential rules of origin (ROO) in the context of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Trade
Agreement (MSGTA), the Pacific Island Country Trade Agreement (PICTA). The Pacific Agreement on Closer
Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus), signed by Vanuatu but yet to be ratified, also envisages preferen-
tial ROO. Goods containing non-MSG inputs qualify for MSGTA preferences if the exported product falls
under a different Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) four-digit tariff heading than
its non-MSG inputs. 44 Under PICTA, at least 40% of the good’s value must be produced by the exporting
country. 45 Under PACER Plus, the good must undergo a product-specific change of tariff classification, or a
product-specific process that fundamentally changes its nature, or at least 40% of value-addition must take
place within the PACER Plus membership. 46
xxxviii The section largely draws upon the 2018 Trade Policy Review (TPR) report prepared by the World Trade Organization
(WTO) Secretariat
32 Ch. 4: External Trade Policies and Trade Agreements
Vanuatu should consider the establishment in law of non-preferential rules of origin to support policy measures
like anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties, safeguard and retaliation measures, quantitative restric-
tions, for trade statistics, for public tenders, for origin marking, and so on.
When goods are imported from a country with which Vanuatu has a trade agreement, criteria are established
to determine origin. However, dumped or subsidised goods may originate from other countries. Many countries
applying the provisions of their anti-dumping or countervailing laws have found that, upon the issuance of a
determination of dumping or subsidy, the first strategy employed by exporters is to tranship their goods through
another country. Without a set of non-preferential ROO in place, there is no legal basis to determine that the
goods are form the country against which the determination is made, and not the country of transhipment.
4.1.1.3 Tariffs
With regards to tariffs, there are four issues of interest: applied Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs; tariff
bindings; preferential tariffs; and tariff exemptions and concessions. Vanuatu grants at least MFN tariff treat-
ment to all its trading partners. The country’s tariff nomenclature is based on the HS 2017. Vanuatu’s simple
average applied MFN tariff have decreased dramatically over the past decade, from 16.7% in 2008 to 9.3% in
2018, and is today in line with the global average - 8.7% in 2016, based on World Bank Group (WBG) data. 47
Vanuatu applies higher tariffs on goods which are produced locally, and for revenue generation. Notably, the
average applied tariff for agricultural products is 16.9%, higher than the average for non-agricultural products
(8.0%). Moreover, tariff escalation exists between semi-processed and fully processed goods – reflecting a
manufacturing industry which is mostly about assembling foreign semi-processed inputs. Average tariffs are
the highest on beverages, spirits and tobacco (37%) – for revenue purposes.
Vanuatu has bound all its tariff lines, and there appear to be sufficient policy space for protecting domestic
sectors. The average final bound rate is 40.2% - 43.6% for agricultural products and 39.6% for non-agricultural
products. In an effort to promote the domestic poultry industry, the applied tariff on chicken wings has exceed
the bound rate – 30% versus 20%. This rate should either be reduced or re-negotiated to ensure compliance
with WTO obligations. Bound rates are exceeded for other two tariff codes of HS Chapter 29 (alkaloids) – also
in this case tariff should be reduced at or below the bound rates.
Vanuatu applies preferential tariffs to parties of the MSGTA, PICTA and, upon ratification, the PACER Plus.
Virtually all the preferential trade currently happens under MSGTA due to simpler ROO and the fact that the
agreement covers the biggest Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Almost all goods originating from the other
MSG members (Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands) are circulating duty-free, with the exclusion
of alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and sugar cane. 48
Tariff concessions (exemptions) to promote economic development apply to the manufacturing sector (raw
materials, packaging/labelling and equipment for manufactured products), the tourism sector (building mate-
rial, fixtures and fittings for tourism accommodation), and the fisheries sector (boats, boat building material,
fishing equipment, marine motors and refrigeration equipment for fishing projects). There are also exemp-
tions for the mining industry (machinery equipment and materials for mineral exploration and extraction
projects). Fuel imported by holders of a government concession for electricity generation is also eligible for
duty exemption. 49
4.1.1.4 Other charges affecting imports
There are three other charges affecting imports (as well as domestic production): Value Added Tax (VAT),
excise duties and vehicle registration fees. VAT of 15% applies to all goods and services, unless they are
exempt or zero-rated. Until December 2017 the VAT rate had been 12.5% but this was increased to support
fiscal consolidation – see Chapter 2. Imports are VAT-exempt if they are valued at VUV 10,000 or less. Regis-
tration to pay VAT is mandatory for companies or with a turnover of above VUV 4 million.
Excise duties apply to items such as alcoholic, tobacco products, and certain firearms. Duties on these
items were increased in 2011 to offset expected fiscal losses from WTO accession. Further changes were
implemented in 2012 and 2014 – when excises on vehicles and soft drinks including sugar were introduced.
The changes applied in 2011 did not affect the competitive position of Vanuatu’s producers – in fact, the
excise on beer was reduced in 2011. The 2014 excise on soft drinks may have affected competitiveness of
local producers. 50
4.1.1.5 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing

Pursuant to the Customs (Prohibited Import) Regulations Order No. 115 of 2014, 51 a number of items are
subject to import prohibition. These include beef in any form originating from Europe, as set out under the
Food (Control) Act [CAP 228] (Prohibition of Beef from Europe Order No. 53 of 2001) and wine with a false
description and presentation, as provided for in the Geographical Indications (Wine) Act [CAP 269]. In addition,
the Customs Act No. 7 of 2013 prohibits the importation of goods infringing intellectual property rights. The
prohibition of beef import from Europe was put in place as a control for to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
(BSE) due to the outbreak in Europe and the United Kingdom (UK) in the late 1990 and should be repealed.
On Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), there is scope to extend protection to Geographical Indication beyond
wines by amending relevant legislation – see Chapter 7.
Certain goods are subject to import licensing. Vanuatu has not notified its import licensing procedures to the
WTO, nor has it answered the questionnaire on import licensing. The country should comply with its notifi-
cation obligations on import licensing.
4.1.1.6 Anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures
The Import Duties (Consolidation) (Amendment) Act of 2013 No. 29 is the legal basis to conduct investigations
for the application of contingency measures - anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures. 52 The
legislation has not been notified to the WTO and Vanuatu should do so to comply with its obligations. The
designated authority responsible for an investigation is the Director of the Department of External Trade. If
the authority has reasonable cause to suspect that there is dumping, subsidisation or increased imports of
a good, it may, by a notice published in the Official Gazette, declare that an investigation be carried out and
direct the customs authority to impose provisional payments. Decisions on a definite measure are taken by the
Council of Ministers and must be published in the Gazette. A measure’s duration is decided by the Minister
responsible for External Trade. The legal and regulatory framework for anti-dumping, countervailing, and
safeguard measures is incomplete xxxix and would require more detailed disciplines to be adopted. A detailed
draft legal and regulatory framework on contingency measures was developed in 2013, and may be worth
considering as a way forward.
4.1.2 External trade polices directly affecting exports of goods

Vanuatu applies several trade policy measures that directly affect exports. The 2018 WTO TPR Report by
the WTO Secretariat categorizes these measures in customs procedures and requirements; taxes, charges
and levies; export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing; export support and promotion; and export finance,
insurance and guarantees.
4.1.2.1 Customs procedures and requirements
Registration and documentation requirements are similar to imports, and similar considerations apply.
According to the authorities, the process covering assessment of declaration to release by customs (a sub-set
of clearance) usually takes less than one hour compared to seven hours for imports.
4.1.2.2 Taxes, charges and levies
The legal basis for export taxes is the Export Duties Act [CAP 31], and the Export Duties (Amendment) Act
No. 19 of 2006. Based on those acts, an export duty of 5% plus VUV 3,000 per cubic meter applies on wood
in the rough or roughly squared. The ability of this measure to achieve environmental protection appears
rather limited – see Chapter 3 on recent problems with rosewood, and Chapter 9 on over-exploitation of
Vanuatu’s forests in the 90s.
4.1.2.3 Export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing
Pursuant to the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations Order No. 114 of 2014, 53 an export prohibition applies
to explosives. Since the 1 March 2018, exports of rosewood (blue water tree) slabs were also banned to
stop deforestation. For most of the Vanuatu’s key commodities, the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations
Order No. 114 of 2014 requires an export license. Licenses are introduced to ensure safety and quality of the
exported product (meat, cocoa, copra, kava), or to protect the natural environment (fauna and flora, certain
fish species, trees).
xxxix For example, current legislation does not establish how dumping margins are calculated
4.1.2.4 Export support and promotion

Vanuatu does not provide export subsidies. A domestic support program has been introduced to prop-up
copra prices. The value of the subsidy is relatively small (VUV 200 million per annum) and may therefore be
permitted under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture even after Vanuatu’s graduation from Least Developed
Country (LDC) status. xl National and regional entities provide export promotion support to Vanuatu’s enter-
prises, including the Department of Industry (DoI), the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI),
and Pacific Trade and Invest (PTI). Vanuatu does not have any export processing zone; however, studies the
possibility of establishing such a zone in Espiritu Santo is being considered.
4.1.2.5 Export finance, insurance, and guarantees
Vanuatu does not have any public finance, insurance, or guarantee scheme exclusively for exporters, nor
does it have public finance schemes for domestic production. Access to finance remains an issue, which
continues requiring attention – see Chapter 7.
4.1.3 Polices affecting production and trade

The WTO TPR Report by the WTO Secretariat categorizes measures affecting production and trade in incen-
tives, standards and other technical requirements; sanitary and phytosanitary requirements; competition policy
and price controls; state trading, state-owned enterprises, and privatisation; government procurement; and
intellectual property rights. These issues will be dealt with in subsequent chapters 5, 6, and 7. The WTO
TPR Report by the WTO Secretariat indicates that notifications may be outstanding with regard to domestic
policies, including on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), and
state trading arrangements - such as the Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board (VCMB). The same report
also indicated that Vanuatu has no intention to join the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
4.1.4 External trade policies related to foreign direct investments

4.1.4.1 Cross-sectoral limitations
The key market access limitation to foreign direct investments (commercial presence) is found in the Foreign
Investment Promotion Act (CAP 248) (FIPA). The FIPA reserves selected activities to Ni-Vanuatu (see Table
4.1) and restricts other activities below certain thresholds (see Table 4.2). Reservation can become a hindrance
to economic development if a sector needs a level of physical or human capital which exceeds what is available
locally. From this point of view, some of the existing reservations may be counterproductive – e.g. construction,
road transport, and coastal shipping. More generally, reservation of activities would benefit from the written
statement of an agreed criteria to guide decision by policy-makers – this statement could be included in the
Bill for the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act, the FIPA successor (see Chapter 7).
xl Under article 15 of the Agreement on Agriculture, Least Developed Countries are not required to reduce domestic support to
agricultural products. Under article 6.4(b) of the same Agreement, developing countries are not required to reduce product-spe-
cific domestic support whose value is below 10% of the total value of production of a product.
TABLE 4.1: FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, RESERVED SECTORS
Trade
• Export of sandalwood in stick and chip form, harvested from natural forests
• Local trading of sandalwood, harvested from natural forests
• Export of seeds and other minor forest products, harvested from natural forests
• Second hand clothing shops
• Export of kava in root, chip and stick form
Manufacturing
• Manufacture of handcrafts and artefacts
Services
• Kava bars
• Open-air vendors, door-to-door sales, and mobile shops
• Road transport operators – the provision of any taxi or bus service, including airport road transfers
and any other road transport service involving the guest of a hotel or other accommodation business
• Private security services including security guards
• Electricians and electro-technicians
• Residential building and construction
• Commercial cultural feasts
Fishing
• Commercial fishing in Vanuatu's inshore waters as defined by the Maritime Zones Act (i.e. archi-
pelagic waters including the first six nautical miles from land)
Other
• Small scale production of sawn timber from natural forests using a portable sawmill (i.e. can be
physically moved from one location to another in the forest)
Source: WTO
For permitted activities, a foreign investment approval certificate must be obtained which requires about 15
days and costs VUV 120,000.
The Vanuatu Constitution imposes a national treatment limitation on foreign direct investments (commercial
presence), in that it prohibits freehold ownership of land by foreigners. xli This means that foreign investors
can only hold land in leasehold. The issue of land is further addressed in Chapter 7. An additional limitation
to national treatment is given by the fact that under the Business License Act [CAP 249] issuance of most
business license incurs additional annual costs of VUV 100,000 for each or each non-citizen principal or
partner engaged in the business. 54 The business license regime is further addressed in Chapter 7.
xli National treatment is a basic principle of the WTO that prohibits discrimination between foreign and domestic goods, ser-
vices, and investments. On the latter, the principle would require that foreign investors who are already established in Vanuatu
are treated equally to local investors. The prohibition of freehold ownership of land by foreigners represents a limitation to the
principle of national treatment which was accepted at the time of Vanuatu’s accession to the WTO
TABLE 4.2: FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, RESERVED ACTIVITIES BELOW A MINIMUM THRESHOLD
ACTIVITY MINIMUM THRESHOLD

Tourism
• Tour agent (business that sells tourism • Annual turnover of VT 20 million
services)
• Tour operator (business that packages two • Investment of VT 20 million
or more travel services into a single product
for the consumer, i.e. transport, accommo-
dation, meals, entertainment, sightseeing)
• Guest house (business that provides simple • 50 beds or 10 rooms or annual sale turnover
accommodation using private or semi-private of VT 20 million
rooms and offers limited guest services)
• Bungalows (business that provides island- • Annual turnover of VT 30 million
style accommodation in detached or
semi-detached dwellings)
• Hotels and motels (business that provides • Investment of VT 10 million, or annual turn-
accommodation using private rooms and over of VT 20 million
offers amenities such as food, alcohol and
other guest services)
Other services
• Retail shops including general merchandise • Annual turnover of VT 30 million
trading shops (excluding specialty shops)
• Coastal shipping (excluding vessels that • Vessel size with carrying capacity of 80
exclusively provide transport to foreign tonnes
tourists)
Other professional or business services
• Real estate agents; property managers; land • Annual turnover of VT 5 million
and property developers; legal practitioners;
accounting practitioners; engineering
practitioners and services; architectural
practitioners and services; surveyors and
draftsmen; core drilling, assaying geological
and prospecting support services; business
and financial services and consultants; book
keeping services; management services
and consultants; advertising and marketing
services and consultants; photocopying
and duplicating services; typing and secre-
tarial services; language translation and
interpreting services; business security and
protective services; debt collection and
credit rating services; and other business
and administrative services and agencies
Source: WTO
4.1.4.2 Sectoral limitations

Vanuatu has made specific commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) in
almost all services sectors. However, the Vanuatu’s WTO schedule of commitments on services 55 introduces
the possibility of market access and national treatment limitations to foreign direct investment (commercial
presence) in some areas. Limitations on market access exist or can be imposed in relation to the following
sub-sectors:
• Legal services - commercial presence must take the form of sole proprietorship or partnership
• Banking and related services - banks must comply with provisions of relevant banking legislation (see
Chapter 7)
• Hotels and restaurants – limitations exist in areas where the FIPA reserves investment to Ni-Vanuatu
• Wholesale and retail trade – the government reserves the right limit market access
• Educational and hospital services funded from state resources - the government reserves the right
limit market access
• Environmental services- the government reserves the right limit market access
Limitations on national treatment exist in relation to the following sub-sectors:
• Audio-visual services - unbound for support programmes funded by the government to preserve or
promote the cultural identity of Vanuatu
• Distribution services (excluding franchising). Non-citizens and non-resident foreign investors must
pay an additional annual fee of VUV 91,800 xlii and must have received an approval certificate from
the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority
• Educational services and hospital funded from state resources
• Environmental services at local or central level
The services sectors and sub-sectors not included in the schedule of commitments are unbound – i.e. Vanuatu
can impose any limitations on market access and national treatment. However, no significant restrictions exist
in addition to those already in place by virtue of the FIPA.
4.1.5 Statistical analysis of Foreign Direct Investments

Data on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) are collected by the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA). 56
Unfortunately, information from VIPA is based on approved investment applications, and therefore fails to
capture the actual FDI performance. A comparison of VIPA data with FDI information from the Reserve Bank
of Vanuatu (RBV) 57 and the World Bank Group (WBG) 58 suggests that proposed investment values overesti-
mate actual values by about four times. Notably, the average annual value of proposed FDI during the period
2007-2017 was VUV 16.6 billion, against an actual figure of VUV 3.7 billion recorded by the RBV. xliii
xlii The additional fee for non-citizen and non-resident foreign investors applies to many sectors, as illustrated by the Business
License Act [CAP 249] and subsequent amendments
xliii VUV 3.9 billion according to the WBG
FIGURE 4.1: FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS, PERCENTAGE OF GDP
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
EAP Lower middle income Pacific island small states Vanuatu
Source: WBG
Looking at actual values, Vanuatu still emerges as a country where FDIs play a more significant role compared
to groups such as lower-middle income countries and developing East Asia Pacific (EAP) countries.
Indeed, the high level of FDIs helps explaining why capital formation as a percentage of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) is higher in Vanuatu than in lower-middle income countries – see Chapter 2. From this point
of view, promotion of FDI remains crucial for Vanuatu’s economic development – Chapter 7 further elaborates
on options to improve the investment climate. The central role of FDIs is a feature that Vanuatu shares with
other Pacific islands small states (see Figure 4.1). xliv
During the period 2007-2017, Vanuatu’s FDIs averaged 5.6% of GDP, compared to 2.9% in developing EAP and
2.3% in lower-middle income countries. During the same period, FDI inflows as percentage of GDP declined in
all the observed country groupings, however, the reduction in Vanuatu was more pronounced, thus indicating
a relative deterioration its investment climate. Despite this, in 2017 Vanuatu’s FDIs as a percentage of GDP
were still twice as much as those of developing EAP and lower-middle income countries.
Trends recorded by VIPA and RBV are relatively similar when comparing index numbers (Figure 4.2), thus
suggesting that the VIPA dataset can be used to undertake some cautious analysis.
FIGURE 4.2: COMPARISON OF VIPA AND RBV FDI SERIES, INDEX NUMBER
1.60
1.40
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
VIPA Proposed FDI Value, Index Number RBV FDI value, Index Number
Source: VIPA and RBV
xliv Pacific islands small states are Pacific islands World Bank member countries excluding Papua New Guinea – i.e. Fiji, Kiri-
bati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu
The main futures of Vanuatu’s FDIs emerging from the VIPA dataset can be summarised as follows:
• FDIs are probably the main contributor to the economy’s formal employment. The average proposed
annual employment from approved FDIs is 1,752 workers. Even assuming that only 25% of proposed
employment is actually realised, xlv FDIs would still be responsible for all the increase in formal employ-
ment observed from 2007 to 2017 (see Figure 4.3)
• The largest source of FDI inflows comes from Australia (37% on average). During the last decade,
however, China significantly increased its share of FDIs (proposed value), from 3% in 2007 to 21% in
2017. The increase of Chinese FDIs mirrors developments already observed for trade in goods and
services - Chapter 3
• Proposed investment values are concentrated in the tourism sector (31% on average), finance and
insurance (20% on average), and wholesale and retail trade (11% on average). From an employment
perspective, however, finance and insurance become relatively unimportant. The major sources of
proposed employment (average share greater than 10%) include agriculture, forestry and fisheries
(11%), manufacturing (13%), wholesale and retail trade (20%) and tourism (24%)
• 77% of proposed FDIs are concentrated in the Shefa province (56% in Port Vila). Most of the remaining
FDIs (22%) are directed towards the Sanma province (9% to Luganville). Foreign investors show a
clear preference for areas where property rights are better defined, and infrastructures are more
developed. From this point of view, the recent infrastructure development initiatives in Malampa and
Tanna provinces (see Chapter 6) could help redistribution of FDIs.

30,000.00
25,000.00
20,000.00
15,000.00
10,000.00
5,000.00
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
VNPF members 2007 + 25% of FDI proposed employment VNPF members
Source: VIPA and VNPF
4.1.6 External trade policies related to movement of natural persons

Disciplines for movement of natural persons, i.e. business visitors, intra-corporate transferees, and foreign
qualified professionals, are dealt with in Chapter 7. Generally speaking, visa upon entry is granted to the
first category, a work permit and residency permit is required for the second category, and a work permit is
required for the third category.
a. Establish non-preferential rules of origin
b. Reduce tariff rate for chicken wings (HS code 0207.1410) to 20% or renegotiate higher rates
c. Reduce tariff rates for alkaloids (HS codes 2939.7100 and 2939.7900) to 0%
d. Repeal the Prohibition of Beef from Europe Order No. 53 of 2001
e. Fulfil WTO notification obligations in areas such as agriculture, SPS, TBT, customs valuation, import
xlv i.e. the same proportion observed for investment values, 438 workers per year
licensing, contingency measures, and state trading enterprises. Technical assistance from the WTO Secre-
tariat can be secured on this matter
f. Complete the legal and regulatory framework for anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures
g. Consider reducing or eliminating reservation on investment in the construction, road transport, and coastal
shipping sectors
h. Consider introducing a clear criterion to guide decision by policy-makers on reserved investments in the
Bill for the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act
4.2 Free and Preferential Trade Agreements

Free and preferential trade agreements reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers on goods and services, thus
promoting a country’s export in areas of comparative advantage, and reducing costs of consumer goods and
production inputs. They may also facilitate flow of capital and labour, which further promotes economic growth.
Generally speaking, for an agreement to generate a positive impact it is important that trade is liberalised
with countries that are already trading with each other, since this is an indicator that the agreement will create
trade with the most efficient partners instead of diverting it towards less efficient partners. Given the above,
a quantitative snapshot of Vanuatu’s trade with major partners can give an indication of which agreement
would be more beneficial. This is done in Table 4.3.
TABLE 4.3: VANUATU TRADE WITH EXISTING AND POTENTIAL PARTNERS TO TRADE AGREEMENTS
Trade in Goods Trade in Services Foreign Investment Labour

(share) (share) (share) (share)
Agreement/Partner Export 1
Import 2
Export 3
Import 4
Inflows 5
Outflows Export 6 Import 7
MSG 10% 9% .. .. .. .. 2% 18%
New Caledonia 5% 1% 12% .. .. .. 33% 11%
PICTA [trading partners] 12% 8% .. .. .. .. 2% 15%
PICTA [signatories] 15% 9% ≈6% .. .. .. 2% 19%
PACER Plus [signato- 28% 35% ≥64% > 24% ≥ 45% .. 54% 48%
ries]
PACER Plus [potential] 37% 43% 71% > 24% ≥ 45% .. 55% 61%
Japan 3% 5% 1% .. .. .. .. ..
China 6% 10% 3% .. ≥ 12% .. .. ..
India 0% 1% .. .. .. .. .. ..
ASEAN 38% 26% .. .. .. .. .. ..
US 4% 2% .. .. .. .. .. ..
EU 2% 6% 8% .. ≥ 6% .. 6% 24%
UK 0% 0% .. .. .. 1% 5%
Notes:
1 = average 2015-17, from DCIR
2 = average 2014-16, from DCIR
3 = average 2015-17, approximated by incoming tourism flows by air, from VNSO 59
4 = average 2015-17, Australia only, from Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) 60
5 = average 2015-17, from VIPA
6 = average 2015-17, from United Nations Department of Economic and Socials Affairs (UNDESA), 61 New Zealand Ministry
of Business, Innovation, and employment (MBIE), 62 and Howes 63
7 = average 2015-17, from (UNDESA) 64
.. = not available
Source: Calculations on DCIR, VNSO (Vanuatu National Statistics Office), Department of Forum Affairs and Trade (DFAT), United
Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE), and Howes
4.2.1 Existing Free Trade Agreements

4.2.1.1 Trade Agreement among the Melanesian Spearhead Group of countries
The Trade Agreement Among the Melanesian Spearhead Group of Countries (MSGTA) 65 is an agreement
covering goods which was signed in 2005 by Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
The agreement came into force in 2006 and covers about 10% of Vanuatu’s merchandise trade. It adopts
a negative list approach, meaning that all tariffs were subject to liberalisation except for a limited number
of excepted products. Moreover, some products were excluded from the liberalisation (article 9.5), namely
those of HS Chapter 22 (beverage, spirits, vinegar), 24 (tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes),
27 (mineral fuels and mineral oils) and HS Code 1701.1100 (cane sugar). As to excepted products, residual
duties were eliminated in 2013 by Vanuatu and (except for mackerel, salt and sugar) 66 PNG, and in 2017 by
Solomon Islands. 67 Fiji did not request any excepted product and fully liberalised trade since 2006.
Whilst MSGTA preferences are normally utilised for merchandise trade between MSG countries, the overall
impact of the agreement has so far been limited for Vanuatu, noting that trade values in 2016 were pretty
much the same as in 2008 – see Figure 4.4. xlvi The limited production and import capacity of MSG members,
as well as their limited economic diversification helps to explain the observed figures.

2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Exports to MSG Imports from MSG
Source: Calculations on DCIR
During the past decade, about 90% of Vanuatu’s MSG imports came from Fiji, and were almost equally split
between agricultural products (food and beverages) and non-agricultural products (production inputs such as
cement, dyes, and iron/steel). Interestingly, DCIR data reveal that over the years Fiji was able to consolidate
its share, including by replacing imports from PNG – such as in the cement industry. As to exports, about 50%
went to Fiji (mostly kava), 30% to PNG (mostly meat), and 20% to Solomon Islands (mostly meat).
4.2.1.2 Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement
The Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) is a trade agreement among 14 Forum Island Coun-
tries (FICs). xlvii PICTA entered into force in 2003 after six FICs ratified the agreement. To date, eight FICs xlviii
have announced their readiness to trade under PICTA. Vanuatu signed the Agreement in 2001, and ratified
it in 2005. PICTA covers trade in goods, except for alcohol and tobacco (article 8.13), and goods subject to
government procurement (article 9.8). Article 16 of PICTA permits trade restrictions for certain objectives,
such as protection of the country’s security, human or animal health, etc.
xlvi The export peak recorded in 2017 is due to the one-off sale of TV equipment to PNG, and can therefore be disregarded
xlvii Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall
Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu
xlviii Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Kiribati
Under the original PICTA terms, 68 tariffs on non-excepted goods were to be removed by 2010 for developing
countries and 2012 for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Islands States (SIS). Tariffs on excepted
products (goods on a negative list) were to be removed by 2016. Schedules to eliminate tariffs were later
extended to 2017 for non-excepted products and 2021 for excepted products. For Vanuatu, the excepted
products concern 18 tariff lines. According to the WTO TPR report by the WTO Secretariat, apart from the list
of excepted goods, products originating in PICTA countries enter Vanuatu duty free. As to the excepted prod-
ucts, Vanuatu has converted all specific duties to ad valorem duties, and does not impose any import quotas.
Due to simpler and more favourable ROO, MSG importers and exporters prefer using MSGTA preferences
when trading with each other. Therefore, to assess the impact of PICTA it is advisable to look at trade between
Vanuatu and non-MSG FICs. This is done in Figure 4.5.
FIGURE 4.5 MERCHANDISE TRADE WITH PICTA NON-MSG PARTIES, INDEX NUMBER (2008=1)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Import from PICTA non-MSG Export to PICTA non-MSG
Source: Calculations on DCIR
During the past ten years merchandise imports from non-MSG PICTA parties were negligible (averaging VUV 6
million), including due to their limited productive capacity and economic diversification. As export destinations,
however, even non-MSG PICTA parties may become important partners if opportunities emerge to satisfy
significant shares of their domestic demand. This is what happened with Kiribati, where Vanuatu’s ability to
meet local demand for kava led to a 70-fold increase in exports. As a result, in 2017 non-MSG PICTA parties
absorbed more than half of total exports to PICTA members. Kiribati imposes no import duty on kava, and
thanks to PICTA preferences this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
4.2.2. Free Trade Agreements under negotiations or still to enter into force
4.2.2.1. Melanesian Free Trade Agreement
The trade agreement between MSG countries was revised in 2016, with the intention of establishing more
modern and comprehensive disciplines on trade in goods, expanding the agreement to new areas (trade
in services, labour mobility, investment, etc.), and setting out a more structured approach to resolution of
disputes. So far Fiji and Solomon Islands have signed the agreement, but none has yet ratified.
On trade in goods, the new Melanesian Free Trade Agreement (MFTA) confirms full liberalisation, with the
exclusion of HS Chapter 22 (beverage, spirits, vinegar) and 24 (tobacco and manufactured tobacco substi-
tutes). Unlike the MSG-TA, the MFTA also liberalises HS Chapter 27 (mineral fuels and mineral oils), however
this should not lead to trade diversion noting that MSG countries do not produce refined petroleum, which
is what Vanuatu mostly imports under this chapter. MFTA disciplines on trade in goods aim at establishing
mechanisms to further facilitate merchandise trade, including through:
• More favourable rules of origin (change in tariff classification at 6-digit level, 30% regional value
content, and cumulation) and phasing out of certificates of origin;
• Disciplines on customs procedures mirroring those of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA); and
• Reaffirmation of WTO commitments included in the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement and
in the agreement on Technical barriers to Trade (TBT) – as enhanced by commitments on cooperation
between the parties’ competent authorities on these matters
On the trade in services, notably cross-border supply, consumption abroad and commercial presence, the
MFTA includes general commitments on market access, national treatment (foreign suppliers treated no less
favourably than domestic suppliers), and most-favoured-nation treatment (foreign suppliers from MSG parties
treated no less favourably than suppliers from non-parties). Some light-touch commitments are also included
to facilitate temporary movement of natural persons - i.e. persons not seeking accesses to the employment
market. A series of more specific disciplines are then introduced to promote trade in services in three strategic
sectors, namely financial services, telecommunications, and e-commerce. Specific commitments are finally
included for each party, based on a positive list approach – see Table 4.4.
TABLE 4.4: MFTA TRADE IN SERVICES, SECTORS xlix WITH SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS
Country MFTA WTO

Fiji 11 1 (9)
PNG 11 6 (1-3, 7, 9, 11)
Solomon Islands 10 (1-9 and 11) 4 (1, 3, 7, 9)
Vanuatu 11 10 (1-9 and 11)
Source: MFTA and WTO
Whilst the Vanuatu’s Schedule of Specific Commitments essentially replicates the General Agreement on
Trade in Services (GATS) schedule, specific commitments by other parties are far more ambitious than those
made at multilateral level. This means that Vanuatu is the country which stands to benefit the most from
services liberalisation under the MFTA.
The MFTA includes a chapter on temporary labour mobility giving a secure legal basis to the arrangements
of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Skills Movement Scheme. The MFTA labour mobility scheme is
intended to make it easier and cheaper for workers of the parties to find temporary employment in selected
skilled and semi-skilled occupations. The scheme is based on simplified and cost-free assessment and entry
procedures, encourages the development of common standards and mutual recognition of qualifications,
relies on certified recruitment agencies to facilitate information on employment opportunities and match labour
demand with supply, provides for fair terms of employment of foreign workers, establishes authorised agents
tasked to supervise and assist the recruited workers, and opens up the possibly of future developments
such as pension portability. Whilst the sectors selected by Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are limited to
a few skilled occupations, the sectors opened by PNG cover a broad spectrum of skilled and semi-skilled
occupations. As shown in Table 4.3, MSG countries already represent an important source of foreign labour
for Vanuatu, whereas labour export towards MSG countries is limited. It is not certain that a country with
significant skill-gaps such as Vanuatu (see Chapter 8) will be able to seize opportunities in highly skilled
sectors, however, opportunities that will arise in semi-skilled occupations (especially in PNG) could benefit
Ni-Vanuatu jobseekers.
The MFTA chapter on cross-border investment encompasses disciplines aimed at giving confidence and
protection to prospective and existing foreign investors. These include provisions on national treatment and
minimum standards of treatment for foreign investors, a most-favoured-nation (MFN) clause, provisions to
avoid arbitrary expropriation and to provide for fair compensation, commitments to the free transfer of funds,
possibility to activate state-state dispute resolution, etc. Schedules of specific exceptions are included which
essentially cover activities that the parties reserve (partially or totally) to nationals. Fiji and PNG investors
already play a significant role in Vanuatu, including in strategic sectors such as finance (PNG) and telecom-
munication (Fiji). The chapter on cross-border investment can increase the attractiveness of Vanuatu as a
place to do business and promote additional FDI inflows from MSG countries.
xlix Based on the WTO Service Sectoral Classification List, with 1) Business services, 2) Communication services, 3) Con-
struction and related services, 4) Distribution services, 5) Education services, 6) Energy services, 7) Environmental services, 8)
Financial services, 9) Health and social services, 10) Tourism services
Other significant disciplines are covered by the MFTA, including on intellectual property (reaffirmation of
commitments under the WTO Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights), public procurement
(commitment to future liberalisation), competition (commitment to introduce pro-competitive measures), as
well-defined options to resolve disputes.
Summing up, the small but not insignificant trade relations between MSG members are expected to receive a
boost by the revised version of this trade agreement. For Vanuatu, the MFTA presents opportunities to reduce
the cost of exporting merchandise to and importing merchandise from MSG countries, gain access to some
employment opportunities in the semi-skilled sectors (especially in PNG), fill critical labour shortages, and
attract additional FDIs from the biggest MSG members. It is possible that by virtue of the new ROO some local
manufacturers will gain duty-free access to the MSG market, and that export-ready Ni-Vanuatu businesses
will find it easier to sell their services to MSG countries. Should Fiji and PNG decide not to join the Pacific
Agreement on Closer Cooperation Plus (PACER Plus), the MFTA would also protect against the possibility
of damaging trade diversion. Given the above, it is recommended that Vanuatu signs and ratifies the MFTA.
4.2.2.2 Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement
Discussion is ongoing at regional level on options to strengthen economic integration through the PICTA. 69
These include:
• Revise the PICTA legal text (trade in goods) to improve its ability to promote trade
• Entry into force of the PICTA Trade in Services Protocol, whose negotiations were concluded in 2012
• Re-activate negotiations on labour mobility under PICTA with the view of establishing a labour mobility
scheme among FICs
As noted before, only eight FICs have ratified and are trading under PICTA (Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa,
Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Kiribati), although Tonga may soon ratify. It is apparent that PICTA
ROO (40% local value content) present challenges, including being difficult to meet by island producers, and
being more complicated and less certain than alternative criteria - e.g. change in tariff classification. 70 Given
this, work is ongoing to revise PICTA ROO. Revisions to other areas could also be beneficial, for example
insertion of commitments similar to those included in the WTO TFA, and the establishment of facilitative SPS
and TBT disciplines. Ratification of PICTA by the newly acceded PIF members, especially New Caledonia,
would certainly increase the importance of the agreement. Ratification by additional FICs and review of PICTA
disciplines is not expected to significantly affect Vanuatu’s imports, noting that under the MSGTA Vanuatu is
already trading duty-free with the biggest FICs. On the other hand, securing stable and streamlined access to
new FICs could benefit Vanuatu’s exporters who are able to satisfy their demands – as it happened for Kiribati.
The PICTA Trade in Services Protocol is signed by ten FICs l but only ratified by four, namely Samoa, Nauru,
Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. The protocol is not very dissimilar from the MFTA’s chapter on Trade in Services
which Vanuatu is familiar with. It covers, 71 among other things, commitments on market access (no restrictions
for liberalised services), national treatment and MFN treatment provisions; the possibility of recognising certi-
fications, qualifications, etc. of other parties’ providers; liberalisation of financial flows for services providers;
commitments to the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); and specific disciplines to facilitate
trade in telecommunications and financial services. Specific commitments are not as ambitious as those of
the MFTA and PACER Plus, but still represent an improvement compared to the current situation (see Table
4.5), especially for FICs which are not WTO members.
Like for trade in goods, Vanuatu’s imports are unlikely to be affected by ratification and entry into force of the
PICTA Trade in Services (TIS) Protocol, noting the limited export capacity of FIC non-WTO members. li Liber-
alisation by the letter, however, may open some opportunities for Vanuatu’s export-ready service providers
– e.g. business and perhaps telecommunication services.
l Cook Islands, FSM, Kiribati, Nauru, RMI, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu
li The Vanuatu’s specific commitments on services are the same as those taken at the WTO
TABLE 4.5: PICTA TRADE IN SERVICES, SECTORS WITH SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS
Country PICTA TIS WTO

Cook Islands 4 (1-4) 0
Fiji 3 (1,7,9) 1 (9)
FSM 6 (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9) 0
Kiribati 9 (1-3, 5, 7-11) 0
Nauru** 5 (1, 3, 7, 9, 11) 0
Niue 2 (2, 5) 0
Palau 3 (1, 9, 11) 0
PNG 8 (1-3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11) 6 (1-3, 7, 9, 11)
RMI** 10 (1, 2, 4-11) 0
Samoa** 8 (1-3, 5-7, 9, 11) 10 (1-7, 9-11)
Solomon Islands 6 (1-3, 7, 9, 11) 4 (1, 3, 7, 9)
Tonga 11 (1-11) 11 (1-11)
Tuvalu** 9 (1-7, 9, 11) 0
Vanuatu 10 (1-9 and 11) 10 (1-9 and 11)
Notes:
1 = based on services offers submitted
at the PICTA TIS Seventh Round of
Negotiations, 08-10 February 2012,
Fiji
** = ratified
Source: PIFS
FICs commenced negotiations on a labour mobility scheme known as PICTA Protocol on the Temporary
Movement of Natural Persons (TMNP). Contrary to the what is covered in TMNP chapters, the PICTA protocol
deals with people who are seeking access to the employment market of other parties. Discussions have so
far focused on a scheme based on two ‘Tiers’ of workers, i.e. skilled (Tier 1), and semi-skilled (Tier 2). It is
intended to provide for unconstrained mobility to Tier 1 workers and to establish a quota system for Tier 2
workers, subject to subject to recognition of certifications, qualifications, etc.
Generally speaking, a labour mobility scheme will be beneficial if the parties present different skill levels –
countries with abundance of high-skill workers will labour shortages in countries with abundance of low-skill
workers and vice-versa. By approximating a country’s skill level with the average years of schooling (Table
4.6) of its students, one can see that a certain degree of differentiation exists among Forum Island Countries
(FICs) and that therefore a labour mobility scheme presents opportunities to deliver benefits, including for
Vanuatu – Australia and New Zealand are also added to the table to illustrate the forces behind the existing
labour mobility schemes.
TABLE 4.6: SKILL LEVEL OF PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES
Mean years of Expected years of schooling for Percentage of skilled

Country schooling pupils entering the system labour force
(2017) (2017) (2011-2017)
Australia 13 23 78
New Zealand 13 19 83
Palau 12 16 ..
Tonga 11 14 ..
Marshall Islands 11 13 ..
Fiji 11 15 63
Samoa 10 13 85
Micronesia (Federated 8 12 ..
States of)
Kiribati 8 13 ..
Vanuatu 7 11 ..
Solomon Islands 6 10 ..
Papua New Guinea 5 10 27
Nauru .. 10 ..
Tuvalu .. .. ..
Source: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 72
To conclude, non-MSG Forum Island Countries present opportunities for Vanuatu, including as export markets
for goods and services, and as a source of temporary employment. PICTA could help realise these opportuni-
ties, although its effectiveness is undermined by the limited number of countries trading under the agreement
on goods, the fact that the services protocol is yet to enter into force, and the fact that negotiations have not
progressed on labour mobility. PICTA (goods) and its services protocol could become redundant if PACER
Plus was ratified by all signatories. On the other hand, a PICTA labour mobility scheme would still remain
relevant even in a post-PACER Plus scenario.
4.2.2.3 Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU
The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was originally intended to cover all trade relations (goods,
services and investment) between the European Union (EU) and the Pacific Africa Caribbean Pacific States
(PACPS). Negotiations started in 2004 and were meant to be concluded by 2008. However, this objective was
not achieved, and only an interim agreement covering trade in goods could be finalised by the agreed dead-
line. Negotiations continued on a more comprehensive version of the agreement, but these were suspended
in 2015 due to disagreements on a number of outstanding issues, particularly on fisheries. In the meantime,
the EPA concluded in 2008 was ratified by the European Parliament in 2011. The PNG Parliament ratified the
agreement in the same year and Fiji started applying the agreement in 2014. Solomon Islands and Samoa
are currently acceding to the EPA. 73
The EPA provides 100% duty-free-quota-free access to the EU market, subject to meeting product-specific
ROO. Favourable ROO are included for prepared and preserved (canned) fish. These give originating status
to all fish landed in a Pacific country, irrespective to the waters where the fish was caught or the vessel’s
flag. PNG, whose fish exports to the EU increased from USD 60m in 2010 to USD 180m in 2017, 74 seem to
have benefitted substantially from EPA’s ROO.
The EPA includes a chapter on trade safeguards, and chapters aimed at facilitating trade – i.e. one on SPS
and TBT, and one on customs cooperation.
Some of the agreement’s provisions are still contentious for Vanuatu, including those on prohibition of export
taxes (article 10) - which are permitted under Vanuatu legislation, and are not prohibited under WTO rules;
circulation of goods (article 15) –requiring duty refund merchandise imported from the EU is re-exported to
another Pacific State; non-discrimination clause (article 16) – requiring to give the EU no less-favourable
treatment than that applicable to other major trading economies entering an FTA with the a Pacific State;
and bilateral safeguards (article 21) – including a twenty-year sunset clause for infant industry protection. 75
Importantly, the EPA has no chapter or resources devoted to development cooperation, and there are no
immediate plans to include chapters on trade in services and investments, i.e. areas where trade flows
between the EU and Vanuatu are more substantial.
The limited merchandise trade between Vanuatu and the EU does not justify prioritising domestic resources
on EPA accession. Should significant trade opportunities arise in the future, for example due to the estab-
lishment of fish processing factories able to benefit from the EPA’s ROO, the situation could be reassessed.
EPA developments should continue to be monitored, whist cooperation with the EU on matters of common
interest can progress through the existing frameworks - Cotonou and post-Cotonou agreements. Given this
context, an alternative route which the Government should follow is to access the Generalised Scheme of
Preferences Plus (GSP+). Vanuatu has already ratified 24 out of the 27 conventions needed to access GSP+,
which unilaterally grants full tariff removal to over 66% of EU tariff lines. Given the ease with which Vanuatu
should be able to access GSP+, this is an excellent replacement for Anything But Arms post LDC-Graduation.
4.2.2.4 Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus
The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
between Forum Countries – i.e. FICs, Australia and New Zealand. It is a modern and comprehensive agree-
ment covering trade in goods, services, investment, development cooperation, plus an arrangement on labour
mobility. 76 The agreement has been signed by 11 countries lii and already ratified by Australia, New Zealand,
and Samoa. It will enter into force after eight countries ratify the agreement.
TABLE 4.7: PACER PLUS, TARIFF LIBERALISATION OF FORUM ISLAND COUNTRIES SIGNATORIES
Country Percentage of bound Implementation period from entry into force

tariff lines
Cook Islands 92.0% 3 years
Kiribati 90.4% Entry into force. As Kiribati eliminated its ordinary
customs duties in 2014, its PACER Plus tariff
commitments (bindings at zero) are effective on
entry into force.
Nauru 92.9% 35 years
Niue 97.3% 25 years
Samoa 85.8% 25 years
Solomon Islands 85.1% Tariff reduction commencing after graduation from
LDC status or 10 years, whichever is later, and
tariff elimination over up to 25 or more years
Tonga 98.6% 25 years
Tuvalu 94.5% Tariff reduction commencing after graduation from
Vanuatu 85.0% Tariff reduction commencing after graduation from
Source: DFAT
The first chapters are about trade in goods and cover liberalisation commitments and safeguards, ROO,
customs procedures, SPS and TBT. After entry into force, chapters 2-6 of PACER Plus will eventually super-
sede the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement (SPARTECA), the non-recip-
lii Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
rocal trade agreement granting duty-free-quota-free access to Australia and New Zealand for goods coming
from FICs. PACER Plus will provide more favourable ROO compared to SPARTECA, which adopts a 50%
Regional Value Content rule. PACER Plus adopts Product Specific Rules requiring goods to undergo a
product-specific change in tariff classification, or a product-specific process that fundamentally changes
its nature, or requiring that at least 40% of value-adding takes place within the PACER Plus membership.
Unlike SPARTECA, PACER Plus requires FICs to liberalise substantially all trade (see Table 4.7), includes a
most-favoured-nation provision applicable to FTAs with all major trading partners, and a provision on national
treatment.
Vanuatu’s schedule of commitments protects government revenues and the sectors whose local production
may reasonably be promoted, including via import substitution. With reference to promising sectors such
as fruits and vegetables, wooden furniture, and processed fish, Table 4.8 reveals the different strategies
adopted by Vanuatu to promote its local industry - no tariff reduction for target fruits and vegetables, and no
tariff commitments for wooden furniture and processed fish. Moreover, chapter 2 of PACER Plus includes
numerous provisions to protect local producers including in case of dumping (article 7), sudden increase of
imports threatening an existing industry (article 8), and development of an infant industry (article 9).
TABLE 4.8: PACER PLUS, POLICY SPACE FOR IMPORT SUBSTITUTION
Average Average PACER Plus Percentage

Products
Bound Rate Applied Rate Rate (2054) Unbound
Fruits & vegetables (HS Chapter 7 and 8) 51.8% 26.6% 20.0% 0%
Wood and wooden products (HS Chapter 44) 40.0% 15.1% 0.0% 20%
Wooden furniture (HS Codes 940161, 60.4% 30.0% n.a. 100%
940169, 940330, 940340, 940350, 940360)
Processed fish (HS codes 0304, 0305, 0306, 56.8% 17.2% 11.0% 77%
0307, 1604, 1605)
Source: Calculations on WTO 77 and DFAT 78
On the import side, the substantial trade that is already happening with PACER Plus signatories (35% of total)
means that progressive tariff liberalisation will result in trade creation, which should in turn increase national
welfare and competitiveness by reducing consumer prices and the cost of inputs of production.
The chapter on customs procedures (which draw from the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement) and those on
SPS and TBT are expected to reduce trade costs between the parties. The provisions of the SPS chapter
on equivalence (article 6), cooperation (article 10), and technical discussions (article 12) can help Vanuatu
improving market access for some of its agricultural products. The provisions on cooperation (article 10) and
technical discussions (article 12) included in the chapter “Technical Regulations, Standards and Conformity
Assessment Procedures” can play the same facilitative function with regard to TBT. Moreover, the provisions
on transparency (TBT chapter) and notification (SPS chapter), whose implementation is currently being
supported by the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 79 should further help
facilitating trade.
The chapters on trade in services, investment, and labour mobility present important opportunities, noting
that for Vanuatu about 50% of trade in these areas takes place with the signatories of PACER Plus. Through
PACER Plus Vanuatu can get easier access to strategic services able to improve its competitive position,
receive additional FDI inflows in areas the areas of comparative advantage, and further solidify its leadership
as provider of temporary work to the developed members of the Pacific Islands Forum.
The chapter on trade in services includes national treatment provisions (article 3) and most-favoured-nation
provisions (article 6), commitments on reasonable and impartial regulation including right to review and
remedies (article 10), transparency requirements on provisions impacting trade in services (article 17), and
disciplines which should facilitate recognition of developing countries’ qualifications (article 11). Importantly,
FICs that are Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have improved upon their commitments under
the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Vanuatu, for example, has taken commitment in all 11
sectors, and in 39 additional sub-sectors. And non-WTO Members have made legally-binding commitments
equivalent or better than their commitments under PICTA – see Table 4.9.
The investment chapter represents an important feature of the PACER Plus agreement, as it creates an
enabling environment for FDIs. It does so by protecting foreign investors against discriminatory treatment
(article 6), envisaging non-less favourable treatment vis-à-vis countries that are not parties to PACER Plus
(article 7), providing for minimum standards of treatment for foreign investors in line with customary inter-
national law (article 9), and for compensation of losses in case of expropriation (article 12). It also prohibits
imposition of nationality requirement to senior management positions, save for exceptions listed in an annex to
the chapter (article 10). The PACER Plus investment chapter adopts a positive list approach to liberalisation,
and only covers the primary, mining, and manufacturing sectors – FDIs in the services sector are already
covered by the schedule of specific service commitments. Generally speaking, the parties to PACER Plus
have undertaken commitments in most sectors and subsectors, with the exception of reserved activities and
save for additional requirements applicable to foreign investors in all sectors. liii No investor-state dispute
settlement is provided for under the investment chapter, meaning that disputes between private investors
and FIC governments are to be settled by local courts – a positive feature for small administrations lacking
adequate resources for international disputes. The PACER Plus investment chapter shares many features
with the corresponding MFTA chapter.
TABLE 4.9: PACER PLUS TRADE IN SERVICES, SECTORS WITH SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS
Country PACER Plus PICTA TIS 1 WTO

Australia 11** n.a.
Cook Islands 10 (1-9, 11) 4 (1-4) 0
Fiji n.a. 3 (1,7,9) 1 (9)
FSM 11 6 (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9) 0
Kiribati 10 (1-3, 5-11) 9 (1-3, 5, 7-11) 0
Nauru 10 (1-7, 9-11) 5 (1, 3, 7, 9, 11)** 0
New Zealand 10 (1-7, 9-11)** n.a.
Niue 11 2 (2, 5) 0
Palau 10 (1-7, 9-11) 3 (1, 9, 11) 0
PNG n.a. 8 (1-3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11) 6 (1-3, 7, 9, 11)
RMI 11 10 (1, 2, 4-11)** 0
Samoa 11** 8 (1-3, 5-7, 9, 11)** 10 (1-7, 9-11)
Solomon Islands 9 (1-7, 9, 11) 6 (1-3, 7, 9, 11) 4 (1, 3, 7, 9)
Tonga 11 11 (1-11) 11 (1-11)
Tuvalu 11 9 (1-7, 9, 11)** 0
Vanuatu 11 10 (1-9 and 11) 10 (1-9 and 11)
Notes:
1 = based on services offers submitted

at the PICTA TIS Seventh Round of
Negotiations, 08-10 February 2012, Fiji
** = ratified
Source: PIFS and MFAT
PACER Plus includes a chapter on development assistance which commits the parties to contribute to the
implementation of a work program (article 3). The specific resources and areas of assistance of the work
program are identified by a separate arrangement committing Australia to provide AUD 19 million and New
Zealand to provide NZD 7 million. These funds will be disbursed by a PACER Plus Implementation Unit
upon entry in to force of the agreement. In the meantime, a package to improve readiness of the parties
to ratify and implement PACER Plus has been established and resourced by Australia (AUD 4 million) and
New Zealand (NZD 4 million). The package provides assistance in some specific areas including legislative
liii For MSG countries which are also PACER Plus signatories, the degree of market access granted under PACER Plus is
similar to that of the MFTA despite the different approach to liberalisation - positive list approach in the former and negative list
approach in the latter
drafting; customs modernisation, harmonisation, implementation of up-to-date tariff codes and transposition
of schedules; training on notification requirements under the agreement; public outreach and stakeholder
engagement; and revenue planning and mitigation. 80
The PACER Plus arrangement on labour mobility establishes the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting
(PLMAM), a regional mechanism to expand cooperation on this subject (paragraph 4); identifies priority areas
of work for sending and receiving countries (paragraph 5); and defines options for broader support that would
usefully strengthen labour mobility (paragraphs 6 to 9). Provision also made for the possible establishment
of enquiry points (paragraph 10) and technical discussions (paragraph 11). Despite the non-binding nature
of the arrangement, its implementation has the potential to strengthen existing schemes and facilitate new
employment opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.
Vanuatu has a clear interest in ratifying PACER Plus given that about 50% of the country’s trade in goods
and services, labour and capital flows take place within the area covered by the agreement. As such, PACER
Plus has the potential to benefit consumers and producers by lowering price of merchandise imports; enhance
merchandise exports in areas facing challenging SPS and TBT; improve the quality of domestic service
providers and domestic regulation; improve market access for Vanuatu’s providers of selected services;
increase FDIs inflows; benefit Ni-Vanuatu workers via improved labour mobility arrangements; and increase
productive capacity and quality of Vanuatu’s goods, services, and laborers via targeted development assis-
tance programs.
PACER Plus is already broader, deeper and more facilitative than PICTA, and is therefore likely to supersede
the latter in all areas, with the possible exception of labour mobility – an area where FICs may be more willing
to open their market to each other than to Australia and New Zealand.
The breadth and depth of PACER Plus are similar to the MFTA. Noting that Fiji and PNG do not seem interested
in signing and ratifying PACER Plus, the entry into force of the latter is important for Vanuatu to establish a
level playing-field aimed at avoiding damaging trade diversion.
4.2.2.5 New Caledonia
The Trade Policy Framework 2012 identified New Caledonia as a potential partner for a bilateral trade
agreement. In 2013, a study was carried out which recommended a WTO-compliant FTA (New Caledonia
being a developed country) covering goods, services, and investment. Significant trade flows, bi-directional
migration, language and cultural commonalities, and the complementarities between the economic structures
of the two countries were all elements used to justify the recommendation of an FTA. In particular, the study
noted that opportunities exist to increase market access for Vanuatu’s primary and processed agricultural
products and for New Caledonia’s construction material and machineries/appliances; to promote further
tourism development in Vanuatu; to get easier access to New Caledonia service providers; and to enhance
FDI inflows in Vanuatu. 81 The study also noted that an FTA would give Vanuatu a competitive advance over
Pacific competitors, noting that New Caledonia is nor part of any regional or sub-regional FTA.
An “Agreement between the Government of New Caledonia and the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu
Regarding the Development of Trade and Economic Exchanges” has recently been signed by Vanuatu’s
Prime Minister that commit the two parties to reduce customs and other import-related duties and quotas on
a list of priority products, and to promote foreign investments in selected sectors. The average import-related
duties applied on Vanuatu’s priority products (mainly primary and processed agricultural goods) is currently
7%, whereas the average duty applied to New Caledonia’s priority products (mainly processed agricultural
goods, beverages, and construction material) is currently 15%. Whilst the agreement falls short of an FTA’s
standards, fails to cover trade in services, and may face significant implementation challenges, it nonethe-
less represents a useful first step to enhance a mutually beneficial trade and economic integration. The
agreement’s implementation should be closely monitored and progressive deepening should be sought in
the direction of a WTO-compliant FTA – barring a decision by New Caledonia to join a comprehensive FTA
that Vanuatu is part of.
4.2.2.6 Recommendations
a. Sign and ratify the Melanesian Free trade Agreement
b. Ratify the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus
c. Monitor developments of the Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU
d. Ratify the conventions so as to gain access to the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus post-LDC
Graduation
e. Monitor developments of the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (goods and services)
f. Support re-opening of negotiations to establish a Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement labour mobility
scheme
g. Deepen trade integration with New Caledonia towards a World Trade Organization compliant Free Trade
Agreement – unless New Caledonia joins Free Trade Agreements that Vanuatu is party to
4.2.3 Free and Preferential Trade Agreements under consideration

Taken together, trade agreements entered into force and under negotiation cover a very significant share of
Vanuatu’s trade (see Table 4.3). However, these agreements are missing out on markets which have emerged
as prominent during the 30-40 years. These partners are mostly located in developing Asia.
4.2.3.1 China
China is today the biggest merchandise exporter, it has the second-biggest Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
and the second-highest value of FDI outflows in the world. And it is closer to Vanuatu than some of its tradi-
tional partners. Given these figures, it is not surprising that China is today satisfying about 10% of Vanuatu’s
import needs, it has become the second biggest source of FDIs, and that many Chinese citizens are now
residing in Vanuatu as investors, service providers and workers. Vanuatu already is exporting a significant
share of its merchandise to China, as well as increased tourism services.
The substantial and growing trade relations between China and Vanuatu could justify the establishment of
a free trade agreement furthering trade integration, and complementing the agreements and memoranda
signed by the government as part of its accession to the Belt and Road Initiative 82 – including the Trade and
Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). liv To be of interest to China, a free trade agreement should probably
be regional in scope. Negotiations on a regional agreement would benefit from support by a dedicated team
of professionals, which would supplement national capacity to negotiate with such an important partner. The
additional capacity made available in the context of regional negotiations would be important to ensure that
key contentious issues are effectively addressed. Despite the many positive features, issues are routinely
raised about sustainability aspects of the Sino-Vanuatu trade relationship, including negative environmental
impact of Chinese projects – depletion of natural resources sectors and environmental degradation; limited
benefits (job creation, skill development) accruing to Ni-Vanuatu from Chinese projects; ineffective controls
on migration from China; lack of quality and safety of Chinese merchandise. Provisions exist in FTAs to
effectively address many of these challenges.
4.2.3.2 Association of Southeast Asian Nations
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has emerged and as global economic, trade and
investment powerhouse. Its market counts 634 million people (third largest of the world), it is the sixth richest
economy of the word by GDP, holds a share of 11% of global merchandise trade, and is the fifth biggest
recipient of FDI with a world share of 5.6%. 83 Like China, ASEAN members are closer to Vanuatu than some
of its traditional commercial partners, and this has prompted very significant trade flows, particularly during
the past decade – see Chapter 3. Given the economic structure of the partners, trade flows are mainly
concentrated in merchandise, with ASEAN members absorbing 36% of Vanuatu exports (mainly coconut oil,
copra and cocoa beans), and with Vanuatu importing 26% of its merchandise from ASEAN members – mostly
liv Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs) provide strategic frameworks and principles for dialogue on trade and
investment issues between two parties. TIFAs serve as a forum for the parties to meet and discuss issues of mutual interest
with the objective of improving cooperation and enhancing opportunities for trade and investment. The Memorandum of Under-
standing signed between Vanuatu and China in 2018 on establishing a Joint Economic and Trade Commission is an example of
TIFA
transhipment of fuel and vehicles through Singapore and Malaysian ports, but also iron and steel articles,
meat/fish preparations, cereals (rice), electrical machineries and mechanical appliances.
Institutional relationships between Vanuatu and ASEAN countries are weak, and this may limit the ability of
Vanuatu’s exporters to make the most of opportunities offered by the ASEAN market and to address conten-
tious issues that may emerge from time to time. A free trade agreement can help structuring trade dialogue,
ensuring a stable access to the ASEAN market, and a reduction or elimination of customs duties on commod-
ities – 10% on copra from Philippines and 5% duty on coconut oil form Malaysia. South-South cooperation
could also be envisaged within the framework on an FTA, including on agriculture and value addition. Like
China, ASEAN’s interest in a free trade agreement with Vanuatu may be limited unless this option is pursued
at regional level. Opportunities for trade in services and investment may be more limited at this stage, but
chapters on these issues could nonetheless be included as they may become relevant in the years to come.
4.2.3.3 United Kingdom (post-BREXIT)
The UK is keen to ‘transition’ EPA preferences and provisions so that, post-Brexit, trade with ACP countries is
not disrupted. In this context, the UK is assisting countries that have ratified the EPA to frame a ‘transitioned’
agreement. Trade flows with the UK are negligible and do not justify to prioritise this option – which would
first require to join the EPA. Should trade relations with the UK become more important in future years this
position could be reassessed.
4.2.3.4 Japan and the United States
Trade flows between Vanuatu and Japan and between Vanuatu and the United States are of a similar magni-
tude as those with the EU – small but not insignificant.
Vanuatu’s merchandise exports to the two countries is highly concentrated – mostly beef to Japan and kava
to the US. Beef enters Japan duty free by virtue of trade preferences granted to LDCs. The applied most-fa-
voured-nation rate for kava in the US is 0%. 84 Vanuatu exports some tourism services to Japan.
For Japan and the US Vanuatu is a very marginal export market, which is unlikely to warrant the establishment
of complex trade agreements. More than half of Japanese exports to Vanuatu are vehicles, whereas about half
of US exports is jointly made of machineries/appliances (mechanical and electrical) and optical instruments.
The small but non-insignificant trade flows between Vanuatu and the two countries may benefit from the
establishment of simple trade arrangements aimed at providing a formal but flexible forum for the discussion
of important trade issues – for example the end of duty-free-entry for Vanuatu beef following its LDC grad-
uation. TIFAs provide this option, and this is something that Vanuatu may consider, either individually or as
part of a regional endeavour.
a. Secure regional consensus on the option to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement between China and Forum
Islands Countries
b. Secure regional consensus on the option to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement between members of the
Association of South East Asian Nations and Forum Islands Countries
c. Monitor developments on Brexit
d. Secure a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Japan (bilaterally or regionally)
e. Secure a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with the United States (bilaterally or regionally)
4.3 LDC Graduation – Implications on Free Trade Agreements that Vanuatu is Party to
With regard to FTAs that Vanuatu is party to, implications from LDC graduation are minimal. Both the MSGFTA
and the PICTA contain provisions on Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) for LDCs.
The MSGFTA has explicit SDT provisions benefitting LDCs in relation to the protection of an infant industry -
one extra year to start duty reductions. The PICTA specifically notes the special circumstances of the LDCs
and Small Island States (SIS), and this is captured in several provisions. LDCs and SIS have two extra years
(already elapsed) for liberalisation of non-excepted products and one extra year for excepted products (2021
instead of 2020). They also have longer periods of protection under the developing industry provisions, and
the emergency action provisions. Specific provisions are also made to ensure participation of LDCs and SIS
in the Rules of Origin Committee, established under the agreement.
CHAPTER 5: BACKBONE SERVICES AND RELATED
INFRASTRUCTURE
5.1 Energy
5.1.1 Overarching framework
5.1.1.1 Energy demand and supply
As with many Pacific countries, Vanuatu does not produce fossil fuels and has not yet developed a sizeable
renewable energy supply. As a result, Vanuatu’s energy sector relies heavily on imported fossil fuels and
traditional biomass for primary energy supply. Recently, renewable energy sources, in the form of hydro,
wind, and solar energy, have also been developed.
Between 2012 and 2017, total energy consumption in the on-grid areas increased by roughly 12%. 85 Energy
demand is likely to increase further due to the growth in the economy. According to International Monetary
Fund (IMF) estimates, Vanuatu’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow at around 3% annually for the
next 10 years. 86 If the economy grows at this pace, Vanuatu’s Department of Energy estimates that domestic
demand for energy will also grow at around 3% annually under the Business As Usual (BAU) scenario.
5.1.1.2 Institutional, policy, and regulatory framework for energy sector development
Currently, the main stakeholders involved in the development and operation of Vanuatu’s energy sector are:
• Department of Energy (DoE). The DoE is responsible for energy sector policy making and coordinating
the energy sector development in Vanuatu;
• The Utility Regulatory Authority (URA), an independent regulatory body, is responsible for the regulation
of the electricity and water utilities operating within the current concession areas, as well as regulatory
issues outside concession areas;
• Private companies – in particular the Union Electrique du Vanuatu Limited (UNELCO) and Vanuatu
Utilities and Infrastructure (VUI);
• Mini-grids: which are constructed by the government with donor support; and
• Development partners and NGOs, which are active in providing assistance to those who have no or
limited access to electricity, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
5.1.1.3 Policy framework
The National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) has the following energy related development goals:
• ENV 2.3: “Promote renewable sources of energy and promote efficient energy use”, under the environ-
ment pillar
• ECO 2.1: “Increase access to safe, reliable and affordable modern energy services for all that are
increasingly generated from renewable sources and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels”, under the
economy pillar
To facilitate achieving these development goals, Vanuatu has updated the Vanuatu National Energy Roadmap
2013-2020 and developed the Vanuatu National Energy Roadmap 2016-2030, which has identified five priority
54 Ch. 5: Backbone Servides And Related Infrastructure
areas and set up energy sector development targets for the period between 2016 and 2030, including:
• By 2020: 75% electricity access in and near concession areas, 65% for off-grid areas, and 80% for
public institutions;
• By 2030: 100% electricity access in and near concession areas, 100% for off-grid areas, and 100%
for public institutions;
• 65% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2020, and 100% by 2030.
In addition, the Department of Energy (DoE) is currently implementing the Barrier Removal for Achieving the
National Energy Road Map Targets of Vanuatu (BRANTV). 87 The project commenced in 2018 and is expected
to complete in 2022. The project’s objective is to enable the achievement of the energy access, energy
sustainability, and green growth targets of Vanuatu, and there are five project components:
• Capacity and Awareness Enhancement on Sustainable Energy, and Low Carbon Development
• Improvement of Energy Policy and Planning, Formulation, and Implementation
• Institutional Framework Enhancement for Sustainable Energy and Low Carbon Development
• Sustainable Energy and Low Carbon Initiatives Financing
• Sustainable Energy and Low Carbon (Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE)), Technology
Applications
5.1.1.4 Laws and regulations
The legal framework for the energy industry in Vanuatu is primarily based on the following legislation and
contracts:
• The Electricity Supply Act (2000) defines the regulatory framework, both for the concessionaires in
the electricity sector and for electricity providers outside the current concessions;
• The Utilities Regulatory Authority Act (URA Act) was developed in 2007 and amended in 2011. It defines
the role and responsibilities of the URA. The two purposes of the act are to (a) ensure the provision
of safe, reliable and affordable regulated services; and (b) maximise access to regulated services
throughout Vanuatu.
• The Energy Efficiency of Electrical Appliances, Equipment and Lighting Products Act (2016). This aims
to minimise the use of fossil fuel through promoting energy efficiency, while improving demand side
(energy) efficiency for Vanuatu.
• The Geothermal Energy Act (1987). This act regulates the rights and responsibilities for holders of a
license for geothermal energy utilisation.
• The Environmental Management and Conservation Act (2002). This act regulates the requirements
to carry out Environmental Impact Assessments for projects and development activities, which have
a negative impact on certain parts of the environment – see Chapter 9
TABLE 5.1: CONCESSION AGREEMENTS FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND SUPPLY
Area covered Concessioner Expiration Date

Efate UNELCO 2031
Luganville VUI 2039
Tanna UNELCO 2030
Malekula UNELCO 2030
Source: URA
5.1.2 Petroleum products and LPG markets

The imported primary energy supply includes diesel, petrol, kerosene, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
The consumption of imported energy is presented in Figure 5.1.
FIGURE 5.1: CONSUMPTION OF PETROLEUM FUEL, 2014
Other
Cooking
4%
5%
Electricity
24%
Land Transport
56%
Air Transport
7%
Sea Transport
3%
`
Source: Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
In 2014, land transport accounted for 56% of the total petroleum fuel consumption, while air and sea transport
accounted for 10%. Electricity generation was the second largest user of imported petroleum fuel.
The cost of imported fossil fuels amounted to nearly 6% of GDP in 2017 (VUV 5.2 bn), only slightly lower than
the value of Vanuatu’s merchandise exports. However, this is down from VUV 7.9bn in 2008 – see Chapter 3.
Heavy reliance on imported fuel puts strain on the economy and is an energy security concern, in particular
because there is a sole large-scale importer for petroleum products.
5.1.2.1 Market structure
For the petroleum fuel market Pacific Energy is currently the sole importer of bulk petroleum products for
public supply. It mainly imports directly from Singapore, with some imports from Fiji. It has fuel depots in
Espiritu Santo and Port Vila and is installing further depots in Malekula and Tanna. There are also a limited
number of importers who import a small volume of petroleum fuels for self-supply.
At the retail level, Pacific Energy has its own petrol sales network; the second largest retailer is the Au Bon
Marche (ABM) supermarket chain, which has four service stations, accounting for nearly 15% of the market.
ABM sources its petrol from Pacific Energy. The latter also supplies diesel to both UNELCO and VUI for
electricity generation. Petroleum fuel sold to ABM, UNELCO, and VUI accounts for nearly 40% of Pacific
Energy’s imported petroleum fuel. Pacific Energy uses a voluntary formula for calculating the cost of fuel,
using the base purchase price in Singapore, and then adds the known costs of shopping, storage, sales, taxes,
and tariffs, and then adds a set profit margin. At the request of the Government, Pacific Energy calculates
a national price. This lowers the price on the islands, but means that customers in Port Vila fund some of
the transportation costs of fuel to the outer islands. Its market power is constrained to some extent by ABM,
UNELCO, and VUI’s countervailing power through their ability to bring in or establish an alternative potential
petroleum fuel wholesaler.
According to the Price Control Act 1974, the Government has the legal right to control fuel prices but this
power has not been used since 1989. The government is developing regulations for URA to impose ‘light-
handed’ regulation on the petrol market, and is examining options for price monitoring of Liquefied Petroleum
Gas (LPG).
For LPG, currently Origin is the sole major wholesaler. Origin imports from Australia and distributes through
its own retail shops and other domestic retailers. In addition to Origin, there are a few small LPG importers.
However, use of LPG is still very low, with modern cooking fuels being used by less than 20% of the popu-
lation, with about 95% of the rural population still cooking with biomass. 88 The Government should seek to
increase the usage of LPG throughout the country.
Competitive pressure and the threat of regulation tend to constrain both Pacific Energy and Origin Energy’s
ability to abuse their market power.
5.1.2.2 Market Performance
Vanuatu’s average retail price for diesel and petrol is slightly higher than the average for Pacific Small Island
Countries. lv However, this is largely driven the country’s tax structure. Vanuatu’s pre-tax prices of diesel and
petrol are 15-20% lower than the Pacific average – see Table 5.2. Taxes from diesel and petrol (duties and
VAT) are roughly seven percent of total Government revenues, lvi and so there would be a clear impact on
the Government’s ability to deliver services if these taxes were reduced. 89 Prices for LPG are roughly the
same as the Pacific average, but significantly higher than in Fiji. Given the concentration of the LPG market
in Vanuatu – i.e. it is very focused in the urban areas, and the proximity of Vanuatu to Australia, there may
be scope for these prices to reduce further. The newly re-established office of the Price Controller should look
further into the LPG market, to see whether there is any scope for price regulation of this market.
There may be the potential to reduce prices by increasing competition in the market. In Fiji, where pre-tax
prices are substantially lower, there are three international companies importing petroleum products, whilst
Tonga, which also has lower prices, has two international companies.
TABLE 5.2: UNLEADED PETROL PRICES IN VANUATU, PACIFIC, AND FIJI, 2017
Retail Price (Pre-Tax) Tax and Duty Retail prices (After-Tax)

US Cent per Litre US Cent per Litre US Cent per Litre
Vanuatu Pacific Fiji Vanuatu Pacific Fiji Vanuatu Pacific Fiji
Retail 82.9 97.6 56.4 49.6 20.4 30.9 132.5 118.0 87.2
Wholesale 73.0 89.8 60.4 48.2 26.5 18.1 121.2 116.3 78.4
Source: Pacific Community
5.1.3 Electricity
5.1.3.1 Supply and consumption
In Vanuatu, electricity is mainly generated through diesel fuel powered generators, which is complemented
by electricity generated from wind, hydro, copra, and solar sources. Vanuatu has a generation capacity of
31.7MW (Megawatt). In 2017, more than 77 GWh (Gigawatt hours) of electricity were generated within the
four concession areas, excluding electricity generated off-grid. 82% of the electricity was generated, with
the remainder generated from renewable energy sourcesCopra oil has also been used to generate electricity
in the past - for example in 2013, copra oil accounted for 15% of the total electricity generated. However, a
rise in the international price of copra oil since then made this uneconomical, with no copra oil being used
in 2017. 90 Since then, the copra price has collapsed, and the diesel price has risen, therefore potentially
making it economical to use coconut oil once more. This has indeed been seen in early 2019, but to a very
minor degree – see Figure 5.2.
lv Pacific Island Small Economies, here, include American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Palau, PNG, Samoa, Solo-
mon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna
lvi This is based off the projections for 2018. Passport sales were in fact far higher, but these are not included in the calculation
FIGURE 5.2: ENERGY MIX FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION, FEBRUARY 2019
Hydro, 9%
Solar, 4%
Wind, 4%
Copra oil, 1%
Diesel, 82%
Source: URA
Between 2012 and 2017, electricity consumption increased by 2.2% annually, driven mainly by the relatively
rapid growth in residential consumption. It is estimated that electricity consumption will increase by 4.2%
annually between 2015 and 2020, and increase by 6.4% annually between 2020 and 2030. 91 This will be
mainly driven by the growth in residential electricity consumption. The country must rapidly increase the
availability of renewable energy if it is to meet this demand without significantly increasing imports of fossil
fuels and emissions.
5.1.3.2 Market Structure
In Vanuatu, utility companies manage and operate assets that belong to the Government under long term
concession agreements. Under these agreements, they have the exclusive rights to produce, distribute, and
sell electricity within their assigned concession areas. They also have the exclusive rights to construct and
maintain any lines, constructions, and facilities for public supply of electricity.
Access to electricity supply outside the concession area can be made available through off-grid electricity
generation, including community based mini-grids, solar home systems, etc.
There are currently two companies operating in four concession areas: Union Electrique du Vanuatu Limited
(UNELCO) in Efate and parts of Malekula and Tanna, and Vanuatu Utilities and Infrastructure Limited (VUI) in
Luganville. Both are vertically integrated - they are engaged in electricity generation, distribution, and supply.
The Efate concession areas currently subsidise the concession areas on Malekula and Tanna; the agreements
for these two areas were recently extended until 2030 to allow alignment with the Efate contract. There is
therefore very limited scope over the course of the TPFU to improve the concession areas.
The concession agreements effectively exclude any potential entrants from entering into the concession
areas. In 2010, the Electricity Supply Act was amended to explicitly enable any person to generate electricity
and sell wholesale electricity to the concessionaire. In 2014, the URA issued their decision on implementing
feed-in tariffs and net-metering program for renewable energy in Port Vila for UNELCO’s customers. 92 In
2015, the URA also issued regulatory guidelines applicable to Independent Power Producers (IPP) entering
into Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for the generation and supply of electricity. However, this decision
was challenged by UNELCO in court and was over-turned by the Court of Appeal in 2016.
Consequently, the only sizeable IPP that has emerged is the government solar project at the parliament
through an agreement between the government and UNELCO. This project has a generation capacity of
767kW and generated 1,055 MWh of electricity in 2017, accounting for 1.6% of electricity generated in Port
Vila 93 and 1.4% of electricity generated in Vanuatu.
For UNELCO, the concession agreements also define the pricing formula for determining the retail electricity
tariff. This is based on a reference price defined in the agreements, which is then adjusted according to fuel
price, general inflation, and an equipment price index to generate a base tariff. Currently, the base electricity
price charged by UNELCO is adjusted monthly. This provides weak incentives for utility companies to improve
efficiency and reduce costs. As of February 2019, the base tariff for UNELCO was 48.99 VUV per kWh, with
the actual tariffs varying with different category of customers. For VUI the base tariff was 38.52 Vatu per kWh,
with the hydro facilities being the main driver behind the differences. 94
According to the Utility Regulatory Act, the URA has the mandate to determine the maximum price that may
be charged in relation to any aspect of a regulated service and to conduct regular price reviews. In 2018, the
URA reduced UNELCO’s base tariff to 38.69 Vatu/kWh, although UNLECO have challenged this and the two
organisations are currently in arbitration.
Within the concession areas, households or businesses which are currently not connected to the grid may
choose to pay the majority of the connection cost and connect to the grid. Outside the concession areas,
communities, public institutions, businesses, and private households may choose to access electricity through
mini-grids if available or through small or medium size diesel or biomass generators, Pico or commercial solar
home systems, solar or battery lamps, etc. A few mini-grids have been established by either government or
local communities to supply electricity to a limited number of customers.
A number of players, including Vanuatu government, development partners, NGOs, and private companies,
are active in making electricity accessible and affordable for those currently unserved or underserved. They
provide either financial support, technical or technology support in helping communities and households to
access electricity through mini-grid, small solar home systems, solar lantern, etc.
5.1.3.3 Market performance
5.1.3.3.1 Electricity access
Electricity access is low in Vanuatu. Only about 60% of the Vanuatu’s population had access to electricity in
2016. 95 This is also lower than the level of electricity access it should have achieved, considering its level
of economic development – see Figure 5.3. In the Pacific, the percentage of population having access to
electricity was only lower in Papua New Guinea. In Vanuatu, 46% of public institutions, such as rural primary
schools, had no access to electricity in 2016. 96
FIGURE 5.3: GDP PER CAPITA AND ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY (% POPULATION), PACIFIC SMALL
ISLANDS DEVELOPING STATES, 2016
120
TUV WSM NRU
100 FJI PLW
KIR TON
MHL
80
Electricity Access %
TLS FSM
SLB
60 VUT
PNG
40
20
0
- 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000
GDP per capita 2016
Source: World Bank Group (WBG)
There are also significant gaps in electricity access between urban and rural areas, and between off-grid
and concession areas. In 2016, 20% of the urban population lacked access to electricity, compared to 83%
of rural households; and whilst 62% of the population living within or near concession areas had access to
electricity, the corresponding figure for those living in off-grid areas was only 9%. 97
For new businesses, connecting to the grid is not easy and the connection cost is high. According to the Getting
Electricity indicators in the World Bank’s Doing Business Report, which covers electricity access in Port Vila
only, it takes an in-concession-area business 120 days to connect to the network, and costs roughly 10 times
of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. 98 For businesses outside concession areas, access to electricity
is even more difficult.
Development assistance can play an important role in improving electricity access. Between 2002 and 2016,
development partners provided a total of USD 20 million development assistance to Vanuatu on energy
generation, distribution, and renewable energy sources. These projects have had varying success. Recently,
the Vanuatu Government has launched the Vanuatu Rural Electrification Programme, in partnership with the
New Zealand Government, which subsidies the purchase of solar equipment. The programme is now in Phase
2, which aims to support approximately 45,000 people in rural areas.
5.1.3.3.2 Electricity quality
UNELCO, which is providing electricity in three of the concession areas, had forced outages of 1.55%, and
planned outages of 0% in 2017. The figure for forced outages was the fourth highest of the 22 utility companies
in the Pacific surveyed by the Pacific Power Association (PPA). 99 There was a marked improvement compared
to the previous year, when UNELCO had the highest planned outage rate among comparable Pacific utility
companies (11.3%), and had the third highest forced outage rate. 100 There is no data for VUI.
In rural areas, in particular off-grid areas, the majority of the electricity access is solar lamp only (60.4%),
which are weather dependent, and which offers limited opportunities for development to rural businesses –
see Figure 5.4. This trend to solar systems is likely to continue and accelerate over the coming years.
FIGURE 5.4: RURAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS, PERCENTAGE

1.4% 2.0%
Other Battery Lamp
14.4%
Grid Connected
0.6%
Small Size Generator
1.0%
Medium Size
Generator
13.2%
Pico Solar Home
System 60.5%
Solar Lamp
6.9%
Commercial Solar
Home System
Source: Department of Energy
5.1.3.3.3 Electricity prices

Electricity retail prices in Vanuatu are generally higher than the pacific average, except for smaller domestic
consumer consuming less than 60kWh monthly. 101 For these small consumers, only Fiji had cheaper elec-
tricity. The customers in this category are cross-subsidised by other customer groups to encourage electricity
access and consumption for low income households. For larger domestic consumers Vanuatu was much more
expensive, with UNELCO being the third most expensive out of the 25 companies, and VUI being seventh.
There was a similar story for businesses, albeit not as stark, with all options – with the exception of high
voltage customers from VUI – being above the pacific average, with UNELCO and VUI low voltages being
the fifth and sixth most expensive tariff options.
TABLE 5.3: ELECTRICITY PRICES FOR DIFFERENT CONSUMER GROUPS
Group UNELCO Price (VUV) VUI Price (VUV) Pacific Average (VUV)
Small Domestic Consumer consuming 1,180 1,108 2,401
60kWh per month at 1.1kVA
Domestic Consumer consuming 21,948 14,689 13,066
300kWh per month at 3.3kVA
Business Consumer consuming 549,403 451,895 500,044
10,000kWh/mth at 100kVA connection
(High voltage)
Business Consumer consuming 618,766 609,830 500,044
10,000kWh/mth at 100kVA connection
(Low voltage)
Source: URA
5.1.3.3.4 Electricity generation efficiency

One indicator measuring fuel efficiency is electricity generated per litre of diesel. UNELCO’s fuel efficiency (3.83
kWh/litre) is lower than the Pacific average. Consultations indicated that the fuel efficiency of the power stations
in Tanna and Malekula is particularly low, and so there may be an opportunity to improve the technology
being used here. UNELCO’s distribution loss of 5.4% is lower than the Pacific average of 22.6%, albeit with
a more concentrated customer base than many of the other utility companies. 102
5.1.3.4 Impacts on businesses
The lack of access to electricity produces adverse economic and social impacts. It may constrain the length
of working hours, limit the use of modern technology, hinder access to financial services and information, and
limit the choices of economic activities, all of which would suppress trade and investment – both domestic
and foreign.
High electricity prices push up business costs and frequent outages reduce business productivity, and weaken
businesses’ competitiveness. The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) survey conducted by
Reserve Bank Vanuatu in 2016 found that access to electricity and high electricity costs is one of the main
impediments for MSMEs, with 64% of formal MSMEs and 72% of informal MSMEs considering electricity
costs as the main problem, with regards to utilities and infrastructure. 103
a. Develop electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel resources
b. Increase access to electricity, especially for those in rural areas
c. Undertake a study looking at the prices in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas
d. Improve the institutional setting for electricity sector development, including:
i. Develop a handbook on concession contracts to outline the procedure for awarding such contracts, and
define clearly the roles and rights of the government and the concessioners;
ii. Involve both URA and the agency responsible for competition in designing concession contracts to
ensure regulation and competition policies or principles are integrated into the contracts
e. Improve the policy and regulatory framework for electricity sector development, including:
i. Formulate and implement competition and consumer protection legislation
ii. Ensure the enforcement of existing energy policies and strategies, inclusive of the supporting rules/
guidance and legislations/regulations
iii. Ensure that future contracts facilitate Independent Power Producers and Power Purchase Agreements
f. Support the use of coconut oil as an alternative to diesel, including through the 11th European Development
Fund (EDF) funding
g. Develop an electrification plan for renewable energy in remote islands
5.2 Telecommunications and Information and Communications Technology Sector

5.2.1 Introduction
In recent decades, telecommunication services have become an essential input for many economic activities.
They contribute to economic growth and the overall productivity growth through enhancing the productivity
of capital and labour, including through facilitating the exchange of knowledge and information. Telecom-
munications also offer immediate linkages between other parts of the world, and therefore offer substantial
opportunities to reduce the geographical disadvantage that the country faces. At the same time, the global
economy is becoming ever more technology-driven, and there is a substantial risk that any country which
is not able to link into the technological trend will be severely disadvantaged. Reliable telecommunications
access and services are also critical for many other parts of development, including financial inclusion,
disaster preparedness and response, and bridging the gender gap.
Telecommunication services in Vanuatu are delivered through a combination of mobile and fixed line network,
satellite, and undersea cables. Since the beginning of the century, Vanuatu has witnessed significant progress
in the spread of telecommunication technology. The opening of the telecommunications market to competition
in 2008 and the construction of the undersea cable (Interchange Cable Network 1, ICN1) in 2014 were the
two main domestic factors driving this trend. As an illustration, between 2000 and 2016, mobile subscriptions
per 100 population have increased from 2.1 to 80.8, and the percentage of population using the internet has
increased from close to null in 2000 to 24% in 2016 – see Figure 5.5. Between 2014 and 2017 the amount
of data downloaded increased from 15.5TB to 632.4TB. This has been accompanied by a fall in the number
of SMSs being sent, and also in revenue from phone calls – these are all global trends which are only likely
to increase. 104
FIGURE 5.5: PENETRATION OF TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN VANUATU, 2000-2016

90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Percentage of population using the internet Mobile subscribers per 100 population
Source: WBG and TRR
5.2.2 Existing telecommunications and ICT-related policies

5.2.2.1 Vanuatu National ICT Policy
The Vanuatu National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy was launched in 2013, and
promotes a vision of “ICT for all”. The Policy expressed a commitment of the Government to maximise the
contribution, efficiency and effectiveness of ICT. It has clearly identified priority areas, implementation strategies
and identified responsible entities for implementation. The priority areas are:
• Access to ICTs in Education: Providing educational institutions with access to ICT infrastructure,
related services, and equipment adequate to support the educational process, as well as providing
appropriate ICT-based educational content
• Access to ICT Infrastructure and Devices: Enhancing general access to as well as availability and
affordability of the reliable ICT infrastructure
• E-Government: Enhancing effective and cost-efficient use of ICTs (including wireless communications)
in Government operations
• Integration of ICTs into Sectoral Policies

• Building Trust: Mitigating risks and threats related to the ICT development, and recognising that
alongside numerous benefits, ICTs also bring various dangers
• Locally Relevant Content: Increasing availability of locally relevant sustainably supported content,
especially by making global content accessible in local languages
• Capacity Building: Enhancing skills necessary to utilise and develop ICTs, especially in the public
service
• Platform for Multi-Stakeholder and Multi-Sector Coordination and Collaboration
Progress with Telecommunications and ICT services development and roll out in the Government offices and
across Vanuatu has been mixed. Email services can now be accessed in the Government’s provincial headquar-
ters and in the main villages of Vanuatu’s islands, along with other services in selected locations such as video
conferencing, or Over The Top (OTT) services. lvii There is also an increased number of government websites
and improved communications. However, the majority of the Government offices do not have a digital strategic
plan as required by the 2013 National ICT policy. Additionally, many Government workers need to be re-skilled
and upskilled, and also to learn how to integrate telecommunications further into their work in order to fully
capture the benefits technology can offer – for example through Business to Government (B2G) e-banking, or
through innovative service delivery.
The is a clear need to update the ICT Policy which is now 6-year old, particularly given the pace of change
in the telecommunications market. Importantly, the updated policy should also examine how to cope with
new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, blockchain and
5G. In the long-term some of these technologies have the potential to transform delivery of certain services,
with the use of AI in health being a clear example. The Government must however be realistic in what it is
trying to achieve in the short- and medium-term, as most of these technologies are at a nascent stage in the
developed world, and therefore their impact on Vanuatu may still be limited for a number of years. This for
example applies to blockchain, a technology which has already been subject of many discussions, 105 and for
which a feasibility study may be required to identify costs, benefits, and the necessary regulatory framework.
5.2.2.2 Universal Access Policy
The Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) is responsible for
implementing the Universal Access Policy (UAP), which was launched in 2013. The UAP’s objectives can be
summarised as follows:
• By 1 January 2018, 98% of the population shall have access to voice, narrowband data (including
text), and broadband internet services. This should include all education centres, health facilities, and
public offices. The quality of the services must meet a minimum standard as defined by the regulator
• The prices provided shall be geographically uniform, and at the level that would be available in a
competitive market
• The regulator shall be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the policy
By January 2018, mobile broadband coverage had increased to over 98% of Vanuatu’s total population.
In addition, 97% of sites were upgraded from 2G to 3G. 106 This is a very positive success story for the
regulator and the largest operators within the industry. The lessons learnt from this success story should be
clearly identified and communicated. Given the main policy objectives have been achieved, the UAP needs
now to be updated. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) has begun the update
process, through a new Digital Universal Service Policy.
5.2.2.3 Cybersecurity Policy
The national cybersecurity policy was also launched in 2013, and promotes a vision for “citizens of Vanuatu,
tourists, business and government to enjoy the full benefits of a safe, secured and resilient cyberspace
enabling them to get access to knowledge and share information while understanding and addressing risks
lvii Over the top (OTT) media service is a streaming media service offered directly to viewers over the Internet
to reduce the benefits to criminals”.

As an outcome of the cybersecurity policy, a draft cybercrime legislation is currently in the drafting stage and
is anticipated to be approved by the Parliament in 2019. There is a need for the cybercrime bill to be widely
consulted, but also to be prioritised given that access to internet is now near universal in Vanuatu.
Recently, with the support of the Australian Government, Vanuatu has established its Computer Emergency
Response Team (CERT VU). The CERT VU is established under the OGCIO with the purpose of “support[ing]
businesses, organisations and individuals affected by cyber security incidents, and provide[ing] trusted and
authoritative information and advice”. 107
5.2.3 Legal and Regulatory Framework

The Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator was established in 2008 and mandated to
operate under the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Act, No. 30, 2009. In accordance with
section 7 (12) of the Act, “The Regulator must act independently and impartially in performing the responsi-
bilities, functions, duties and powers set out in this Act and other laws”. Vanuatu’s regulatory regime is listed
by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 2018 ICT Regulatory Tracker as the 11 th best regulatory
regime in the Asia Pacific Region – out of 29 regimes considered – and first among Pacific Island Counties. 108.
It is critical that the Government recognises this success and continues to protect the independence of the
regulator.
In June 2018, through an amendment of the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulations Act,
the Government approved for the Broadcasting regulatory functions to be transferred to the TRR, thereafter
renamed as the Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR). This means
that TRBR is now a ‘convergence regulator’ – i.e. a regulator of an industry whose sub-sectors are converging
by virtue of technological trends. However, the existing regulatory regimes and mechanisms have not been
updated to address convergence.
Furthermore, the TRBR is currently still focused on the more traditional telecommunication methods, such
as voice calls and SMS, as well as access to services. It is anticipated that the challenges faced by the
regulator will change in the next few years, particularly driven by increased usage of data and corresponding
applications – for example OTT services. Some providers have recently begun to restrict access to OTT
services – such as messenger calls. This will limit the transformational impact which these technologies can
have, and is something which the regulator should monitor closely.
The TRBR will face both internal and external pressures to modernise, and it must be proactive in ensuring it
can suitably regulate the emerging challenges. Besides convergence issues and OTT services, these include
issues related to the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybercrime, data exploitation, digital
financial inclusion, and multi-media activities.
The Government should consider which generation of ICT/Telecommunications regulatory framework 109 is most
practical in this new setting. This framework should promote cooperation across existing sectors in Vanuatu,
and provide avenues to support the growth of e-services.
5.2.4 Market structure and the impact on consumer price and reliability
The telecommunications market was liberalised in 2008. This reform brought in Digicel, an Irish company, to
the market to compete with Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL), the incumbent. It is deemed to have significantly
benefitted Vanuatu. The clearest metric for this is the number of mobile subscriptions per 100 people, which
increased substantially soon after the reform, but this is also reflected in the fall in prices since 2008. Simi-
larly, the proportion of people using the internet dramatically increased since the opening of the submarine
cable. Whilst these are trends that have been observed on the global scale, the stark nature of the changes
and the timing indicate that it was these reforms which have driven these improvements.
There continues to be a duopoly for mobile voice and mobile broadband data services. The limited market size
and Vanuatu’s topography have contributed to the duopoly and it is unlikely that a third competitor will enter
this this market. There are other small-scale internet service providers targeting citizens within Luganville
and Port Vila, where there is a larger market.
TABLE 5.4: MAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAIN PLAYERS

Service Provider Activities
Interchange Ltd Interchange Ltd (ICL) constructed the first and only international submarine cable between Port
Vila to Suva (Fiji). This linked Vanuatu directly into the high capacity Southern Cross cable between
Sydney and USA. It sells its international bandwidth to both wholesalers and retail service providers
Kacific Broadband Satellite company Kacific Broadband provides broadband wholesale internet across the archipelago and plans to
launch a Vanuatu only satellite in 2019
Fidelity Communication Corporation FCC is the wholesaler of ICL’s international bandwidth capacity to retail service providers in the
(FCC) form of Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRU)
Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL) Telecom Vanuatu Limited was created in 1978 and provides fixed line (phone and internet) as well
mobile (telephone and internet) services. In the past few years, it has built its own fibre network for
its fixed line services and has set up 4G+ network for its mobile service
Digicel Vanuatu Limited Digicel entered into the Vanuatu market since 2008 after the market was liberalised. It focuses on
providing mobile services (telephone, internet). Recently, it has set its own fibre network and has
entered into the fixed line service
Telsat Broadband Limited Vanuatu Telsat provides Carrier-Grade wireless coverage to Port Vila and surrounds via their own indepen-
(via leased capacity from Speedcast, dent network. Telsat also supplies and maintains Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems for
a telecom licensee) the other remote parts of Vanuatu
Wantok Network Limited Wantok launched the first LTE network in Vanuatu in 2014. It provides wireless 4G Internet in Port
Vila and surrounding areas, as well as satellite internet service in rural areas
Pacific Group Pacific Group is a newly developed satellite internet service provider, focusing on rural areas
SPIM Providing consulting and supporting services on IT and communication issues, as well as Wi-Fi
internet to businesses in Port Vila
Incite Providing consulting and supporting services on IT and communication issues
Source: Author’s consultations
As of 2018, there were ten service providers in Vanuatu, including three Exception License Holders (wholesale
operators), two main mobile and internet service providers, and four small scale internet service providers
– see Table 5.4.
5.2.5 Quality of service

Although citizens are enjoying the benefit of telecommunications services across Vanuatu, in many instances
the quality of service is still lacking. This is one of the key issues which the TRBR and other stakeholders
are currently addressing. Although there is no good data about the quality of services throughout Vanuatu,
there is a clear disparity between the different parts of the country, with the quality in Port Vila and Luganville
definitively better than in more remote areas. Fourth Generation Plus (4G+) mobile network technology is
available in both cities as well as in parts of Tanna, Malekula, and Pentecost. The speed of the 3G available to
much of the rest of the country is still very low by international standards – averaging at 5/1 Mbps lviii – albeit
higher than what the UAP specified. 110
The Government is currently undertaking a Quality of Service audit exercise to try and address the lack of
data. This exercise will measure a large number of parameters, such as availability of network/signal, the
strength of the signal, and how long a connection takes, and will consider calls, SMS, and mobile data. This
exercise should give much needed data to producers and the regulator about which areas they need to
improve, as well as empowering consumers to make informed decisions about which product is most suited
to their needs. Table 5.5 below outlines some of the key factors which limit the quality of service, as well as
possible mitigating actions.
lviii 5 Mbps in download and 1 Mbps in upload

TABLE 5.5: QUALITY OF SERVICE ISSUES AND MITIGATING ACTIONS

Factors Mobile user experience and issues Possible mitigating actions
Mobile handsets Some mobile handsets have weak signal to attract voice network TRBR have ‘Type Approval Regulation’
signal from a nearby tower base station which also covers handsets
Terrain This is the main factor for Vanuatu. The terrain - such as mountains Although boosters can be used, there are
– blocks the signal limits to what can be done. Placement of
towers is key
Coverage simulation/ This factor is technical and related to the spectrum the operators are TRBR has allocated 700MHz for respective
signal reduction currently using. The higher the frequency, the shorter the distance mobile operators to improve signal coverage
mobile coverage caters for. This is regarded as the second main issue
across Vanuatu
Non-terrain obstruc- This factor refers to things like big trees, caves, buildings etc. that Although boosters can be used, there are
tions block the network limits to what can be done. Placement of
towers is key
Multipath fading Occurs when a transmitted signal divides and takes more than one Rake receivers can counter the effect of
path to a receiver and some of the signals arrive out of phase, resulting fading. Work with consumers to identify
in a weak or fading signal specific areas that are experience such
problem
In building pene- Signal quality is reduced because of the type of building someone is in Coverage or signal booster is an option for
tration improvement
Antenna angle and This is when the signal is weak because the antenna is tilted to an Quality of Service audit help operators to
tilt unfavourable angle identify and address this issue
Cell overlap: When two cell towers are receivable from one location thus contrib- Experiences must be reported to the oper-
co-channel interfer- uting to co-channel interference, which can reduce quality ators and the regulator to find solutions for
ence such experiences
Cell overlap: pilot Presence of multiple cell towers will cause more than simple Like the above, communities or individual
pollution co-channel interference consumer must report such experiences
Source: Consultant’s own work
5.2.6 Market pricing

Figure 5.6 shows the price of a basket of voice and SMS mobile-cellular services in 11 Pacific Island Countries
in 2016. It shows that Vanuatu has the second highest price for these services. lix
FIGURE 5.6: PRICES FOR MOBILE-CELLULAR BASKET, 2016 (USD)

30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
Nauru
Tonga
Marshall Islands
PNG
Samoa
Timor-Leste
Micronesia
Vanuatu
Fiji
Palau
Kiribati
Solomon Islands
Source: ITU
lix ITU collects data on voice and SMS mobile-cellular services. The price basket comprises 30 calls (equating to approximate-
ly 50 minutes) and 100 SMS messages per month, and includes both on-net and off-net pricing, as well as peak, off-peak and
weekend pricing variations. Prices are collected for the least expensive prepaid plan offered by the mobile operator with the
highest market share.
FIGURE 5.7 PRICES FOR A PREPAID HANDSET-BASED PACKAGE OF 500MB, 2016 (USD)
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
PNG
Nauru
Fiji
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Micronesia
Vanuatu
Samoa
Kiribati
Source: ITU
Looking at the data for mobile internet in Figure 5.7 a different story emerges, with Vanuatu instead being the
cheapest country in the Pacific for a prepaid handset-based package of 500MB. The latest Pacific wide data
is from 2016, but the data from the TRBR shows that the price of mobile data has continued to fall – from
USD 24 in 2015, to USD 7.5 in 2016 to USD 5.35 by the end of 2017.
Table 5.6 shows the cost for computer-based broadband, both fixed and mobile. This shows that Vanuatu
has the highest prices within the Pacific. At the same time, the speed is Vanuatu is very poor, showing that
consumers are not getting a corresponding quality to accompany the price.
TABLE 5.6 PRICES, SPEED, DATA ALLOWANCE FOR COMPUTER-BASED BROADBAND

Country Fixed Broadband basket Mobile Broadband, Post-paid,
(monthly data usage Computer Based lx
of (a minimum of) 1 GB) (at least 1GB)
Price Speed Data Cap (GB) Price Monthly allowance (GB)
(US$) (Mbps) (USD)
Fiji 15.83 10 10 11.3 8
Kiribati .. .. .. 148.7 20
Marshall Islands 49.95 0.3 Unlimited .. ..
Micronesia 33 0.3 Unlimited .. ..
Nauru 34.94 0.5 5 .. ..
Papua New Guinea 9.26 24 1 .. ..
Samoa 38.6 2 3 17.5 1
Solomon Islands .. .. .. 25.3 1
Timor-Leste 49 2 6 12.5 1.2
Tonga .. .. .. 12.5 1
Vanuatu 55.86 0.5 Unlimited 37.6 1.5
Source: ITU
The high price for fixed line broadband seen in Vanuatu can be partly explained by fact that the level of
usage in Vanuatu is quite low, both in terms of the proportion of population using internet, but also in terms
of usage-type, with a large proportion users being engaged in low-capacity activities such as social media.
This means that a relatively small customer base has to pay back the high investment costs. The Government
should seek ways to encourage increased usage of the existing capacity, in order to reduce prices for the
entire country – for example through supporting the establishment of a data centre (see Chapter 13).
lx Mobile-broadband accessed via USB dongle
Since the introduction of the cable, the average lease price in the market was around USD 340/Mbps/month.
In 2017, following an anti-competitive investigation, the TRBR required all proposed price and non-price terms
and conditions of wholesale supply be reviewed and approved by the TRBR. This was to ensure that prices are
cost-based and not discriminatory. As part of the outcome of the investigation, ICL began offering approved
capacity leases at USD 285/Mbps/month. Whilst this is lower than before, it is still much higher than the prices
charged in Fiji, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Northern Marianas, which are all lower than USD
100/Mbps/month. TRBR is currently carrying out price investigations at both the retail and wholesale level.
5.2.7 Quality of physical infrastructure

For the telecommunications industry, high quality physical infrastructure is exceptionally important. For a
country such as Vanuatu, this is particularly true given the geographical constraints that the country faces, as
outlined in the quality of service analysis above. The archipelagic nature of the country, poor infrastructure,
and high energy costs means that it is very expensive to install and maintain equipment compared to other
nations, and then at the same time a given piece of physical infrastructure such as a tower will cover a very
small population. The infrastructure must also be resilient against natural disasters, such as cyclones.
Critical infrastructures include the power supply, telecommunications base stations (towers), submarine cable,
and VSATs. The power supply is covered earlier in this chapter. VSAT are satellite communications system
which serve home and business users. Vanuatu now has full coverage of high-speed broadband access
through satellites. VSATs offer an opportunity for communities which cannot be covered through other means
to access the internet, and so offer an invaluable resource – including after disasters when other means of
communication may be disabled.
There are around 200 towers, which provide over 98% of Vanuatu’s population access to voice and data. It
costs around VUV 50 million (a full package) to build a single tower. 111 The biggest challenges faced by opera-
tors are logistical costs involved in set-up, power supply, the cost of maintenance, and ensuring that the towers
are disaster-proof. Given these high costs, already some of the towers built to serve remote communities
under the UAP are unlikely to be profitable, 112 and so there is no prospect of both TVL and Digicel building
towers in the same remote location. This means users on one of these networks will experience large black
spots. The Government is therefore looking into an Infrastructure Sharing Policy, to improve coverage and
to promote competition.
There is currently only one undersea cable for Vanuatu, running from Port Vila to Fiji. There are currently
discussions about installing a second undersea cable, which would provide much needed redundancy. lxi This
is particularly important given Vanuatu’s high level of vulnerability to natural disasters. However, given the
high investment cost in an undersea cable, and the already existing high prices, the Government should make
sure that there is a very clear rationale and coherent strategy before committing to any such investment. Any
additional undersea cable should also extend capacity to the outer islands – in particular prioritising Tanna
and Espiritu Santo - in order to spread economic opportunities and growth more equitably around the country.
The TRBR released the approved Type Approval and Conformity Standards Regulation in late 2018. This
Regulation is established to ensure the Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and Broadcasting infra-
structure and equipment coming into Vanuatu conforms to the international standards, and is type approved.
Enforcement of this Regulation begun in January 2019.
a. Update the National ICT Policy
b. Finalise the Digital Universal Service Policy
c. Approve the cybercrime legislation
d. Continue to maintain the independence of the TRBR
e. TRBR to consider upgrading the generation of its telecommunications/ICT regulations from generation
3 – “an enabling environment, investment, innovation and access dual focus on stimulating competition in
services and content delivery and consumer protection” to generation 5 – “collaborative regulation, inclusive
dialogue and harmonized approach across sectors”.
lxi Redundancy is defined as the inclusion of extra components which are not strictly necessary to functioning, in case of
failure in other components.
f. Finalise the Quality of Services (QoS) audit, and act on the key recommendations
g. Finalise the Infrastructure Sharing Policy
h. Subject to robust cost-benefit analysis, deploy a second international submarine cable
i. Subject to robust cost-benefit analysis, deploy a domestic submarine cable, linking the main islands of
Tanna and Espiritu Santo
CHAPTER 6:TRADE FACILITATION AND RELATED
INFRASTRUCTURE
6.1 Time and Costs of Trading Across Borders
6.1.1 Vanuatu’s performance
Improving the Ease of Doing Business, as defined by the World Bank Group (WBG), 113 is important to offset
Vanuatu’s structural weaknesses such as small size and geographical distance from the main markets.
Table 6.1 shows that while Vanuatu ranks relatively well in terms of overall Ease of Doing Business (DB)
compared to other Pacific Island Countries (PICs), it lags behind with regard to Trading Across Borders (TAB)
- the DB component measuring time and cost to export and import.
On average, whereas Vanuatu’s time to export is about 20% lower than other PICs, the time and cost to import
and the cost to export are between 30% and 40% higher.
TABLE 6.1: DOING BUSINESS AND TRADING ACROSS BORDERS IN PICS, 2017
DB TAB Time to Export Cost to export Time to import Cost to import
Country rank rank (hrs) (USD) (hrs) (USD)
FSM 155 58 62 228 91 260
Fiji 101 75 112 387 76 378
Kiribati 157 127 96 730 141 805
Marshall Islands 149 83 84 240 144 263
Palau 130 133 205 605 180 705
PNG 109 137 233 735 192 875
Samoa 87 148 75 1580 109 1130
Solomon Islands 116 156 170 887 145 955
Tonga 89 103 220 271 98 478
PICs, average (excl.
Vanuatu) 121 113 140 629 131 650
Vanuatu 90 143 110 899 174 864
Source: WBG
Exporting from Vanuatu is more expensive but faster than importing into Vanuatu - USD 899 and 110 hours
to export, against USD 864 and 174 hours to import. lxii This is partly at odds with normal practice in most
countries, where export procedures are both faster and cheaper than import procedures.
lxii To calculate time and costs of exports, the World Bank Group (WBG) estimates cost of exporting the following from Port
Vila to Malaysia: Harmonised System (HS) code 15: Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared
edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes. For imports, the WBG estimates the cost of importing the following from Australia into
Port Vila: HS code 8708: Parts and accessories of motor vehicles.
70 Ch. 6: Trade Faciitation and Related Infrastructure
TABLE 6.2: COMPONENTS OF BORDER COMPLIANCE IN VANUATU, 2017

Time Cost
Time (%) Cost (%)
(hrs) (USD)
Export
Clearance and inspections required by customs authorities 2 5.3 56 lxiii 7.9
Clearance/inspections required by agencies other than customs 0 0.0 0 0.0
Port or border handling 36 94.7 653 92.1
Total 38 100 709 100
Import
Clearance and inspections required by customs authorities 78 38.2 110 16.2
Clearance/inspections required by agencies other than customs 0 0.0 0 0.0
Port or border handling 126 61.8 570.6 83.8
Total 204 100 680.6 100
Source: WBG
Table 6.2 focuses on border compliance, lxiv one of the two elements of Trading Across Borders – the other
being documentary compliance. lxv Looking at the table it is apparent that port handling charges represent the
key challenge to reduce Vanuatu’s time and cost to export and export.
6.1.2 Port handling charges

Ninety percent of Vanuatu’s traded goods are transported by sea via the wharves of Port Vila and Luganville.
Stevedoring services at the two wharves are provided by private concessionaires, namely Ifira Port Develop-
ment Services (IPDS) and the Northern Islands Stevedoring Company Limited (NISCOL). The 2007 Diagnostic
Trade Integration Study for Vanuatu reported that stevedoring charges in these two ports were the highest
in the Pacific region. A decade later, in 2017, the Vanuatu Transport Plan 2030 114 confirms that stevedoring
charges in Vanuatu are still higher than in other Pacific Island Countries (Table 6.3).
TABLE 6.3: STEVEDORING REGIONAL COMPARATIVE TARIFF CHARGES, 201-87, USD

Vanuatu Samoa Fiji Tonga
Port Vila Apia Suva Nuku’alofa
Stevedoring import 20’ 403.25 50.93 71.91 178.14
Stevedoring export 20’ 403.25 50.93 71.91 178.14
Stevedoring import Revenue Ton (RT) 23.62 4.24 7.79 3.27
Stevedoring export Revenue Ton (RT) 23.62 4.24 7.79 3.27
Source: ADB
Charges have further increased after the recent upgrade of the two wharves. Under the stevedoring scale
of charges for Port Vila prior to June 2018, 115 handling a 20-foot container cost VUV 49,100. Under the new
tariff schedule, 116 IPDS charges for the same container are VUV 56,000. lxvi Under both the old and new tariff
regimes, an additional minimum of VUV 20,000 is charged for container delivery around Port Villa. lxvii For
lxiii The Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR) indicates that costs of clearance and inspections is USD 10
lxiv Border compliance captures the time and cost associated with compliance with customs regulations and with regulations
such as phytosanitary inspections that are mandatory in order for the shipment to cross borders as well as the time and cost for
handling that takes place at the port or border.
lxv Documentary compliance captures the time and cost associated with compliance with the documentary requirements of all
government agencies of the origin economy, the destination and any transit economies.
lxvi Discharge/load from vessel to quay, transfer to yard, and lift to truck or vice versa. VUV 35,000 are charged to the
importer/exporter (code 101 of the tariff schedule), and VUV 21,000 charged to the shipping line/agent (code 201 of the tariff
schedule)
lxvii Code 402 of the new tariff schedule
Luganville, port handling charges for exports and imports are VUV 49,100 for a 20-foot container. 117
Besides the entity of stevedoring charges, payment terms in Vanuatu strongly differ compared to international
standards where fees are charged on a Liner In/Liner Out (LILO) basis, lxviii even for Less than Container Loads
(LCL). In Vanuatu, a minimum charge of VUV 3,000 per cubic metre is levied for each LCL consignment. Each
individual LCL consignee pays the stevedore directly for loading or unloading of their freight, which results
in high costs compared to when the payment is done collectively per container. 118 Local payment terms for
LCL also lead to time delays as customers do not pay the charges at the same time.
IPDS and NISCOL have 50-year concession agreements to manage stevedoring and cargo handling, expiring
respectively in June 2068 and November 2065. Both concession agreements envisage exclusive rights. In
the case of IPDS, under article 4 of the concession agreement, exclusivity applies to operations within the
Lapetasi International Multi-Purpose Wharf, but also prevents others from operating a new container terminal
within 80 km until the loan contracted by IPDS for upgrading the wharf is repaid. 119 In the case of NISCOL,
article 27 of the concession agreements states that the “government shall not enter into any other stevedoring
concession in respect of the Espiritu Santo International Wharf during the tenure of this concession”.
The ownership structure of the wharves has partly constrained the government’s ability to effectively regulate
fees. Traditional land owners of Ifira Island own 51% of IPDS. The remaining 49% is owned by the central
government. NISCOL is 80% owned by the provincial governments of Samna, Penama, Malampa and Torba,
10% by Luganville Municipal Council, and another 10% by central government.
To address the above challenges the Maritime Sector Regulatory Act no. 26 of 2016, article 17(q), gives the
Office of the Maritime Regulator (OMR) the power to “to monitor and regulate stevedoring activities that are
under a concession”. Under article 34(f), the OMR is given the specific power to “monitor and regulate tariffs,
prices and charges imposed at ports and on port users”. Despite these powers, the OMR, established in
August 2017, still lacks capacity to effectively regulate stevedores. Assistance to enhance the OMR’s capacity
in this area could substantially improve the country’s ease of doing business. Assistance could be modelled
on previous programs which were successful in building capacity for regulators such as the Utility Regulatory
Authority (URA), and the Telecommunication, Radiocommunications, and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR).
Cargo handling operations at airports pose fewer challenges to trade facilitation. Operations in Vanuatu are
managed by Vanuatu Terminal Services Ltd (VTS), a subsidiary of Airport Vanuatu Ltd (AVL) – a State-Owned
Enterprise (SOE). VTS has recently upgraded the cargo handling facilities at Bauerfield International airport
of Port Vila, but this has been accompanied by an increase in service charges. lxix These are seen as high by
importers, especially by small importers who normally require more time to process and clear their imports.
Port and border handling fees also include charges for services provided by Biosecurity Vanuatu. VUV 6,500
is charged for fumigation of containers, and VUV 3,000 for quarantine services.
6.1.3 World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement

6.1.3.1. The Trade Facilitation Steering Committee
The Trade Facilitation Steering Committee (TFSC) was established in 2017 by the Council of Ministers upon
recommendation of the National Trade Development Committee (NTDC). The TFSC is a multi-stakeholder body
whose members include the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (chairman), Biosecurity Vanuatu,
Department of External Trade (secretariat), Department of Industry, Trade Development Division of the Ministry
of Tourism, Trade, Commerce, and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB), Department of Ports and Harbours,
Vanuatu Bureau of Standards, Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, IPDS, NISCOL, VTS,
and Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The main objective of TFSC is to support implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facil-
itation Agreement (TFA). Vanuatu has notified its category commitments lxx under the TFA in January 2018.
120
The notification was informed by the findings of a WTO Trade Facilitation Needs Assessment undertaken
lxviii Under LILO payment terms, both loading and unloading of the cargo in and from the ship is included in the freight rate
lxix Storage fees - from VUV 20/kg charged from 48 hours after arrival to VUV 30/kg charged from 24 hours after arrival; freight
handling charges - increased by VUV 10,000 per tonne; usage of cold room facilities – increased to VUV 1,000 per hour
lxx Notification did not include definite date for Category C commitments, which will have to be notified by the 21 August 2021
in 2015 by the WBG. 121

A Vanuatu National Trade Facilitation Action Plan has been prepared by the TFSC secretariat to coordinate
implementation of TFA commitments. Two working groups (test procedures and Single Window and Commu-
nications) have been established under the TFSC to lead on implementation of specific commitments.
6.1.3.2 Trading Across Borders and the Trade Facilitation Agreement
The WTO TFA includes provisions whose implementation can improve the business enabling environment.
Clear linkages exist between implementation the TFA articles and the Doing Business reforms to reduce time
and cost of trading across borders. 122 A schematic illustration of these linkages is presented in Table 6.4.
TABLE 6.4: LINKAGES BETWEEN DOING BUSINESS REFORMS AND TFA ARTICLES
Art. Number Art. Title ES * BC * CA * BI * RBI * NL *

1 Publication and availability of information 
2 Opportunity to comment, information before

entry into force, and consultations
3 Advance rulings 
4 Procedures for appeal or review 
5.1, 5.2 Other measures to enhance impartiality,

non-discrimination and transparency
5.1, 5.3 Other measures to enhance impartiality,

non-discrimination and transparency
6 Disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or
in connection with importation and exportation 
and penalties
7.1, 7.2 Release and clearance of goods 
7.3, 7.6., 7.9 Release and clearance of goods 
7.4, 7.5, 7.7, 7.8 Release and clearance of goods 
8 Border agency cooperation 
9 Movement of goods intended for import under

customs control
10.2, 10.4 Formalities connected with importation, exporta-

tion and transit
10.8, 10.9 Formalities connected with importation, exporta-

tion and transit
10.1, 10.2, 10.3, Formalities connected with importation, exporta-
10.4, 10.5, 10.6, tion and transit 
10.7
11 Freedom of transit 
12 Customs cooperation 
* DB reforms: ES = E-Systems
BC = Border Cooperation
CA = Customs Administration
BI = Border Infrastructure
RBI = Risk-Based Management
NL = No link to Doing Business Reforms
Source: Elaborations on WBG
Across the world, the biggest reduction in the time of trading across borders has been delivered by reforms
promoting e-Systems, followed by development of border infrastructure, risk-based inspections, streamlining
of customs administration, and customs cooperation. 123 Vanuatu is making significant progress on e-Systems
through the establishment of an Electronic Single Window.
6.1.3.3 TFA reforms: the Electronic Single Window System
As part of its efforts to facilitate trade, the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR) has recently
reviewed and redesigned its clearance process and updated its customs management system to the World
version of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), a software developed by the United Nations
Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD). These reforms are expected to reduce time to clear cargo
compared to the 2017 figure of 3 days and 3 hours – time taken by customs brokers to process and pay the
customs declaration.124
Whilst recent reforms are positive, challenges still remain. As highlighted by the Vanuatu Electronic Single
Window System (ESWS) project document,125 key outstanding issues include, but are not limited to:
• Un-integrated and inefficient government clearance systems, leading to duplication of documentary
submission to government agencies and to unstructured management of border risk
• Paper based documentation
• Manual processing by government agencies, which is time consuming, unpredictable and lacks trans-
parency
• Lack of centralised data gathering for monitoring and statistical purposes
• Separate points of payment for different government agencies
• Lack of e-payment
To address some of these challenges the government is implementing an Electronic Single Window System.
The ESWS project, funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and the Australian Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and supported by the UNCTAD will run until 2020 and includes the following
activities: (1) development of an ESWS Blueprint providing the policy, technical, legal and procedural guide-
lines for the various components of the project; (2) Review and redesign of non-customs clearance process
in five priority government agencies – e.g. Biosecurity Vanuatu; (3) phased operationalisation of the ESWS
by establishing a central portal, developing ASYCUDA World modules at priority government agencies, and
deploying the modules. If successful, the ESWS project has the potential to address many of the challenges
that still affect the clearance process, thus resulting in significant reduction of time and cost of trading across
borders.
In November 2017 the DCIR introduced the possibility of making e-payments for its services. The ESWS
project offers the possibly to extend this feature to the other agencies involved in the clearance process.
6.1.3.4 Other TFA reforms
Besides implementation of an ESWS, Vanuatu is targeting other reforms linked to the WTO TFA. Of the 36
applicable TFA sub-articles, Vanuatu is already complying with 12 sub-articles (Category A), is targeting
compliance with other 12 sub-articles after a transitional period and without technical assistance (Category
B), and is targeting compliance with the remaining 12 sub-articles after a transitional period and subject to
receiving technical assistance (Category C). lxxi Implementation of outstanding Category B and C commitments
will reduce the time and cost of trading across borders.
As at October 2018, many of the recommendations included in the 2015 WBG needs assessment have already
been implemented, and a clear way forward has been agreed on other priority projects - see Table 6.5.
TABLE 6.5: TFA IMPLEMENTATION, KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND WAY FORWARD lxxii
Article Article Title Cat. Achievement Way forward (priority projects)
lxxi WTO TFA’s provisions are categorised as follows. Category A: provisions that the member will implement within one
year after entry into force of the Agreement; Category B: provisions that the member will implement after a transitional period
following the entry into force of the Agreement; Category C: provisions that the member will implement after a transitional period
following the entry into force of the Agreement and requiring the acquisition of assistance and support for capacity building.
Vanuatu was already compliant with many of the provisions which were classified as Category B at the time of the notification to
the WTO.
lxxii Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (2018a)
D DD Dedddddddddrrrrsfdas
1.1 Publication C Work on a Trade Portal amal- Trade Portal up and running before
gamating all legislation, import Electronic Single Window project is
and export procedures initiated completed (end 2020). To include
web-links with existing websites, and
for agencies without a well-main-
tained website, direct provision/
upload of the relevant information
1.2 Information C (see above) (see above)
Available through
Internet
1.3 Enquiry Points C DCIR has developed and Appoint Enquiry Points for each of
published a client service agency of the TFSC Communication
charter and published it on its Working Group, plus Enquiry Points
website lxii for other relevant agencies which are
not part of the WG (e.g. Department
of Environmental Protection and
Conservation)
Include the contact details of the
Enquiry Points in the Trade Portal
1.4 Notification C Notify to WTO Trade Facilitation
Committee after priority projects for
articles 1.1. and 1.2 are completed
2.2 Consultations B Consultation points -
Customs Brokers and Freight
Forwarders Association estab-
lished
3 Advance Rulings B Implemented an awareness Seek and obtain PSC approval for
program to educate traders DCIR restructuring including a new
on the technical unit made of three senior
officers focusing on classification/
Standard Operating Proce-
valuation/rules of origin and respon-
dures to obtain an advance
sible for advance rulings
ruling developed
Secure budget and recruit the three
Undertaken staff training on
officers
complex HS and valuation
issues for advance rulings
5.1 Notification B
for Enhanced
Controls or
Inspections
5.2 Detention C
5.3 Test Procedures C Vanuatu Bureau of Standards to
draft, submit and secure approval
of a position paper to TFSC for this
article
6.1 General Disci- B DCIR and Biosecurity have Others agencies imposing fees and
plines on Fees submitted full list of their fees charges to submit their respective list
and Charges and charges to TFSC to the TFSC
Imposed on or in DCIR fees and charges are Publish information on the Trade
Connection with included in the Customs Regu- Portal
Importation and lations Order No.113 of 2014
Exportation Undertake review of non-tax revenue
which is available online fees and charges in anticipation of
the income tax

7.1 Pre-arrival B
Processing
7.2 Electronic B Customs has introduced Extend the possibility of electronic
Payment the possibility of electronic payment to other banks based in
payment for Bred Bank clients Vanuatu – ANZ, BSP, NBV
Use the Electronic Single Window
to extend the option of electronic
payment to other agencies

7.4 Risk Management C The terms of reference for the Develop risk management plans for
DCIR Selectivity Committee other agencies involved in import/
developed export
Risk management plan for
DCR in place
7.5 Post-clearance C Secure technical assistance to assist
Audit Post-Clearance Audit office at DCIR
to develop procedures with the view
of improving PCA’s effectiveness (in
terms of revenue collection) and effi-
ciency (in terms of trade facilitation)
7.6 Establishment C Average Release Time Study Customs Officer to undertake and
and Publication of undertaken in 2017 publish Average Release Time Study
Average Release in 2019 – TA may be required for
Times capacity-building
7.7 Trade Facilita- C
tion Measures
for Authorised
Operators
7.8 Expedited Ship- B World Customs Organization Undertake World Customs Organi-
ments immediate release guidelines zation training on implementation of
implemented the guidelines to further speed-up the
process
8 Border Agency B Electronic single Windows system
Cooperation (ESWS) project to address this issue
for 5 priority agencies and to be
extended to other relevant agencies
if funding is secured to connect other
agencies to the ESWS
9 Movement of B After ASYCUADA World (AW)

Goods Intended was deployed, this article
for Import under is complied with - entry and
Customs Control clearance at different locations
is now a possibility
10.1 Formalities and B DCIR business process was Electronic single Windows system
Documentation reviewed as part of the AW (ESWS) project to address this issue
Requirements project and is now compliant for 5 additional priority agencies
with this article
10.2 Acceptance of B DCIR business process was Electronic single Windows system
Copies reviewed as part of the AW (ESWS) project to address this issue
project and is now compliant for 5 priority agencies
with this article - copies are
now accepted, including elec-
tronic ones
10.3 Use of Interna- C Vanuatu has ratified Revised Implement the Action Plan to ensure
tional Standards Kyoto Convention on the compliance with 25% additional
Simplification and Harmoniza- provisions in the next 3-5 years
tion of Customs procedures
DCIR is already compliance
with 75% of the RKC provi-
sions
10.4 Single Window C ESWS project started EWSW project completed by the
end of 2020, with focus on 5 priority
agencies
11 Freedom of B
Transit
Source: WTO, World Bank Group, and Vanuatu’s TFSC
Despite the substantial work already undertaken on trade facilitation, Vanuatu has still to ratify the WTO
TFA. Vanuatu is already compliant with most of the TFA Category B provisions and has already ratified the
Revised Kyoto Convention, 127 whose provisions mirror disciplines of the TFA. Ratification would therefore
come at no cost, but would be important to signal commitment to potential partners and to secure assistance
to implement the agreement’s provisions.
a. Provide additional resources to the Office of the Maritime Regulator to monitor and regulate stevedoring
activities that are under a concession, notably to monitor and regulate tariffs, prices and charges imposed
at ports and on port users
b. Replace the current payment terms for Less Container Load (LCL) with the Liner-In Liner-Out (LILO) terms
c. Ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement
d. Implement the Electronic Single Window System (ESWS) project and monitor its impact on trade facilitation
e. Implement priority projects included Table 6.5 of the TPF Update 2019 to comply with obligations included
in Category B and C articles of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement
6.2 Trade Facilitation Infrastructure

6.2.1 Institutional and legislative arrangements in transport sector
6.2.1.1 Institutions
A broad range of entities are involved with transport infrastructure. Three departments under the Ministry of
Infrastructures and Public Utilities (MIPU), namely Public Works Department (PWD), Department of Ports
and Harbours (DPH), and Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV), are responsible for policy making and
implementation, infrastructure development and maintenance, and regulation. For maritime transport, the
recently established OMR has taken over substantial regulatory functions.
Moreover, the Vanuatu Project Management Unit (VPMU) under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) oversees
infrastructure projects worth more than VUV 1 billion. These include the Lapetasi Multipurpose and International
Wharf project (completed), the Vanuatu Aviation Investment Project, the Port Vila Urban Development Project,
and the Vanuatu Tourism infrastructure project (completed).
6.2.1.2 Legislation overview
Road management and ownership is regulated by the Road Act No 35 (2013).
The Port Act (Cap 26) remains the key legislation for management and operation of ports. In 2016 an important
piece of legislation was introduced to regulate the maritime sector, the Maritime Sector Regulatory Act No 26
of 2016. Moreover, concessions for Port Vila and Luganville international wharves exist which transfer most
operational responsibilities to concessionaires.
Civil aviation is guided by the Civil Aviation Act No.16 of 1999, as amended in 2005. The Act establishes the
CAAV. Moreover, the Civil Aviation Security Act No.10 of 2007 covers aviation security.
6.2.1.3 Policy
The Vanuatu Infrastructure Strategic Investment Plan (VISIP) 2015-2024 128 is the main document providing
direction for investment in infrastructure. The Vanuatu Transport Plan 2030, not yet in place, provides situation
analysis and high-level guidance to the transport sector.
6.2.1.4 Infrastructure
Vanuatu’s trade facilitation infrastructure includes: 129
• International Gateways - two main international seaports (Port Vila and Luganville) and three interna-
tional airports (Port Vila, Luganville, and Lenakel) lxxiii
• Road network - estimated to be around 3,000 km of sealed, gravel and earth roads
• Domestic airports - 26 airstrips on most of the main islands
• Domestic wharves, landings and jetties – 36 in total
6.2.2 Air transport

Air transport is a key component of trade facilitation in Vanuatu. It is essential for the development of the
tourism industry. It also is important for time-sensitive export industries, facilitates and opens opportunities
for low-volume, high-value products, serves the needs of exporters wishing to test new markets and gradually
build a regular base of supply, and supports e-commerce.
Thanks to the ‘open sky’ policy that the country adopted since 2004 the number of commercial passenger
flights into and departing Vanuatu has notably increased – and with it airfreight capacity.
Vanuatu has 29 airports, of which three are international – Bauerfield in Port Vila (72% of domestic and interna-
tional passengers), Pekoa in Luganville (20% of passengers), and Whitegrass in Tanna (8% of passengers). 130
Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL), a corporatised State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) overseen by the CAAV, oper-
ates the three international airports and maintains their infrastructure. Vanuatu Terminal Services Limited
(VTS), a subsidiary of AVL, provides, inter-alia, international cargo terminal, freight forwarding, and handling
services at international airports. The 26 national airfields on the outer islands are owned by the government
and managed and maintained by the PWD.
6.2.2.1 International airports
The international airports are located in islands which collectively cover 60% of the country’s population and
45% of the land area.
As part of Vanuatu Aviation Investment Project (VAIP) funded by the WBG, the country’s infrastructure for
international air transport is undergoing major rehabilitation, improvement of safety features, and upgrading.
lxxiii Whilst Lenakel is an international airport, it currently does not operate any international flights
This will allow the three international airports to meet and maintain International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) standards and, for Bauerfield, to serve larger aircrafts. The aircrafts capable to be served by the
three airports include:
• Bauerfield: Boeing 737-800 (175 passengers). Upon completion of works to upgrade to ‘Code E’,
Boeing 787 (335 passengers) and Airbus A330 (335 passengers)
• Pekoa: Boeing 737-800 (175 passengers)
• Whitegrass: ATR 72 series (78 passengers)
Works at the international airports also include terminal upgrades at Pekoa (completed in 2018) and at
Bauerfield - with funding provided by Japan. Upgrade of the Bauerfield passenger terminal is important for
the further development of the tourism industry.
As noted in the previous section, VTS has recently upgraded Bauerfield cargo terminal to provide a better
and faster services - increased security features, new cold rooms, enhanced quarantine facilities, and facilities
for animal inspections. With a view to facilitating trade, the new cargo terminal brings all border agencies and
private operators (cargo airlines offices, DCIR, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and Biosecurity Vanuatu)
under the same physical facility. The airport still lacks heavy-duty deck loader, which increases time and
costs of loading and unloading heavy cargo. Moreover, essential equipment is stored in the open-air and
exposed to fast depreciation.
Notwithstanding the improvements in airport cargo facilities, cargo throughput volumes at Bauerfield have not
changed much since 2017, when VTS cargo facilities were completed - 15 tons per month of exports and 64
tonnes per month of imports. 131 The 2015 VTS annual report noted that international cargo volumes recorded
at Pekoa international airport are quite limited, such that the airport is not able to break-even and must be
subsidised by income from Bauerfield international airport.
The recent infrastructure upgrade will allow Vanuatu to achieve the objectives of the Aviation Sector Strategy
which are to: 132
Buerfield:
• Focus international frequency growth on existing or new regional routes through Code C jets (A320-
200 and Boeing 737-800) and smaller aircrafts
• Code E charter operations (Airbus A330 and Boeing 787) from China are a possibility
Pekoa:
• Growth in international services through Code C jets
• No requirement for Code E operations, but protect the possibility to expand to Code E in the future
Whitegrass:
• The airport should provide for Code C turboprop (ATR-72) operations
The three international airports are maintained by AVL, which is entirely funded by user fees. Funds allocated
to maintenance and rehabilitation are unknown, but the 2016 events (interruption of flights by Air New Zealand
and cancellation of code-sharing by Qantas due to the poor conditions of the runway) suggest that these
were inadequate. According to the Vanuatu Master Plan 2017 charges per international passenger should
increase to USD 33 in order to fund a prioritised USD 212 million investment program for the next 20 years to
meet maintenance and compliance needs as well cater for the expected increase in arrivals and departures.
6.2.2.2 Domestic airports
Airstrips in the outer islands are small and basic (grass landing strips) and are only flown to by 19-seater Twin
Otters and 9-seater Britten-Norman Islanders (BNIs), and similarly sized charter planes. Most airstrips do not
have lighting, air traffic control/navigation aids, firefighting equipment or perimeter fencing. It is land by sight only,
so bad weather may prevent landings. The terminal buildings in most locations are nothing more than a shed
with a set of scales and a small baggage trolley. Refuelling services are only available in Port Vila and Lugan-
ville. When flying to other islands, all aircraft must carry enough fuel to return to these locations to refuel. 133
The state of domestic airports limits the possibility of outer islands to develop a strong tourism industry - and,
to a lesser extent, primary industry. Upgrading of domestic airports is therefore important. Recommendations
in this area are included in the draft Vanuatu Tourism Market Development Plan - VTMDP, see Chapter 12.
Amongst the airports recommended for upgrade by the VTMDP, Norsup should probably be prioritised noting
its size, significance for agriculture, tourism potential, and the complementary road improvements which are
taking place on the island of Malekula.

The 26 domestic airports are managed and maintained by the PWD. Maintenance of domestic airports is
carried out by village-based contractors, and the CAAV assists by providing training for the contractors.
Ground handling services at these locations are the responsibility of the aircraft operators. 134 VUV 52 million
were appropriated for maintenance in 2019. The Vanuatu Transport Plan 2030 does not include information
about the adequacy of these funds, however, with VUV 2 million airport/year, these appear inadequate.
a. Upgrade Bauerfield international passenger terminal
b. Improve Bauerfiled international cargo handling by:
i. Procuring heavy-duty deck loader and equipment for handling airfreight containers which can hold up to
five tonnes
ii. Building storage space for equipment at Bauerfield international cargo terminal
c. Set aside adequate resources for maintenance of international airports. Notably, increase charges to USD
33 for passenger movement at Bauerfield to fund the prioritised USD 212 million investment program
included in the Vanuatu Master Plan 2017
d. Set aside adequate resources for maintenance of national airports
e. Upgrade Norsup airport to accommodate Code C turboprop (ATR-72) operations
6.2.3 Sea transport

Sea transport is the main modality for international and inter-island transport of goods, and an
important modality for transport of international tourists.
6.2.3.1 International shipping terminals
As an island country, Vanuatu depends on maritime transport, yet for a long time there has been a mismatch
between the increased traffic and the capacity of international ports.
To address this mismatch Vanuatu embarked on the construction of a new 200-metre international wharf in
Port Vila (Lapetasi wharf), and the upgrade of the international wharf in Luganville – now a 361-metre wharf.
Both works were mainly funded by loans – Japan in Port Vila and China in Luganville. The two international
sea ports should be able to meet expected demand for the next 20 years. lxxiv
Opening the Lapetasi wharf has reduced delays of container vessels operations, which used to be affected
by the priority given to cruise ships for berthing at the old international wharf. The latter (‘Main Wharf’) is now
exclusively dedicated to cruise ships and tankers.
Benefits of the Lapetasi wharf include reduced vessel turnaround time (now between 12 and 24 hours), reduced
congestion, more container storage, efficient and effective cargo handling, and reduction in delivery delays. The
future increase in containers should also exercise a downward pressure on stevedoring charges.
The upgraded wharf in Luganville can handle close to 100,000 tons of freight annually. The wharf leverages
the agricultural and services sector potential of Espiritu Santo, which is the major source of agricultural
produce and the second major tourism destination. 135 The upgraded wharf is now big enough to accommo-
date simultaneous berthing of a cargo and a cruise liner, thus reducing potential delays. However, works to
improve the wharf have negatively affected cruise ship arrivals in Espiritu Santo, 136 and concerns exist that
current low capacity utilisation will impact on the ability to repay the loan. Port users and the private sector
have at times lamented the lack of proper consultations on this project. 137
Maintenance of the international wharves is outsourced to IPDS and NISCOL based on the provision of the
respective concession agreements – article 2.1 and 6 respectively.
Besides Port Vila and Lunganville, other international points of entry for specific purposes include Mystery
Island in Aneityum (cruise ships), Litzlitz in Melekula (copra and yachts), Lenakel in Tanna (yachts), and Sola
in Vanualava (yachts).
Currently, six overseas shipping operators provide container and general cargo international services to and
from Vanuatu, via the two international two ports. 138 There is a need to maintain accurate statistical shipping
data to understand the dynamics which may affect Vanuatu’s market access – like the 2008 withdrawal of the
lxxiv For example, according to the Vanuatu Transport Plan 2030 the Lapetasi wharf can handle 30,000 20-foot containers a
year, whereas projection for 2037 indicate a demand of only 20,000 containers
Bank Line linking Vanuatu to Europe.

Trade is imbalanced, with 90% of containers arriving full and leaving empty – the cost of imbalanced trade
is borne by importers, as it is absorbed into the freight rate for imports.
6.2.3.2 Domestic shipping terminals
Vanuatu’s maritime infrastructure includes 36 small wharves, jetties and landings with various forms of owner-
ship rights including traditional land owners and regional House of Chiefs and Councils. 139
Port Vila and Luganville serve as hubs for the domestic maritime transport network. A new domestic terminal
in Port Vila (South Paray) is under construction in the same area as the Lapetasi wharf. In Espiritu Santo, the
domestic Simonsen wharf is being rehabilitated. Temporary terminals are currently operating in both cities.
Most outer island ports have very limited shipping infrastructure, and are generally in a poor state. They
range from concrete or wooden piers to crumbling rock jetties, with some islands having no facilities at all for
cargo. This can often mean that cargo has to be discharged, first onto a small lighter vessel, and then onto
a shore. 140 Poor conditions of domestic wharves and wharves’ facilities increase shipping costs, and in turn
the price of goods. For example, in March 2017 petrol was sold for VUV 143/litre in Port Vila, VUV 250/litre
in Torba and Tafea provinces, and VUV 170/litre in the Malampa province. 141
The Vanuatu Interisland Shipping Support Project (VISSP), supervised by VPMU, and funded by Asian Devel-
opment Bank (ADB) and New Zealand, is aiming to develop crucial maritime infrastructure in the following
locations: Port Vila (new inter-islands shipping terminal - South Paray wharf); Lolowai, Ambae (new jetty),
Loltong, Pentecost (new jetty); Port Sandwich, South East Malekula (new jetty); Litzlitz, North East Maleluka
(facility rehabilitation); Lenakel, Tanna (facility rehabilitation); and Luganville, Espiritu Santo (facility rehabili-
tation – Simonsen wharf). Work on this project was stalled due to issues with engineering design. Reactivating
VISSP should be given priority, noting the importance of domestic shipping terminals for rural development.
The domestic fleet consist of 40 ships, all privately owned and with trading routes adjusting based on market
supply and demand. As a result, larger islands like Pentecost and Malekula, situated along the main commer-
cial route between Port Vila and Luganville are normally better serviced than islands away from this route.
Investment in inter-islands shipping services for vessels of less than 80 tonnes is reserved to Ni-Vanuatu. 142
Vessels below 100 Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) are much older than those above 100 GRT, 143 meaning
that the existing reservation is potentially limiting investment in the sector.
To assist private sector operators serving isolated locations and bringing their communities into the commer-
cial sector, VISSP has been running a Shipping Subsidy Scheme (SSS) for operators providing services on
unprofitable routes. An evaluation of the subsidy programme is yet to be done to assess its sustainability
and impact.
Demand for shipping is unbalanced with about 40,000 tonnes shipped out of Port Vila and Luganville yet only
20,000 tonnes shipped back to these ports yearly. 144 Copra, kava, and cocoa are the main commodities carried
on return services, together with general freight and passengers. As trade has grown and because of tradi-
tional differences in the crop mix across Vanuatu, some islands have started to develop specialisations – for
example oranges and peanuts from Epi or water taro from Pentecost – which are seen at the main markets.
Maintenance of domestic shipping terminals, as well as maintenance of aids to navigation for domestic and
international shipping comes under responsibility of the DPH. Government appropriation for maintenance
in 2018 was around VUV 150 million lxxv. According to the Vanuatu Transport Plan 2030 there is no clarity
about the funds required for maintenance of domestic shipping terminals – given their poor state, current
funds appear inadequate.
a. Monitor and disseminate accurate data on shipping operators and routes
b. Re-activate works under the Vanuatu Interisland Shipping Support Project (VISSP) to rehabilitate and
improve target wharves and jetties
c. Evaluate the impact of the VISSP Ship Subsidy Scheme
d. Clarify maintenance needs for domestic shipping terminals and set aside adequate budget for maintenance
e. Consider eliminating reservations on investment for inter-island shipping services, or else limit reservation
lxxv Budget 2018 appropriation for Ports Administration (MUEA) less contribution to government projects (76EB) and to Office
of the Maritime Regulator (76ED)
below a gross registered tonnage of 20 tonnes
6.2.4 Road transport

6.2.4.1 Road network
Strengthening the road network is essential to promoting rural development. By facilitating easier access to
urban hubs and international markets, a quality road network creates the incentives to boost production of
rural goods and services.
Evidence is already available about the impact of road development in Vanuatu. For example, the Efate ring
road and the Espiritu Santo east road have in less than a decade unleashed unprecedented tourism devel-
opment in Shefa and Sanma provinces, increased commercial and semi-commercial production of fruits and
vegetables to meet urban and tourism demand, and reduced costs of transporting commodities to the main
export hubs.
Vanuatu’s road network has wide margins for improvement. Official estimates from the Road Inventory Manage-
ment System (RIMS) indicate that the length of the Vanuatu’s road network is 2,048 km, of which only 13% is
sealed – Efate, Espiritu Santo, and a few kilometres in Tanna - see Table 6.6. 145 According to the Transport
Plan 2030, length is underestimated and the real figure is closer to 3000 km - see Table 6.7.
TABLE 6.6: VANUATU’S ROAD NETWORK, RIMS
Province Sealed Gravel Earth Total Share

Malampa - 202 205 407 20%
Penama - 74 281 355 17%
Sanma 124 298 102 164 8%
Shefa 130 62 164 356 17%
Tafea 7 86 262 354 17%
Torba - 42 9 52 3%
Total 261 764 1,023 2,048 100%
Share 13% 37% 50% 100%
Source: ADB
TABLE 6.7. VANUATU’S ROAD NETWORK, 2030 TRANSPORT PLAN
Sealed Unsealed Total

RIMS 261 1,787 2,048
Corrected for missing rural roads 261 2,323 2,584
Corrected for missing urban roads 682 2,323 3,005
Share 23% 77% 100%
Source: ADB
As part of the recent fiscal expansion (see Chapter 2) the government has increased investment in roads.
The strategic focus is on rural areas. According to Rural Road Access Policy (RRAP) “the highest priority is
to maximise year-round basic access. ‘Access’ means that people and goods can travel by local vehicle to
their nearest commercial, services, and transport hub in all but the worst weather. The principal consideration
for ‘basic’ access is year-round connectivity, regardless of how fast or slow, smooth or rough”. 146
According to the Rural Road Access Strategy (RRAS), which provides further guidance on how to achieve
the RRAP’s priorities, “maintenance of the existing road network is having the highest priority. Significant
improvement and rehabilitation lxxvi of the existing road network is considered a second priority”.
Strictly speaking, the priority objective of the RRAP would not require major improvements to the road network.
lxxvi Maintenance aims at keeping the original level of services over the course of an asset’s life, rehabilitation/renewal aim at
re-establishing the original level of service after an asset has come to the end of its life, and improvement aims at enhancing
the existing level of services. Sealing of formerly unsealed road is considered as an improvement.
On the other hand, improvements are necessary to unleash structural transformation.

From this viewpoint, the TPFU welcomes the significant improvements being pursued in the islands of Tanna
(Lenakel to Port Resolution tar-sealing, 30 km) and Malekula (Norsup to Metensel tar-sealing, 15 km), and
funded thought a loan by the China’s Exim Bank. Works in Tanna have been completed, whilst works in
Malekula are still ongoing. It is likely that additional financing will be sought to extend the scope of current
works in the two islands. 147 Tanna and Malekula have significant trade potential, 148 for both goods and services,
and the new roads are therefore expected to catalyse development as they did in Efate and Espiritu Santo.
Improvements normally come with an increased bill for maintenance and rehabilitation. Whilst estimates differ
between different documents, there is a general concurrence that the existing government and donor budget for
maintenance and rehabilitation is not sufficient. Table 6.8 reveals that annual available funds are about VUV 1
billion, which is between 30% and 40% of the required resources. This is tantamount to an implicit decision to
let the network depreciate and reduce the level of services. The same table shows that the rightful rural focus
is coming at expense of the urban network which is only absorbing 20% of government funds for maintenance,
despite the heavy use of urban roads and their apparent deterioration.
The above leads to the following considerations. First, whilst current investments may be increasing basic
access, sustainability is not guaranteed. The same holds for improvements. The structural change triggered
by the road works in Efate and Espiritu Santo, and expected from works in Malekula and Tanna, may fail to
be sustained if significant asset depreciation kicks-in. Second, urban networks play a key role in economic
development and should not be neglected. Lastly, the rightful demand for more and better roads by Ni-Van-
uatu will eventually need to be matched by the ability to pay for these essential infrastructures via increased
revenue collection.
TABLE 6.8: MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION OF THE ROAD NETWORK
VUV mil
Annual depreciation = Rehabilitation & Renewal (RR) needed 1,600
Maintenance needed (min) 900
Maintenance needed (max) 1,900
Maintenance and RR needed (min) 2,500
Maintenance and RR needed (max) 4,100
Maintenance available (GoV) 300
Maintenance & RR available (GoV + R4D & VIRIP) 1,000
Percentage
Gap maintenance (min) 67
Gap maintenance (max) 84
Gap maintenance and RR (min) 60
Gap maintenance and RR (min) 71
Notes
Rehabilitation/Renewal: USD 7,000/km-year
Maintenance (min): USD 3,000/km-year sealed, USD 1,500/km-year unsealed
Maintenance (max): USD 7000/km-year sealed, USD 2,500/km-year unsealed, USD 3,000/bridge-year
Maintenance available (GoV): 80% rural and 20% urban
Source: elaborations on ADB
a. Increase the budget for maintenance and rehabilitation of road to the minimum required amount - VUV 2.5
billion/year
b. Restricts improvements (earth-gravel to seal) during the next 5 years to Tanna and Malekula
6.2.5 Urban waterfronts

Improvements to the Port Vila waterfront were recently concluded with support from New Zealand and the
EIF. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the waterfront regeneration has improved tourism satisfaction and
played an important role towards promoting local art works.
Beautification of the Luganville waterfront is also being considered, with support from the Asian Development
Bank. Noting the more rural nature of the Espiritu Santo tourism product compared to Port Vila, waterfront
beautification in the former may produce a smaller development impact.
a. Evaluate the economic impact of the upgraded waterfront in Port Vila
b. Assess the economic impact of an upgraded waterfront in Espiritu Santo before taking a final decision on
whether to beautify
6.3 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

6.3.1 International Regulatory Framework
In becoming a Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 24 August 2012, Vanuatu committed to
applying all WTO provisions from the date of its accession. The provisions include those ‘rules’ set out in
the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures concerning food safety and
animal and plant health protection. 149 Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, by their very nature, may
result in restrictions on trade.
An annex to the SPS Agreement names three international standard setting bodies:
• The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) under the International Plant Protection Convention
(IPPC), for plant health;
• The World Organization for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties (OIE)), for animal health;
• The FAO/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), for food.
Vanuatu’s attendance at the meetings of the above organisations is not regular and could improve. The country
joined OIE in 1983, has been a member of CAC since 1995, and became a contracting party to the IPPC on
2 August 2007. 150 So far Vanuatu has not submitted any notifications to the WTO on its SPS measures. 151 No
pest reports have been submitted to the IPPC Secretariat by the Official Contact Point, presently the Acting
Director of Biosecurity Vanuatu, since 31 May 2005. Regular six-monthly reports are submitted to the OIE by
the Vanuatu’s Permanent Delegate, presently the Acting Principal Veterinary Officer, and as viewed in OIE’s
World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS).
6.3.2 SPS Legislation

The legislative basis for Vanuatu’s SPS measures includes:
• Animal Importation and Quarantine Act [CAP. 201] of 1988, amended 2014;
• Plant Protection Act [CAP. 239] of 1997, amended 2013;
• Food (Control) Act [CAP. 228] of 1993, amended in 2009;
• The Meat Industry Act 1991 [CAP. 239];
• Pesticides (Control) Act [CAP 226] of 1993;
• Animal Disease (Control) Act [CAP. 220] of 1992;
• Kava Act of 2002, amended 2015.
For SPS-related purposes, except for the Food (Control) Act, the Acts listed above are all administered by
one or other department within the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity
(MALFFB). However, it is the Biosecurity Department (Biosecurity Vanuatu (BV)) that is mandated to protect
Vanuatu’s borders from the entry of foreign pests and diseases and facilitate trade in Vanuatu’s agri-products
with external markets. Until 2013, BV was known as the Vanuatu Quarantine and Inspection Services (VQIS)
and sat within the Department of Livestock and Quarantine.
All the main pieces of legislation pre-date Vanuatu’s accession to WTO. Not surprisingly, the legislation is in
need of amendment to better reflect: the international trading environment under the SPS Agreement; recent
changes in organisational structures and responsibilities within Vanuatu’s departments and ministries; and
Vanuatu’s need to protect itself against new pests lxxvii and diseases lxxviii and effectively manage existing
introduced pests.
In Vanuatu’s National Biosecurity Policy 2016-2030 (NBP), 152 one of the high priorities (i.e., to be completed
within one to three years) listed in the Action Log Frame is to “harmonize Biosecurity related laws.” The
Vanuatu Government’s Trade Policy Framework (TPF) 2012 recorded that the then Department of Livestock
and Quarantine was working on a Biosecurity Bill which, based on a regional template, would combine and
streamline the existing pieces of legislation. A Biosecurity Bill is reported to be have been drafted and
consulted on but not yet enacted.
6.3.3 Documentation for trading in SPS-sensitive products

The import of animal products is regulated through the Animal Importation and Quarantine Act [CAP. 201]
while export of meat comes under the Meat Industry Act 1991 [CAP. 239]. The Plant Protection Act [CAP.
239] covers both the export and import of plants and plant products. Under the Food (Control) Act [CAP.
228] there are prohibitions regarding the importation of food. Almost invariably, there is SPS-related docu-
mentation associated with the export and import of plants and animal products. Documentation may include
permits to import (issued by BV) or phytosanitary or zoo-sanitary certification (issued/approved either by BV
for goods to be exported from Vanuatu or the competent authority of another exporting country for goods to
be imported to Vanuatu). To date, Vanuatu’s system(s) for the associated data collection, record keeping,
document preparation and transmission has been largely paper-based and manual. There is considerable
scope for the introduction of more efficient electronic systems.
6.3.3.1 Electronic systems
The Electronic Single Window System (ESWS) project (refer 6.1.3.3) entered its second phase in 2018. One
of the key activities for this phase is the review and redesign of the non-customs clearance process in five
priority government agencies, including BV. Phase two runs through to December 2020 with modules for the
five priority agencies to be rolled out successively; BV was first with the specifications due to be published
shortly. Once the software development work begins, the BV module is expected to take three-four months
to complete, allowing permits and the likes of phytosanitary certificates to be processed electronically and the
collection of real time trade data. The ESWS project is highly trade-focused and does not purport to address
other matters relevant to BV’s responsibilities such as surveillance, data collection, or international reporting
obligations that can affect trade. How far the intended BV module of Vanuatu’s ESWS fills BV’s needs is not
clear and with the identification of just one Biosecurity Officer to independently ‘test’ the software before
assisting with training, it appears the ESWS project may not gain the necessary buy-in to serve BV well.
Similarly, it is not clear to what extent other international initiatives such as the IPPC-developed Generic
ePhyto National System (GeNS) are being linked. According to IPPC, the GeNS “is a centralized system to
facilitate the creation of electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhytos). It is a multi-tenant web-based system
developed for countries without their own system to produce ePhytos, send and receive then electronically”. 153
Furthermore, it adopts an approach to ePhyto that is aligned with the relevant International Standard for
Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 12).
6.3.4 SPS-related institutional arrangements

6.3.4.1 Biosecurity Vanuatu
Biosecurity Vanuatu is one of five departments within MALFFB and is responsible for implementing SPS
provisions on animals and plants, and the Department of Health is responsible for food safety. A staff of
about 40 deliver BV’s services for Vanuatu’s islands through two main offices located in Port Vila, Efate, and
Luganville, Espiritu Santo. The country’s two main international seaports are also located in Port Vila and
Luganville, as are two of three international airports. In addition, in accordance with the Meat Industry Act
lxxvii In accordance with ISPM 5 (FAO 2019): A pest is “any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent
injurious to plants or plant products.”
lxxviii From the Animal Importation and Quarantine Act: “disease” means any departure from normal health or production, from
diagnosed reasons or not, and caused by any infectious, parasitic, hereditary or toxic agent.”
1991 there are three approved slaughterhouses, one situated on Efate and the other two on Espiritu Santo.
Under BV’s Director there are two Principal Officers, the Principal Veterinary Officer (PVO) and the Principal
Biosecurity Officer (PBO), both located in Port Vila. The PVO leads the Veterinary Section (VS) and is supported
by two Senior Veterinary Officers, one based on Espiritu Santo. The VS is the national Competent Veterinary
Authority for Vanuatu. The PBO has four senior officers in support, two Senior Border Control Officers (one
located in Port Vila and the other on Espiritu Santo), a Senior Plant Health Officer and a Senior Compliance
Officer.
Staff capacity and capability can only be described as wanting as highlighted with the recent Emergency Order
declared by the Minister responsible for Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity in July 2019
for the purpose of managing the unexpected and serious outbreak of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes
rhinoceros) (CRB), a quarantine pest discovered on the island of Efate. Staff from other ministries without
proper training have been periodically directed to assist in the application of control measures in BV’s attempt
to eradicate the beetle.
At the time the Minister made the Emergency Order, two of BV’s key positions were - the Director and the Acting
Principal Veterinary Officer – were held by acting officers. The appointed Director of Biosecurity was undertaking
postgraduate study in New Zealand while the Senior Compliance Officer was participating in a two-year training
programme offshore. Clearly, the development of highly qualified and experienced staff enhances capacity and
professional recognition of Vanuatu’s SPS-related institutions. However, the absence of key staff for prolonged
periods has contributed to BV being short-staffed to manage the additional workload associated with the
incursion of a quarantine pest and the high priority actions identified in Vanuatu’s NBP 2016-2030. Although
Vanuatu’s NBP is a relatively new development, with recent ‘game-changing’ issues (e.g. the arrival of CRB
and associated pressures on BV, pest and disease problems in the animal and plant production sectors, and
significant changes in senior BV staff) coming to the fore, a MALFFB-review of the NBP is timely.
Other capacity and capability issues within BV reported include:
• Inadequate resources to staff offices at the certified ports of entry of Sola on Vanua Lava, Lakatoro on
Malekula, Lenakel on Tanna, and Anelgauhat on Aneityum for effective border control of arriving vessels;
• Lack of succession planning and/or slow recruitment of highly qualified contracted staff within the VS,
which precludes enough continuity of service.
6.3.4.2 Vanuatu Bureau of Standards
The VBS, within the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce & Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB), presently
undertakes SPS-related testing on cocoa, virgin coconut oil, and kava for export. In addition, it is involved in
testing of organic fertilizers, nutrient content of locally processed food and microbiological testing. The VBS is
staffed by the Chief Executive Officer and three temporary laboratory assistants. While VBS has some Govern-
ment funding to subsidise testing costs to small scale producers, testing services are essentially provided on
a cost-recovery basis.
Its capacity to increase the number of samples tested and extend the range of tests performed is severely
constrained and as such, if demand for testing increases further, additional human resources and new
equipment will be required. In certain areas, sub-contracting may be the best option. For example, VBS has
fostered subcontract arrangements with AsureQuality, a New Zealand State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) running
a laboratory, for provision of residue and heavy metal testing required. Yet other difficulties impede effective
day-to-day operations, including the six- to eight-month turnaround time for laboratory supplies and equipment
to be obtained from overseas.
The following are identified as priorities to enhance capacity in VBS and ensure that SPS-related testing can
be accessed by Vanuatu’s exporters when required:
• The acquisition of a commercial blender to reduce the time taken to complete a test - currently 24
hours, much of which is time to prepare a sample;
• Recruitment of laboratory assistants to permanent positions;
• Six- to eight-week placement in a formally accredited laboratory in New Zealand or Australia for each
of the laboratory assistants;

• Secure long term sub-contractual arrangements with a foreign laboratory, for example AsureQuality,
for supply of residue and heavy metal testing services, as required;
• Seek professional assistance from an accredited laboratory’s system manager to advise and prepare
a roadmap for international accreditation of VBS’s laboratory systems.
6.3.5 SPS requirements for exporting sectors

Chapter 3 emphasizes the need for Vanuatu to reduce its merchandise trade deficit and recommends
enhancing the output of export-oriented sectors as well as boosting local production in areas where imports
can be competitively replaced. Nearly all merchandise export is focused on commodities affected by SPS
requirements. Specific requirements necessarily vary from country to country with some measures needing to be
implemented pre-export, others applied on arrival in the importing country and yet others post-entry. Furthermore,
producers, exporters, transporters, BV officers, importing country officers, and/or importers may have roles in
implementing required SPS measures. Ultimately though, there needs to be product(s) to trade.
Presently, production rather than SPS-related issues within a number of Vanuatu’s key primary product indus-
tries constrain development of merchandise export trade and import(s) replacement. Specific SPS-related
matters for some export (past and present) primary products are considered below.
6.3.5.1 Coconut products
The Vanuatu National Coconut Strategy 2016-2025 highlights two major concerns: firstly, the over-reliance
of the coconut sector on copra as the only coconut-based product and secondly, the significant decline in
coconut production, as reflected in the 2018 trade statistics. Various value-added ‘coconut’ products were
identified as offering Vanuatu unprecedented opportunities for linking to the tourism industry. Using copra to
produce refined coconut cooking oils also presents an opportunity, one where Codex Standard for Named
Vegetable Oils CXS 210-1999 (revised and amended subsequently) 154 comes into play. The VBS undertakes
conformity assessment testing on virgin coconut oil, which is benchmarked against Codex standards.
However, probably the biggest challenge to Vanuatu’s coconut sector now is the threat to production posed
by the CRB. Significant production impacts have been reported in some of the other Pacific island Countries
(PICs) where the CRB has established in recent years (Guam, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii (US), Palau and
the Solomon Islands). 155 Research is being undertaken in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to
investigate the use of a nudivirus as a biocontrol to manage CRB and minimise the threat of CRB on palm
oil and coconut industries. 156 The haplotype of CRB collected from Efate is reportedly close to that recorded
in PNG. Any opportunity to extend the current biocontrol research programme underway in PNG and the
Solomon Islands should be pursued. Similarly, any opportunity to recruit extra scientific/technical staff and
trained operations personnel to assist with the eradication attempt should be taken. Alternatively, contrac-
tors such as AsureQuality could be engaged to work in partnership with BV. At best, with current resources,
BV’s eradication programme may contain CRB to Efate and long-term management options will be required.
Additional resources will be required by BV to identify and implement phytosanitary measures (inter-island
border controls) to prevent the spread of CRB to other islands. The ISPM that applies to these circumstances
is ISPM 9 Guidelines for Pest Eradication Programmes. 157 It describes components of a pest eradication
programme which can lead to establishment or re-establishment of pest absence in an area, including reporting
requirements under the IPPC. A pest report regarding CRB has not been submitted to the IPPC Secretariat.
6.3.5.2 Kava
The Vanuatu National Kava Strategy 2016-2025 refers to “Vanuatu’s position as the ‘home’ of kava” and sets
out objectives to “support the vision of being the leading producer of quality kava in the world”. 158 In the late
1990s the export industry’s prospects were significantly impacted by a European ban on kava imports because
potential health concerns were linked with kava consumption. Fortunately, in 2007 the WHO concluded that
“consumption of kava as a beverage has been shown to cause no irreversible, long term health problems”. 159
German courts have since overturned the ban on kava imports.
The WHO’s conclusion did not, however, detract from quality issues that can arise with kava. Toxic effects are
linked with higher levels of flavokavins and alkaloids in kava. The competent authorities in some countries
may place bans on kava imports if health concerns arise over poor quality kava. Improving the quality of
kava to avoid toxic effects is readily achieved through the use of noble varieties and appropriate processing
techniques. The Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) program, an Australian Govern-
ment initiative, has thus presided over the development and publication of national standards for kava. 160
In addition, PHAMA oversaw the development of a colorimetry test to distinguish between noble and ‘tudei’
(potentially toxic) varieties. Aligned with the 2015 amendment to the Kava Act, BV undertakes sampling of
kava for export for VBS to conduct testing to ensure conformity with the legislation. Only noble varieties can
be exported so based on the colorimetry test result, BV prepares a permit for export.
Vanuatu has led an initiative for the National Quality Standard for Kava Exports to be developed into a Codex
standard. This is important to ensure that Vanuatu’s conformity assessment procedures are internationally
recognised. The CAC follows an eight-step process for standard setting, the eighth being adoption. In 2017,
with Quad country (i.e. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and US) support for the initiative, CAC approved
the preparation of a regional draft for kava based on consumer protection and fair-trade considerations. The
next step in the standard-setting process involves the regional Codex Committee for North America and
South West Pacific (CCNASWP). Presently Vanuatu is the Regional Coordinator of CCNASWP and hosted a
meeting of the committee in September 2019, in part to continue work on two regional Codex standards for
noni juice and kava, both local beverages. In time then, it is probable a Codex standard for kava will apply.
6.3.5.3 Beef
Vanuatu has the reputation of being the only PIC with volume, quality, and infrastructure to export beef. 161
The recent decline in beef production and export is well documented, 162 however, the cattle industry remains
important to Vanuatu. The industry is well established and has around 35 commercial cattle farmers with large
herds that supply most of the beef to the formal market. 163 The two longer established abattoirs (Vanuatu
Abattoirs Limited (VAL), Espiritu Santo Meat Packers Limited (SMP)) are the only processors for export. A
third abattoir, Wong Sze Sing (WSS) opened on Espiritu Santo in 2015 mainly to supply a canning factory.
Currently none of the abattoirs are operating at full capacity, but SMP continues to supply the Japanese
market and VAL exports to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands periodically as domestic supply allows.
In the past, VAL had accessed Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
The Veterinary Services (VS) within BV, comprising three VOs and eight meat inspectors, provides services
to the three abattoirs in accordance with the Meat Industry Act 1991 [CAP. 239]. The OIE identified aspects
of Vanuatu’s VS and related regulatory services (i.e. regulatory veterinary activities needed to support inter-
national trade and public health) that do not meet OIE standards. 164 Consequently, currently Vanuatu cannot
meet the SPS requirements of markets such as the EU, US, and China.To support trade in animal products
the OIE recommended that “the VS will:
• Continue to protect the favourable national animal disease free status through import control, but will
also seek international recognition of such status;
• Develop specific residue testing and animal and animal product identification [programs] to meet
importing country requirements”. 165
With little prospect of a significant increase in the cattle available for slaughter there is no immediate need
to focus on developing specific residue testing and animal and animal product identification systems, as
recommended. However, import controls must be maintained and preferably strengthened at certified ports
of entry to maintain the animal disease free status. Similarly, the current capacity in VS must be sustained
in order to preserve Vanuatu’s reputation and ability to perform in international beef markets in the future.
Fortunately, arrangements can be made with internationally recognised diagnostic and testing laboratories
for ready access to any diagnostics/testing required or authorised by BV, VS or VBS. The costs and technical
capacity required to establish and operate comprehensive SPS-related laboratory services would be impos-
sible for Vanuatu to justify and maintain. 166
6.3.5.4 Fruits and vegetables
Trade in fresh fruits and vegetables – perishable products with seasonally variable production – carries
inherent risks. Meeting the SPS requirements to address pest risks directly associated with some fruits and
vegetables can be challenging. The risks associated with tephritid fruit flies exemplify this. Vanuatu has
just three economically important species of pest fruit flies but there are many species that are not known to
be present in Vanuatu. Hence, exporting or importing fruit fly host material, such as Tahitian lime, requires
phytosanitary measures for fruit flies. For example, Vanuatu has the opportunity to export Tahitian lime to
New Zealand if it complies with the SPS measures set by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 167 Tahitian
lime can be infested by fruit flies, but the species present in Vanuatu do not infest the fruit. The MPI-specified
measure for fruit flies on Tahitian lime from Vanuatu is ‘non-host status’. In contrast, the export of mango
from Vanuatu would require a pre-export disinfestation treatment, such as high temperature forced air. When
production is insufficient and supply inconsistent, investment in costly, possibly little used treatment facilities
to meet SPS requirements to importing countries cannot be a priority.
6.3.6 SPS-related risks to exporting sectors

6.3.6.1 Sea containers
Because of the merchandise trade deficit, 90% of sea containers arrive full and leave empty. Regardless
of whether a container carries goods or not, it can carry pests and diseases and is therefore a ‘regulated
article’. lxxix Some countries, including important trade partners to Vanuatu (e.g. Australia, New Zealand, US)
are becoming increasingly concerned about the risks posed by sea containers. As recently as 5 August 2019,
an item on this issue was posted on the IPPC website. 168 Not long before, on 19 July 2019, New Zealand’s
MPI issued a new Import Health Standard for Sea Containers from All Countries, that revoked and replaced
an earlier version.
Sea containers, unintentionally harbouring pests such as giant African snail, fire ants, and/or seeds from
invasive plants, could be the cause of disruption to trade in export markets but more importantly, contamina-
tion of containers arriving in Vanuatu may bring new pests and diseases to the country. Biosecurity Vanuatu,
together with private stevedoring companies and sectors participating in international trade (e.g. shipping
lines) will need to co-operate to manage the risks to trade associated with sea containers. Since March 2018
both Ifira Port Development Services (IPDS) and Northern Islands Stevedoring Company Limited (NISCOL)
operate MPI-approved Sea Container Hygiene Systems (SCHS) at their facilities in Port Vila and Luganville,
respectively.
• Biosecurity Vanuatu to participate in relevant international fora, including the WTO SPS Committee,
the IPPC Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, OIE Regional Commission and Codex CNASWP
• Review and enact the Biosecurity Bill
• Update the Biosecurity Policy 2016-2030 to include and prioritise Vanuatu’s SPS-related legislation
updates and immediate pest management needs (e.g. CRB response).
• Electronically generate SPS permits and certificates including, if merited, by linking Vanuatu’s ESWS
to the IPPC-developed GeNS
• Develop specifications to address the wider e-System needs of Biosecurity Vanuatu and implement
these to complement the ESWS project
• Identify BV human resource gaps at certified ports of entry and employ trained personnel for effective
border control of high-risk entry pathways (e.g. yachts, sea containers)
• Strengthen arrangements with ISO accredited (e.g. AsureQuality) or OIE-recognised diagnostic and
testing laboratories overseas to ensure ready access to any pest and disease diagnostics or testing
required or authorised by BV, VS or VBS
• Provide additional resources to develop the laboratory capacity of VBS and establish the international
credentials of the VBS laboratory
• Increase capacity to address key primary production issues associated with the management of pests
(CRB and invasive pasture weeds) and diseases (e.g. vibriosis)
• Progress development through CCNASWP of a Codex standard for kava
• Develop and formalise collaborative arrangements between public and private sector to manage
increasing risks to trade associated with sea containers
6.4 Quality Infrastructure

6.4.1 Introduction
Vanuatu’s policy-makers and private businesses are faced with quality issues on a daily basis. These include
meeting quality requirements demanded by overseas buyers and ensuring that fit-for-purpose quality require-
lxxix According to ISPM 5 (FAO 2019): A regulated article is “any plant, plant product, storage place, packaging, conveyance,
container, soil and any other organism, object or material capable of harbouring or spreading pests, deemed to require phy-
tosanitary measures, particularly where international transportation is involved.”
ments are adopted and enforced in the domestic market. Failure to meet quality requirements undermines
Vanuatu’s export competitiveness.
National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) is the totality of the institutional framework (public and private) needed
to provide acceptable evidence that products and services meet defined requirements. These requirements
are either specified on a mandatory basis (in the form of technical regulations) or on a voluntary basis through
standards. 169
The five components of a NQI include (1) quality-related policy, legislation and regulations (2); standardisa-
tion; (3) metrology; (4) accreditation; and (5) conformity assessment (testing, inspection, and certification).
The composition of a NQI does not change significantly between countries. In Vanuatu, the system is in its
infancy. The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) is the National Standards Body (NSB), with the mission of
leading the development of the NQI. The VBS was established in late 2016 as a body corporate under the
Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce, and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB). 170
Besides the establishment of a leading institution, the NQI requires investment in several areas. For example,
a national policy is necessary to define the scope of the NQI, and set the boundaries of the leading institution;
metrology needs equipment and, which in some cases can be highly expensive; standards need not only to
be set, but compliance needs to be promoted when it gives access to profitable markets; conformity assess-
ment bodies cannot survive without the appropriate maintenance and update - of equipment, knowledge, etc.
6.4.2 Why is a National Quality Infrastructure necessary?

When exporting their products, producers will need to meet specifications which are included in technical
regulations, for example related to packaging and labelling. These specifications are in addition to those
demonstrating compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary provisions (see section 6.3). Beyond the realm of
regulation, there exist a multitude of private standards (organic, fair trade, etc.), which when met can guar-
antee a higher sale price. It is a fact that non-tariff barriers to trade usually rest on these specifications, and
that clear rules set by an NQI reduce the chance of possible international complaints.
The NQI is essential to leverage trade and investment. International trade is facilitated when countries’ stan-
dards, measurements, test results, and certificates are mutually accepted as reliable.
Therefore, to attract foreign investors and support domestic producers targeting export markets, a NQI should
provide appropriate access to standards and technical regulations, guarantee reliable measurements, and
support a system for accreditation of the country testing and certification facilities which assures international
recognition of their services.
It is important to point out that the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Agreement on Technical Barriers to
Trade (TBT) normally relies upon NQI institutions for its implementation, even though this should not be the
sole purpose of their establishment in a country.
Summing up, the benefits of a NQI are multiple:
• Better, safer, and more innovative and sustainable products are developed
• Domestic commercial activity increases
• Consumer protection is enhanced
• Technical barriers to international trade (TBT) are reduced, and so is the cost of international trade
• Products and services become internationally competitive
• The country can represent its views more effectively in international fora and shape the development
of international rules
6.4.3 Vanuatu Bureau of Standards and the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade
The Republic of Vanuatu has been a member of the WTO since August 2012. The WTO Agreement on TBT
states that, “any technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures do not constitute
a technical barrier.” The same Agreement indicates that: “… it seeks to achieve a balance between allowing
Members to take regulatory measures to protect legitimate interests, and assures that technical regulations,
standards and conformity assessment procedures do not become unnecessary obstacles to international
trade”.
In 2016 Vanuatu communicated the identity of the bodies responsible for implementing the TBT Agreement,
including the MTTCNVB as the entity responsible to implement the obligations of the TBT agreement, the
Department of External Trade as the entity responsible for TBT notifications, and the Food Technology Devel-
opment Centre and Analytical Unit (FTDCAU), the VBS’ predecessor, as the TBT Enquiry Point. 171 Vanuatu
should notify that the VBS is the new TBT Enquiry Point.
In the same year, the legislation to establish the VBS was passed. On the export side, the bureau is to
create an enabling environment helping producers to address TBT in foreign markets. On the import side,
the bureau acts on behalf of the MTTCNVB to ensure that all standards adopted and made mandatory lxxx are
genuinely justified by the protection of “legitimate interests” and are not discriminatory to the point of creating
an unnecessary obstacle to international trade.
6.4.4 Vanuatu Bureau of Standards – general constraints

The VBS performs its role by undertaking functions in most of the core NQI areas including standardisation,
conformity assessment, and metrology.
The VBS is only two years old and faces several problems due to its lack of experience, numerous responsi-
bilities, multiple divisions, limited budget, and lack of physical capital and qualified human capital – including
due to the country’s skill shortages.
However, room for fast improvement exists, including by leveraging experience from more advanced countries,
and exploring opportunities for regional cooperation.
Whilst the VBS was established as a semi-autonomous body corporate under the MTTCNVB, lxxxi its current
administrative treatment resembles that of the old FTDCAU – i.e. a unit of MTTCNVB’s Office of the Director
General. This treatment limits the VBS’ ability to impartially perform its functions, for example certification and
promotion/advice on mandatory standards.
The possibility of imposing fees and charges (VBS Act article 11) can ensure VBS’ self-sustainability. However,
the VBS Act also specifies (article 12.2) that all investment necessary for developing the bureau’s functions is
responsibility of the Government: “The Government must ensure there is a sufficient budget allocated to the
Bureau to enable it to perform its functions efficiently, effectively and professionally”. In 2018, nearly 95% of
VBS funds come from the Government whilst 5% came from fees.
6.4.5 National Quality Policy

A National Quality Policy (NQP) is a document that fosters the culture of quality and “specifies the overall
policy vision, the policy objectives, expected outcomes and required measures with respect to the development
of the NQI”. 172 A NQP also provides details of the NQI, and facilitates a proper and coherent division of work
within a country’s context. At the same time, it is the first step for a National Quality Strategy setting the more
detailed roadmap for arriving to a fully developed and internationally harmonised NQI.
Vanuatu lacks a NQP, and this gap should be addressed. In order to ensure biggest possible buy-in for its
NQP, the government will have to engage in extensive consultations with a variety of stakeholders.
6.4.6 Standardisation
The country has inherited several different standards from their pre-independence days. Even today, standards
of imported products are likely to differ based on the origin of the key trading partner. The same applies to
goods and services which are locally produced and exported to different overseas markets, but also sold in
the domestic market.
Lack of declared national standards favours the current situation and may represent an obstacle for investors
and a potential source of legal problems. In order to face these problems, it is recommended that national
standards are adopted which are based on international standards. Some of these standards may be declared
as mandatory by being included in relevant technical regulations.
The adoption of national standards is expected to facilitate foreign investment as well as promote a quality
culture among national producers. Guidelines for adoption of national standards, as well as the process decide
on mandatory standards, is included in Part 4 of the VBS Act.
The path for adoption is preceded by a number of steps, namely:
lxxx Even though standards are voluntary, they may be turned into a mandatory article of law. When this happens, standards
become technical regulations – see Annex 1 of the WTO Agreement on TBT
lxxxi Same legal personality as the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) and the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA)
• Gathering
• Classification
• Prioritisation
• Adoption
• Publishing (catalogue production)
The Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) is currently assisting the VBS on standardisation. However,
some of the above steps are strictly a country’s responsibility, and therefore require national ownership and
leadership.
6.4.7 Metrology
A national of metrology body provides quality assurance on measurement. Metrology is a barrier against fraud
and a promoter of international trade. Metrology laboratories are the depositories of national measurement
standards (primary or secondary) and provide calibration services that can significantly reduce trading costs,
and at the same time can generate significant revenues.
In Vanuatu, the VBS carries responsibility for metrology – article 11 of the VBS Act. The VBS has not yet
a metrology division and laboratory and the CSN is providing some basic training in this area. However,
metrology requires investment in equipment, measurement standards and trained staff.
The current VBS building has enough space for a metrology laboratory if appropriately prepared for matching
the standard requirements. These include structure modification in order to obtain isolation from environmental
impacts (humidity, temperature, dirt, pollution, etc.), from other surrounding laboratories, vibration absorption
preventive measures, restriction to visitors etc. For some aspects of metrology, regional cooperation can help
reducing costs and overcoming common challenges. 173
6.4.8 Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that the services provided by Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs, i.e. those under-
taking testing, inspection and certification), are internationally recognised. As such, accreditation reduces
transaction costs and breaks barriers to trade. By the same token, lack of accreditation creates risks that
tests, certificates, and inspection reports undertaken by Vanuatu’s conformity assessment bodies are rejected
in overseas markets.
To ensure international recognition of CAB’s services, the Accreditation Body (AB) needs itself to be recognised
by a competent regional or international organisation. lxxxii This will involve evaluating the AB’s capacity to
assess CAB’s ability to meet certain standards.
The most well-known and used standard is ISO/IEC 17025, which sets the requirements for accreditation of
testing and calibration laboratories. There is then ISO/IEC 17020 for accreditation of inspection bodies, as well
as standards for accreditation of certification bodies – for example, ISO/IEC 17021 for quality management,
environmental management, and food safety management. 174
Private sector certification systems based on private standards (e.g. Fairtrade, Forest Stewardship Council,
etc.) frequently use their own accreditation criteria to recognise CABs wishing to participate in the particular
certification scheme.
The VBS should work towards accreditation of its conformity assessment services, as well as support priority
domestic CABs to be accredited. Regional solutions can be explored to reduce costs of accreditation 175
6.4.9 Conformity assessment services

Conformity assessment involves a set of processes to demonstrate that a product, service or system meets
the requirements of a standard. Conformity assessment includes testing, certification, and inspection.
• Certification is the provision by an independent body of written assurance (a certificate) that a product
(or management system) has been inspected and tested (or assessed) and that it complies with spec-
ified requirements, usually contained in a standard
• Testing is the determination of one or more of an object or product’s characteristics against the
requirements of a standard
lxxxii Asia-Pacific organisations include the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC). At international level, the Inter-
national Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation deals with accreditation of testing services, and the International Accreditation
Forum (IAF) deals with accreditation of certification and inspection services.
• Inspection describes the observation of a product or process (which can be supported by testing) and
the judgement on its conformity to specified criteria as set in a standard
The VBS laboratories currently perform most of the conformity assessment services of the Vanuatu’s NQI.
Notably, the laboratories provide testing of food quality and safety (mostly microbiological and organoleptic
characteristics) for several products (i.e. coffee, kava, packaged products).
The issuance of certificates is limited as the VBS laboratories are not accredited and VBS’ certificates are
only accepted in a limited number of countries (e.g. kava in New Caledonia). If VBS laboratories were to
target accreditation, evaluation from an external AB would be required to avoid conflict of interest and ensure
broader international recognition of the services’ results.
a. The VBS is given semi-autonomous status in line with the provisions of the VBS Act
b. Notify to the WTO that VBS is the new TBT Enquiry Point
c. Draft and approve a National Quality Policy
d. Adopt a catalogue of priority national standards
e. Establish a metrology laboratory and train staff in legal metrology and calibration
f. Pursue international recognition for the national metrology body (metrology division of the VBS) from the
Intentional Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML)
g. The VBS to work towards accreditation of its conformity assessment services
h. The VBS to support priority domestic CABs to be accredited
i. Start developing certification schemes for some food safety standards - HACCP and/or ISO 22000
j. Scope options for regional cooperation, for example in the areas of measurement standards and accredi-
tation services
CHAPTER 7: DOING BUSINESS - REFORMS FOR PRIVATE
SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
A business-enabling environment can improve Vanuatu’s trade competitiveness by promoting private invest-
ment in areas of comparative advantage. Enhanced private sector dynamism has in turn the potential to boost
innovation and result in higher rates of long-term growth (see Chapter 2). This chapter proposes a series
of recommendations in topical areas of private sector development including: business policies, laws, and
regulations; labour market; land; financial sector; Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); public sector entities
influencing the enabling business environment; and private sector entities providing business support services.
7.1 Business Policies, Laws and Regulations

Businesses require an efficient, effective and certain regulatory framework within which to operate.
7.1.1 Company structures

Significant progress has been made since the previous Trade Policy Framework in the area of the legal
framework for companies. The new Companies Act was passed in Parliament in 2012, making it easier for
people to conduct business. The Registration of Business Names Act was amended in 2015 to provide that
all companies in Vanuatu must register their business names.
The new Companies Act streamlined compliance requirements, resulting in lower transaction costs for
company owners. For example, the online business registry permitted under the Act allows both Ni-Vanuatu
and overseas investors to register a business, maintain its details, and pay fees online, reducing the average
time for company registrations from more than three weeks to under three days. 176
The legislative changes are being implemented by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC), which
was established by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission Act [CAP 229]. The VFSC has introduced
important online initiatives to streamline regulatory requirements, such as online search functions, online
payment options, and online verification of documents. In particular, there is an electronic business registry
which allows company registration and filing of annual returns from anywhere at any time, provided internet
access is available. The business registry can also be searched by the public, which improves access to
up-to-date information on companies, directors, and shareholders. It also allows lenders, customers and
investors to deal more confidently with companies in Vanuatu.
Private sector opinion of the VFSC is generally positive. The VFSC is funded through the collection of fees
and charges for the services it provides (as authorised under the legislation it is responsible for implementing)
and also any grants given to it from Government. 177 From a review of the Government budgets, VFSC has not
received any funding allocation in the past three years.
7.1.2 Legislative framework for foreign investment

Foreign investment entry is regulated under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (CAP 248) (FIPA), and is
administered by the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA). Following a review in 2008, the Council
of Ministers decided in August 2009 to draft a new bill for consideration, 178 which this resulted in the drafting of
a Bill for the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act in 2010. The Bill has gone through subsequent rounds
of consultations, but has yet to be put forward to Parliament by the Minister of Tourism, Trade, Commerce,
and Ni-Vanuatu Business. The long delay between each round of consultations on the Bill and the ongoing
uncertainty as to whether the Bill will be put forward to Parliament has created considerable uncertainty in
the foreign investment climate.
94 Ch. 7: Doing Business - Reforms for Private Sector Development
One of the major impediments to finalising the Bill for the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act is the
lack of a national investment policy. The government finalised its National Investment Policy Statement in
2019, 179 but this is still pending approval by the Council of Ministers. Once the National Investment Policy
Statement is approved and publicly released, the Bill for the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act should
be presented to the Parliament.
7.1.3 Foreign investment entry

The foreign investment approval process, which is the process for obtaining a foreign investment approval
certificate, has been consistently improving, with time to obtain approval dropped from more than 30 working
days in 2008, to an average of fewer than 15 working days.
There are a number of further issues relating to foreign investment entry that should be resolved by the
Government:
• The FIPA sets out areas in which Vanuatu wishes to limit foreign investment. Some areas on the list
are reserved solely for investors who are citizens of Vanuatu, while others are open to companies
with foreign ownership, as long as they meet specific minimum requirements. The strategic and
policy objectives behind the list are sometimes unclear and many of the activities on the list are not
well-defined. In addition, the FIPA does not define a process for revising the reserved list over time.
Reservation of activities would benefit from the written statement of an agreed criteria to guide deci-
sion by policy-makers. This statement could be included in the Bill for the Investment Promotion and
Facilitation Act, the FIPA’s successor.
• Investment promotion strategy is still nascent; the National Investment Policy Statement identifies
priority sectors and sub-sectors and related investment opportunities, and the Trade Policy Framework
Update 2019 provides overall development directions for these sectors and sub-sectors. These two
documents should now inform the development of specific and practical investment promotion strat-
egies for each priority sub-sector, including tourism, coconut, beef, kava, fruits & vegetables, cocoa,
timber, and fishery products.
7.1.4 Licensing requirements

Licensing requirements typically provide regulatory approval for a defined activity; however, they should not
create unnecessary barriers to entry.
The business license, which is regulated under the Business License Act [CAP 249], must be obtained by all
businesses and is issued in different jurisdictions. In Port Vila and Luganville, the business license is issued
by the Rates and Taxes Office, Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR), within the Ministry of
Finance and Economic Management (MFEM). In areas outside Port Vila and Luganville, the business license
is issued by the local provincial councils. As the license is specific to commercial activity and geographic
location, it does not allow businesses to have mobility and to operate throughout the country.
The requirement for renewing the business license annually is an administrative burden, however, the
proceeds of business licenses are theoretically partly used to fund the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and
Industry. 180 The Government should consider whether the primary purpose of the business license is regulation
or revenue raising.
If the primary purpose is regulation, the business license system should be converted to a registration
process, 181 while allowing regulation for activities that are a threat to the public interest or environmental
sustainability. A registration process would also provide a useful source of information for Vanuatu’s regulators,
Government, and service providers. This online registration process would be in addition to the company
registration process that is already administered by the VFSC. Given that Vanuatu has an online platform,
administered by VFSC, which covers company registration, it should be easy to add a business license aspect
(module) to the online platform.
In certain sectors, additional licenses are required, however, there is no central repository of information in
Vanuatu as to what licenses and permits, such as development and construction permits, are required for
certain activities. The effect of this is that it is not easy for prospective businesses to obtain information about
what requirements they must comply with.
One further difficulty is that many of the existing license categories appear to lack clear application guide-
lines and well-defined criteria for approval decisions. The promulgation by the Government of well-defined,
consistent and relevant criteria for approval decisions would assist in providing private sector businesses
with greater understanding of the information they are required to provide.
v
The Government introduced the Industrial Development Act No. 19 of 2014 (IDA) 182 which requires businesses
that are undertaking industrial activities and/or external trading services to obtain an industrial permit from
the Department of Industry. Though useful from the perspective of providing relevant information to the
Government, there does not appear to be a policy basis for introducing an industry permit as the Vanuatu
National Industry Policy 2011, on which the IDA was based, does not refer to any need for any such license.
The industry license could be converted to a requirement to provide specific information on an annual basis,
perhaps by introducing relevant ‘fields’ to the business license ‘module’ of the VFSC online platform.
The IDA introduces a discretionary process for the Department of Industry to impose export taxes (of up to
40%) on primary products to encourage value-added processing in Vanuatu. The discretionary export tax has
created uncertainty for primary producers. The new Vanuatu Industry Development Strategy 2018-2022 has
proposed restrictions on the export of copra to expand local processing, however, such restriction would need
to comply with the IDA. The IDA states that certain information, such as market studies, is to be considered
by the Director when making a decision on export taxes. 183 This process should be more transparent and
the IDA should set out better criteria for considering the imposition of an export tax, including the conduct of
independent economic analysis, and an annual monitoring and evaluation exercise whose outcomes should
be publicly available.
7.1.6 Competition
An effective competition framework should discourage anticompetitive business practices and Government
policies (e.g. overly restrictive licensing regimes), thus fostering innovation, productivity and trade compet-
itiveness.
Vanuatu has made significant progress in encouraging competition within its markets, and has established
three separate independent regulators for certain infrastructure services.
In 2019 the Vanuatu Government passed its first competition and consumer protection policy. 184 This policy
sets out a number of principles which the Government should follow, but will not by itself lead to significant
structural change. The Government must develop legislation pertaining to consumer protection, as well as a
suitable and proportionate enforcement mechanisms.
7.1.7 Consumer protection

Vanuatu relies on outdated British legislation (the Sale of Goods Act), regarding the protection of consumers’
right to quality products. This legislation is insufficient to ensure the necessary consumer rights, 185 as it did not
keep pace with commercial expectations, particularly in an increasingly global, services-based, and electronic
trading environment. lxxxiii
Beyond the Sale of Goods Act, the only legislative instrument that governs any aspect of consumer rights is
the Penal Code [CAP 135]. The Penal Code imposes penalties on persons who obtain money by deception
or false or misleading statement. 186 The penalty for breaching these sections of the Penal Code is 12 years
imprisonment. Whilst this may be seen to be a deterrent, being a criminal offense, it can only be enforced
by the police and public prosecutors. The public does not have direct access to such redress, as a person
would need to make a complaint to the police and hope that the police would deem the alleged crime to be
worthy of considering investigating and referral for prosecution.
Consumer protection is vital to competition, as it ensures consumers have adequate information to make
informed choices, which will lead to empowered consumers subject to fewer abuses. Consumer protection also
contributes to creating a level playing field for businesses, which have to apply a common set of standards,
lxxxiii In Britain, new legislation filling the observed gaps, the Consumer Rights Act, was approved in 2015
thereby supporting competition. 187

The Government must develop legislation pertaining to consumer protection, as well as a suitable and propor-
tionate enforcement mechanisms.
7.1.8 Contract enforcement

There are four levels of courts in Vanuatu, the highest of which is the Court of Appeal, which is preceded by
the Supreme Court, Magistrates’ Court, and Island Courts. Different courts in Vanuatu have jurisdiction over
different causes of action and different values of claims. Each court in Vanuatu is bound by the decision of
superior courts through the doctrine of judicial precedent.
Court delays are an ongoing issue with the judiciary system in Vanuatu. 188 Following a 2013 review of the
judiciary system, it was found that delays were so lengthy that justice was being effectively denied. For
example, in a list of complaints reported to the Ministry of Justice in 2011, pending decisions (after a trial
was completed) were the main cause of delays, with an average length of four years and seven months. 189 In
late 2015, a new case management system was implemented which represents a significant improvement.
There has been improvement in the average rate of pending decisions, 190 however, to further reduce delays,
the Government could consider amending the Civil Procedure Rules to provide time limits for judges giving
decisions.
7.1.9 Arbitration
Arbitration is a type of alternative dispute resolution, being an alternative mechanism to the court system for
resolving disputes. In arbitration, the parties present arguments and evidence to an independent third party,
the arbitrator, who makes a determination. Arbitration is most often used in disputes where the subject matter
is technical and requires in-depth technical knowledge to make an accurate determination, for example, in
construction contracts.
There is no domestic legislation currently in force relating to arbitration, meaning that there is no system for
domestic arbitration, which parties could use to resolve disputes within the country. The implementation of
a system of domestic arbitration in Vanuatu could resolve the issue with court delays, though it would take
a number of years to set up. An alternative dispute resolution centre focusing on mediation would be more
cost effective and easier to implement, as referred to in the following section.
International arbitration is limited to those agreements that voluntarily consent to an arbitration process in the
event of a dispute under the contract. If parties consent to international arbitration, they agree to undertake an
arbitration according to the particular international rules that the parties select. Once the arbitrator makes a
decision, this decision is known as the “arbitral award”. There is no provision for the enforcement in Vanuatu
of foreign arbitral awards. The practical effect of this is that foreign investors would be less likely to agree to
any arbitration with Vanuatu-based companies or the Government, as the foreign investors would not be sure
of being able to enforce any award given as a result of the arbitration process. The New York Convention on the
Enforcement of Arbitral Awards is a convention which provides for reciprocity of enforcement of international
arbitration awards. By becoming a signatory to the New York Convention, Vanuatu could ensure reciprocity
of enforcement and, therefore, increase confidence in doing business with Vanuatu-based companies.
7.1.10 Alternative dispute resolution centre

Mediation is another form of alternative dispute resolution, meaning an alternative mechanism to the court
system for resolving disputes. It requires the participation of a third party (a mediator), whose role is to assist
the parties to reach agreement on the resolution of the dispute. A mediator does this by seeking to align
the parties’ interests where possible, identifying the possible outcomes of the litigation or arbitration, and
examining what options might be available to the parties to settle the dispute.
In Vanuatu, a court may refer a matter to mediation under Part 10 of the Civil Procedure Rules 2002. Atten-
dance at, and participation in, mediation sessions are voluntary and a party may withdraw from mediation
at any time.
In addition to court-referred mediation, it would be beneficial to have options for mediation prior to the lodging
of a formal dispute via court proceedings. The Government could establish a centre for alternative dispute
resolution, where any party to a commercial contract could seek assistance in resolving disputes.
7.1.11 Access to information

Access to information, particularly information on legislative frameworks, are critical to encouraging private
sector development. In Vanuatu, unauthorised versions of the legislation are available online through the
Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute (PacLII). In addition to not having online authorised versions of
legislation, Vanuatu does not produce regular consolidated legislation. The last consolidation of the legislation
was completed in 2006. Consolidation of legislation is when the Acts are updated with all of the amendments
up to that particular date, and then officially published. Most jurisdictions consolidate their legislation on an
ongoing basis as new legislation is passed, or on an annual basis. The lack of consolidated legislation makes it
difficult for the private sector to firstly, be aware of any potential amendments to the legislation that may have
occurred and secondly, be able to read the legislation with ease.
An example of such an occurrence is the Business Names Act. The Business Names Act was originally passed
by Parliament in 1990, 191 and was then consolidated in 2006 as Chapter 211. Since 2006, there have been
two amending pieces of legislation, which must be individually read and compared against Chapter 211. A
simple consolidation of this legislation would improve the private sector’s access to critical information.
The Vanuatu Trade Portal lxxxiv – still in its development stages – is an exception in this regard. The Portal
covers areas of trade, investment and mobility (movement of people and lands), providing a wide range of
information on procedures to complete regulatory requirements, which would be normally scattered across
a variety of Government line agencies’ web pages, in a single place, making it a transparent platform able
to facilitate work in these areas.
a. Finalise and publish the national investment policy
b. Once the national investment policy is finalised, present the Bill for the Investment Promotion and Facili-
tation Act to Parliament
c. Prepare practical investment promotion strategies for each of the priority sectors included in the National
Investment Policy, and use the recommendations of the TPFU sectoral chapters to inform those strategies
d. Consider converting the business license application into a registration process
e. Amend the Industry Development Act to introduce greater transparency over the imposition of export taxes
f. Develop competition legislation
g. Develop consumer protection legislation
h. Consider ratifying the New York Convention on the Enforcement of Arbitral Awards
i. Establish an alternative dispute resolution centre
j. Publish consolidated versions of national legislation
7.2 Labour
7.2.1 Introduction
The regulations concerning the labour market provide the minimum requirements that employers and
employees must comply with for commencing, during of the period of, and terminating employment. Impor-
tantly, the Government’s role in the regulation of the labour market must balance two competing interests,
namely protecting the employees’ rights, and giving employers flexibility to create job opportunities.
lxxxiv Please find the website here: https://tradeportal.gov.vu/.

7.2.2 Overview of legal framework

The legal framework for the labour market in Vanuatu is incredibly complex for a country of Vanuatu’s size
and development. There are five main pieces of legislation that cover domestic workers:
• The Employment Act (CAP 160), which establishes the conditions of employment;
• The Trade Unions Act (CAP 161), which set out the rules for establishment and operation of trade
unions;
• The Trade Disputes Act (CAP 162), which establish mechanisms to resolve labour disputes;
• The Minimum Wage and Minimum Wages Board Act (CAP 182), which establishes the process for
setting minimum wages; and
• The Workmen’s Compensation Act (CAP 202), which requires employers to pay compensation to
workers for workplace injuries.
In addition, foreign workers are also regulated under three other pieces of legislation being:
• The Labour (Work Permits) Act (CAP 187);
• The Foreign Investment Promotion Act (CAP 248); and
• The Immigration Act 2010.
The Commissioner of Labour, supported by the Labour Department within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA)
is responsible for administering most of the labour legislation. The Principal Immigration Officer, who issues
residence permits and entry visas (if required), also has a decision-making role in the labour market.
7.2.3 Information in relation to foreign workers

One significant impediment to reforming the system in relation to foreign workers is the lack of data and
statistics available from the Department of Labour. There is some information available on the number of foreign
workers within each category, but it is far from comprehensive and difficult to access (see Chapter 8). Moreover,
no information is available on the timing of application processes, rejected applications or complaints. Without
a historical record that can be objectively analysed, it is difficult to fully assess effectiveness and timeliness of
the granting of work permits.
There is a potential to further improve data collection on foreign workers by the Department of Labour, and
to make this information more easily accessible. This can be achieved by implementing the recommenda-
tions of Chapter 8 on this issue, as also required by the policy objective SOC 6.9 of National Sustainable
Development Plan (NSDP). 192
7.2.4 National labour policy

In 2010, the Government established the Tripartite Labour Advisory Council (TLAC) to replace the Labour
Advisory Board. The TLAC is comprised of representatives from Government, employers, and trade unions,
who work together to advise the Government on labour market policy. The TLAC has been working to
modernise the country’s laws, however, rather than developing a policy for consultation which would guide
the legislative development, the TLAC focused on drafting new legislation. The result was an Employment
Relations (ER) Bill which sought to combine all the relevant labour legislation in one Act and was consulted
and developed from 2012 until recently. There was significant opposition to the ER Bill from the private sector,
mostly concerning annual leave benefits and severance payments, 193 and the ER Bill appears now to have
been abandoned by the Department of Labour.
In August 2018, the Department of Labour commenced a review of the Employment Act. Recently, amendments
to the Labour (Work Permits) Act were adopted by Parliament, which make it more difficult and costly to
recruit foreign workers. 194 Overall, the lack of a national labour policy impedes consistency across the various
legislation. It would be easier and more consistent for the Government to conduct in-depth consultation on
a national labour policy, which would cover the subject matter of all legislation, and provide direction to any
consequential amendments to individual pieces of legislation.
7.2.5 Social welfare

There is no comprehensive social welfare program, which involves organised public social services for disad-
vantaged groups. The Workmen’s Compensation Act [CAP 202] provides for employers to pay compensation
to workers for workplace injuries, and requires employers to maintain insurance for this purpose. In practice,
many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) do not have any insurance. 195
The only other aspect of social welfare in Vanuatu is the national pensions fund, the Vanuatu National Prov-
ident Fund (VNPF). The VNPF was established under the Vanuatu National Provident Fund Act [CAP 189].
Employers and employees in Vanuatu are compulsorily required to each contribute six per cent of salary to
the VNPF. Employees cannot access their contributions until they reach the age of 55, however, employees
may be allowed to withdraw a portion of savings in circumstances deemed appropriate by the Government,
mainly as a form of disaster relief for members. For example, following Cyclone Pam, the Government allowed
VNPF members to withdraw 20% of their retirement savings.
The development of the national labour policy should address the Government’s policy decision on the issue
of social welfare.
7.2.6 Process issues relating to foreign workers

Under the FIPA, approved foreign investors are eligible for at least two work permits, which seems an arbi-
trary number, and which implicitly suggests a stricter approval process in case more than two permits are
requested. Foreign investors must still fully comply with all labour and immigration requirements, which is
the international standard.
Whilst many aspects of Vanuatu’s policy on expatriate workers are consistent with international best practice,
there are a number of areas which could be reviewed and reformed:
• Overlap of administration. There are three Government agencies involved in the process for accessing
foreign workers. VIPA ‘pre-approves’ work and residence permits for foreign investors. The Depart-
ment of Labour issues work permits. The Department of Immigration issues entry approvals and/or
residence permits. Each foreign worker is then issued two permits: a work permit and a residence
permit. The Government should consider streamlining this process with the issuance of one permit to
each foreign worker.
• Duration of work permits. The current policy is to limit the duration of work permits to 12 months,
though technically they can be issued for up to four years. The annual renewal policy poses a high
administrative and economic burden on employers, foreign workers, and the Government, as the entire
application process much be completed each time and the employee must leave Vanuatu to have the
permit renewed.
• Lack of objective criteria for work permits. The criteria for assessing residence permit applications are
clear, however, the criteria for assessing work permit applications are subjective.196 This can create
uncertainty for applicants.
The proposed national labour policy should address the above identified issues.
7.2.7 Information dissemination

Labour legislation in Vanuatu is difficult to understand, even for qualified lawyers. The Vanuatu Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (VCCI) have released an ‘Employer’s Handbook’, which aims to give employers an
overview of the different statutory requirements. The publication was last updated in 2014.
Employees do not have any guidebook to assist them in understanding the legislative framework and the
benefits to which they are entitled. The Department of Labour should take the leading role in drafting and
publishing a tri-lingual (Bislama, English and French) guidebook, which sets out what employees should under-
stand as both their obligations and rights, in respect of their employment relationship. The guidebook should
be written in everyday language and simplify the legal concepts so they can be understood by the public.
7.2.8 Recent reform

There is a number of recent reforms in the labour market, primarily driven by the Government.
For example, there is currently a review being undertaken by the Department of Labour in relation to the
level of statutory leave and severance allowances, with a view to decrease such allowances for Government
employees who have decades of continuous employment and large accrued balances. Also, the minimum wage
was increased from 1 January 2018 from VUV 170 per hour to VUV 200 per hour. 197 It is unclear whether this
increase was based on the perceived need to deter workers’ exploitation and provide a reasonable standard
of living to workers. It noted, however, that the gross salary of a worker employed 8 hours a day for 200
days a year and paid the minimum wage (VUV 320,000) would be higher than the average per capita Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 (VUV 272,000), thus indicating that the existing minimum wage might, in
some circumstances, discourage employment creation.
The recent reforms are piece-meal and do not address the issues from a holistic perspective. The development
of a national labour policy should address the issue.
a. Development of a national labour policy
b. Review of all legislation in accordance with national labour policy
c. Develop a plain language tri-lingual Employee Handbook, and also an Employer Handbook
d. Establish an information gathering and data recording project within the Department of Labour (see Ch. 8)
7.3 Land
7.3.1 Land ownership
The primary basis of all rules relating to land ownership herald back to the Constitution. In Article 73 of the
Constitution, it is stated that “all land in the Republic of Vanuatu belongs to the indigenous custom owners
and their descendants”. The custom basis for the ownership of land is further enshrined in Article 74 which
states that “the rules of custom shall form the basis of ownership and use of land”. According to Article 75,
land may only be owned, in perpetuity, by the “indigenous citizens” who have acquired their land in accor-
dance with a recognised system of land tenure. In addition, based on Article 80, the Government of Vanuatu
may own land acquired by it in the public interest. The effect of these Articles of the Constitution is that only
Ni-Vanuatu customary land owners and the Government may own the land.
7.3.2 Types of land interests available for economic use

Any person who does not own land may obtain an interest in land, however, the only option is to obtain a
leasehold interest, via a lease with the custom owners of the land or the Government. The grant of leases is
governed under the Land Leases Act [CAP 163].
The Land Reform Act [CAP 123], including its amendments in 1992 and 2000, provides that all land belonging
to the former colonial governments would be vested in the Government as public state land. 198 Given the
former colonial governments’ land was mostly located in the two main urban areas, Port Vila and Luganville,
when this land was transferred to the Government, it allowed for certainty of ownership of a large section of
the main urban areas of land. Consequently, a large amount of the leasehold titles in Vanuatu are found in
these two main urban areas.
In Vanuatu, the term of any lease granted is limited to 75 years. 199 However, for land which is public state
land, lessees have a right to request the Minister of Lands to either extend the lease (for leases less than
75 years) or the renew the lease (for leases of 75 years). 200 In addition, leases are required to specify the
purpose and use for which the land is leased and any development conditions. 201 Leases must be registered
with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. 202
7.3.3 The 2013 reform

The need for land reform was identified in 2006 and culminated in a National Land Summit held late in the
same year. The issues identified in the National Land Summit 2006 as being related to leasing were:
• Successive Ministers of Land were misusing ministerial powers to sign leases on behalf of custom
owners;
• Many leases were being granted without the full understanding and consent of the custom land owners;
• Many leases were granted by individuals instead of groups of custom owners; and
• Leases were being poorly drafted with very loose terms and conditions and little prospect of enforce-
ment.203
In 2013, the newly appointed Minister of Lands led a process of land reform. Following a short consultation
process, legislative amendments were tabled in Parliament at the end of 2013 and were gazetted, becoming
effective, in February 2014.
The legislative amendments were comprised of the following:
• The Constitution (Sixth) (Amendment) Act No. 27 of 2013 - this amended Articles 30 and 78 of the
Constitution to ensure that the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs must be consulted on any proposed
legislative amendments concerning land and custom and also provided that disputes regarding owner-
ship of customary land must be dealt with under custom and not the legal sector;
• The Land Leases (Amendment) Act No. 32 of 2013 - this amended the definition of lessor to change
from only “person” to “person or custom owner group” thereby removing individualism;
• The Land Reform (Amendment) Act No. 31 of 2013 - this created the Land Planning Management
Committee, set up a different and more streamlined process for leases over State Land,204 estab-
lished the Land Ombudsman and also set out a detailed negotiation and consultation process for land
dealings with custom owners; and
• The Custom Land Management Act No. 33 of 2013 - this replaced the Customary Land Tribunal Unit
with the new Customary Land Management Office and provided a process of identifying custom owners,
as well as amending leasing provisions and inserting greater control on development.
The consequences of the formation and implementation of these legislative amendments are further discussed
below.
7.3.4 The Process for obtaining a lease

The process for obtaining a lease in Vanuatu is complicated and lengthy, with different processes for leases
on state land and leases with custom owners.
7.3.5 State land

The following process applies with respect to leases on state land:
• The person applies to the Chairperson of the Land Management Planning Committee (LMPC) by
submitting the prescribed form and paying the prescribed fee;
• The information that is required for an application for a lease on state land is set out in Article 10B of
the Land Reform Act;
• The Chairperson refers the application to the LMPC;
• The LMPC considers the application and is empowered to give a recommendation for approval of the
lease only if it is satisfied of the conditions set out in Section 10C of the Land Reform Act;
• After the LMPC gives its written advice to the Minister, the Minister must consult with the Council of
Ministers and seeks its approval for the lease; and
• If the Council of Ministers approves an application, the Minister is to approve the lease and notify the
Director of Lands to register the lease.
7.3.6 Custom land

The following process applies with respect to leases on custom ownership land:
• A person applies to the LMPC, in the prescribed form and paying the prescribed fee, for a certificate
certifying that person as a registered negotiator. The information required for a negotiator’s certif-
icate includes information on the proposed development including funding and capital expenditure
estimations;
• If the custom owners are already identified by a recorded interest in land in accordance with the
Custom Land Management Act, then the LMPC will consider the application;
• If the custom owners are not already identified, the National Coordinator must arrange for certain public
notifications, then allocate a custom land officer to facilitate the identification of the custom owners
in accordance with the provisions of the Custom Land Management Act. The process of identification
will vary based or whether a dispute exists over ownership of the land;
• The LMPC will then either give a recommendation to the Minister to issue or reject the application -
and the LMPC can specify any conditions as it considers fit to impose.205 If the recommendation is
to issue, then the Minister will issue the negotiator’s certificate;
• Following the issue of the negotiator’s certificate, then the consultations with the custom owner group
can begin206 and there are certain requirements for each stage of negotiation;
• The approved negotiator must ensure that a valuation of the land is done by a registered land valuer
under the Land Valuers Registration Act [CAP 289];
• The custom land officer must then prepare a custom owners’ consultation report;207
• Once the lease is agreed, the LMPC’s National Coordinator must hold a meeting with the custom
owners (and all disputing groups of custom owners) to make sure that there is a consensus on the
terms of the lease;208
• The National Coordinator then gives a written report to the Chairperson of the LMPC;209
• Once the report is received, the Chairperson of the LMPC must arrange for public notifications in
relation to the lease;
• If there is no complaint to the Land Ombudsman, then the Committee will consider the registration of
the lease;
• The Committee must give a recommendation for approval to the Minister if the conditions in section
6T(2) of the Land Reform Act are satisfied; and
• The Minister then consents to the registration of the lease.
7.3.7 Assessment of access to customary land

Customary land often represents an impediment to development due to uncertainties associated with owner-
ship and length of lease periods. In Vanuatu, the current land laws, following the 2013 reform, have had an
immediate negative impact on land development, due to the very lengthy process in securing a lease and
also due to the large amount of information that is required before a lease is granted.
In relation to the timing aspect, as most of the delays have centred about determining which custom owner
group is the ‘recorded’ group and resolving those disputes, the process may become faster in the future,
once more custom owner disputes are resolved.
In relation to the information required to be provided, this represents a significant barrier to entry into the
Vanuatu market, and negatively impacts small and medium enterprises, who may not have the funding
available to complete all the environmental and development proposals prior to securing a lease. For small
enterprises, the cost of obtaining all the required consents but still having a risk that the lease may not be
granted, represents a prohibitive investment.
7.3.8 Economic Development Zone

The Government is currently considering establishing an Economic Development Zone (EDZ). EDZs are
given various names around the world, but regardless of the name used, EDZs generally have one or more
of the following features:
• Liberalisation of national legislation, regulation and policies (immigration, customs and taxation, etc.)
within the zone;
• Provision of taxation, fiscal and other incentives (especially reductions in corporate taxation, removal of
restrictions on foreign exchange and capital repatriation) to developers and investors within the zone;
• Good infrastructure and facilities within the zone (such as roads, industrial, warehouse and office
space); and
• Provision of assistance (especially assistance with Government ministries and departments) and
reduction in ‘red tape’ for investors in the zone.
In general, EDZs are characterised by their status as spatially-delimited, designated locations. EDZs are
used by many economies to promote trade, economic growth and industrialisation. In the last five decades,
more than two-thirds of all countries have developed EDZs.
Given the low tax environment of Vanuatu, the absence of foreign exchange controls and the easy repatriation
of profits, any EDZ policy would need to focus on simplifying or incentivising other areas that currently inhibit
doing business. In Vanuatu, the most significant constraint that an EDZ could help to resolve is access to
land. The Government has tentatively identified a suitable plot of land in Espiritu Santo for this purpose.
The next steps prepare a detailed feasibility study proposing specific regimes on access to land, access to
key infrastructure and utilities, as well as the governance, from which the Government can make the final
decision about how to proceed.
7.3.9 Standard lease documents

One of the key issues raised in the 2006 National Land Summit, that many leases were poorly drafted and had
little prospect of enforcement, has yet to be addressed. Many custom owners are not familiar with land-related
interests, such as easements or ‘rights of way’ access to areas such as the sea, and may not realise the long-
term consequences of what they are signing. One way for the Government to address this would be drafting
a standard tri-lingual (Bislama, English, French) plain-language lease agreement, with multiple options and
commentary which can reflect a wide range of risk allocation models. For example:
• Rent escalation: currently there is a process in section 39 of the Land Leases Act in relation to rent
review, however, this involves referral to external parties as opposed to the parties to the lease.
Options for adjustment in rent could include linking the rent to inflation, to increases of the develop-
ment’s revenues or profits, etc.;
• Rights of way: this could set out the custom owners’ rights in relation to access to areas, such as
the sea, which require crossing the leased land;
• Dispute resolution: this could have multiple options, including mediation; and
• Transfer of fixtures and improvements: One of the key areas of concern for private sector is the
uncertainty surrounding what happens to the fixtures, structures and improvements following the
termination or expiration of the lease. Section 41(j) of the Land Leases Act provides that “on determi-
nation of the lease [the lessee] peaceably and quietly to deliver up vacant possession of the leased
land and all improvements thereon”. As such, any consideration of the value of the structures and
improvements are currently only a matter of negotiation within the terms of the lease. For commercial
business, the impact is that they would try to negotiate the maximum term of the lease, being 75
years, because they would need to recover any capital expenditure within that time. While it should
not be expected that custom owners are required to compensate the lessees for the transfer of such
assets at the end of the lease period, particularly in circumstances when the custom owners do not
have a right to prohibit certain levels of capital expenditure on the leased land, a standard form
lease could provide options that are of benefit to both the custom owners and the private sector. An
example would be where the custom owners agree to a certain level of compensation based on a
percentage of the net depreciated value of the assets, provided that they have approval rights over
the capital expenditure on those assets.
7.3.10 Land advisory service

The 2013 land reform program created many new Government decision-making entities, however, there
was no entity created to provide advisory services to landowners. The creation of an advisory services unit,
independent of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, could assist landowners in two ways. Firstly, to
advise on beneficial terms in the lease agreements. Secondly, to provide advice on establishing fair mech-
anisms for distributing benefits within the custom owner groups. The establishment of an advisory services
unit would assist private sector development by creating more certainty around the ongoing relationship with
the owners, once the lease is signed, and potentially lead to fewer disputes between lessors and lessees.
a. Development of a tri-lingual, plain language template land lease agreement, with different options for key
legal clauses (rent review, right of way, transfer of fixtures and improvements, etc.)
b. Consider the establishment of a specialised advisory unit to assist land owners
c. Produce a final feasibility study on establishing an Economic Development Zone
7.4 Financial Sector

7.4.1 Overview of financial sector
Vanuatu’s financial sector includes both domestic and offshore components, however, this chapter will only
focus on the domestic sector, as it is in the context of facilitation of access to local finance.
The domestic banking sector is dominated by four banks, being the National Bank of Vanuatu (NBV), Australia
and New Zealand Bank (ANZ), BRED Bank, and the Bank of South Pacific (BSP). BSP recently acquired, in
2016, the banking operations of Westpac in Vanuatu. 210 ANZ, BRED Bank, and BSP are all subsidiaries of
foreign banks, from Australia, France. and Papua New Guinea, respectively. NBV was restructured in 2012,
pursuant to the National Bank of Vanuatu (Restructuring) Act No. 3 of 2012, which repealed the National
Bank of Vanuatu Act [CAP 209] and transferred the assets, rights and liabilities of NBV to a limited liability
company established under the Companies Act. NBV is currently majority owned by the Government, with
minority shareholdings by VNPF and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is part of the World
Bank Group (WBG). NBV has the greatest outreach in terms of rural banking, with a network of more than
30 branches throughout the country. Within Vanuatu, there are also registered credit unions and savings and
loans cooperatives.
In terms of regulation, all financial institutions are required to comply with the Financial Institutions Act [CAP
254]. The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV) is the regulator and supervisor of the banking system, with task
of ensuring its financial stability. RBV was established pursuant to the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu Act [CAP
125] and its principal objectives are:
• To regulate the issue, supply, availability and international exchange of money;
• To supervise and regulate banking business and the extension of credit;
• To advise the Government on banking and monetary matters;
• To promote monetary stability;
• To promote a sound financial structure;
• To foster financial conditions conducive to the orderly and balanced economic development of Vanuatu;
and
• To regulate and supervise domestic and international (offshore) banks. 211
7.4.2 Overview of access to finance

The Vanuatu 2016 Mini Census report noted that only 49,037 adults aged 15 years and over (31% of the
total) are banked, of which 26,985 (40%) are women. In addition, 14,187 adults aged 15 years and over (9%
of the total) had access to semi-formal financial services. This means that about 60% of Ni-Vanuatu adults
has no access to a bank account.
A survey of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was conducted in 2016 by RBV. According to the
survey, access to finance was identified as a pressing problem by five percent of MSMEs in both rural and
urban areas. 212 When finance is accessed for starting a business, informal savings (own savings) represent
the main source of finance - 81% of rural businesses and 68% of urban businesses, followed by loans from
commercial banks, which make up a far smaller proportion – nine percent of rural businesses and 18% of
urban businesses. Overall, only 32% of formal MSMEs applied for loans from commercial banks within the
12-month period preceding the survey and only 12% of informal MSMEs. 213
The MSME Survey identified that 87% of the businesses surveyed used cash for transactions, and only
0.2% used electronic mode of payments, with eight percent of MSMEs in Vanuatu using internet banking for
business transactions.
7.4.3 Taking security

The ratio of non-performing loans in Vanuatu has steadily increased in the last few years, from 4.8% in 2010 to
7.8% in 2012, 10.7% in 2014, 10.8% in 2016, and 15.1% in 2017. 214 The ratio of non-performing loans relates
to the consequences of a default in the loan by the borrower and reflects whether the bank has been able
to recover the outstanding money. In such cases, the amount and quality of security or collateral is critical.
Collateral, in a loan context, is defined as “valuable property owned by someone who wants to borrow money,
that they agree will become the property of the company or person who lends the money if the debt is not
paid back”. 215 Collateral is generally defined as being one of two main categories, being immovable (such as
land or fixtures on land, such as buildings) or moveable (such as cash, equipment, stock).
The Personal Property Securities Act No. 17 of 2008 (PPS Act) contains a comprehensive legislative regime
governing a wide range of security interests in the property, other than land and some property that is specif-
ically excluded, such as ships that are registered in accordance with the Maritime Act [CAP 131]. This system
creates a single register for recording security interests in personal property and is based on similar systems
operating in Australia, Canada, and the United States of America. The PPS Registry can be accessed and
searched online via a website. lxxxv
In Vanuatu, there are a number of complicating factors which inhibit the use of collateral effectively. Firstly,
mortgages over the land itself are not possible, given the customary land ownership system created under
the Constitution, and therefore, the only security interest in land available is a mortgage over the leasehold
interest. Any security interest in a lease must be registered through a process detailed in the Land Leases
Act. The delays in the granting of leases following the 2013 land reform, the consequential delays in creating
mortgages in leases and issues relating to accuracy of the land registry, have impeded leases being used
as effective collateral.
Secondly, registration in the PPS Registry does not, of itself, create a security interest but simply records
priority and allows other lenders to establish if the particular debtor has already given a security interest in the
particular property. Lenders are still required to enter into agreements, known as security agreements, which
create the security interest. Those security agreements are generally complex and not well understood by the
public, which discourages debtors from agreeing to give such collateral. In addition, banks are discouraged
from formally documenting and registering collateral, because of the costs of documentation and the difficulty
in convincing debtors to sign the agreements. The Government could assist by providing standard, tri-lingual
(Bislama, English, French) plain language forms for security agreements in respect of different categories of
movable property, such as cash and vehicles, and also in respect of leasehold interests. Standard template
agreements which are easily understood by the public would assist in increasing awareness of the concept
of collateral over property. An increase in the usage of such collateral could increase lender security, reduce
lending rates and increase access to finance.
lxxxv The PPS Registry can be accessed and searched online via www.ppsr.vu
7.4.4 Credit bureau

One of the key aspects of increasing lender confidence is allowing lenders to accurately assess a borrower’s
risk, in terms of potential for defaulting on a loan. Understanding a potential borrower’s credit history is key
to lenders understanding risks relating to a borrower, however, this also has to be balanced with the need
for privacy of information and also requirements as to fair credit reporting. In 2011, Data Bureau Vanuatu
was set up and is owned by Insoft International Limited. Data Bureau Vanuatu operates as a private credit
bureau, collating the information provided by its members. The major members of the credit bureau are ANZ,
BRED Bank, NBV, Wilco Limited, and Credit Corporation (Vanuatu) Ltd. 216
The WBG reports on the number of individuals or firms listed by a private credit bureau with current informa-
tion on repayment history, unpaid debts, or credit outstanding. For Vanuatu, figures are set out in Table 7.1 217
TABLE 7.1 PRIVATE CREDIT BUREAU COVERAGE (PERCENTAGE OF ADULTS)
Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Percentage of adults covered 0.0% 5.5% 6.8% 6.6% 9.6% 9.4% 12.2%
Source: WBG
Whilst the increasing trend can be interpreted as encouraging - a higher coverage leads to more informed
lending decisions by banks - there are a number of concerns regarding the private credit bureau in Vanuatu.
Firstly, there is no statutory privacy law in Vanuatu, which means that any breach of privacy could only be
redressed by general common law, which the courts may choose to disregard. This is fairly unsatisfactory
given the particularly sensitive nature of credit information. It is noted that Data Bureau Vanuatu operates
on a ‘Code of Conduct’ basis, which is publicly available on their website. 218 The Code of Conduct sets out
a grievance mechanism for persons who wish to correct certain information held by Data Bureau Vanuatu,
however, it does not have the force of law. As information on persons are only available to the Bureau’s paying
members, it would be difficult for a borrower to understand what, if any, information is recorded about them.
Secondly, the operations of private credit bureaus are not supervised or regulated in Vanuatu. International
best practice is for credit reporting agencies to be supervised by the central or reserve bank and to have a
legislative framework for privacy and data security.
7.4.5 Consumer credit legislation

Consumer credit legislation exists to protect consumers when dealing with credit lenders. It focuses on
individual consumers in recognition of the fact that individuals may not be as financially sophisticated or
knowledgeable as corporate borrowers, and therefore, need additional protective frameworks, particularly
when considering the potential ramifications to individuals (and society at large) of entering into unfair credit
arrangements.
In a market such as Vanuatu, where a large portion of the population is rural and education levels are low,
it would be advantageous to introduce consumer credit legislation, to protect consumers and to encourage
responsible lending by credit providers. Further, this would assist credit providers as it would provide a
level playing field, regulatory oversight, and direction as to the type of lending products suitable for different
categories of borrowers.
Should Vanuatu wish to introduce consumer credit legislation, a policy should first be developed which
considers the following issues:
• The extent of licensing requirements for all credit providers;
• Any exemptions for ‘quasi’ credit providers such as retail stores and car dealers;
• The extent of responsible lending requirements, for example, requirements to complete credit assess-
ments, prohibitions on engaging in unfair or dishonest conduct, disclosure obligations on credit lenders
in terms of plain language and “easy to understand” contracts, requirements to take reasonable steps
to verify potential borrower’s financial situations; and
• Any consideration for consumer rights to complain regarding credit providers.
7.4.6 Vanuatu Agricultural Development Bank

The Vanuatu Agricultural Development Bank (VADB) was established pursuant to the Vanuatu Agricultural
Development Bank Act No. 20 of 2006 to facilitate and promote the economic development of the agriculture
sector in Vanuatu. The last available financial statements for VADB were in 2014, which stated that VADB
realised a net profit of over VUV 4 million. However, there does not appear to be any information available
stating the activities of VADB in the past four years. The Council of Ministers passed a resolution in 2017 to
proceed with the winding up of VADB, however, this has not been implemented to date.
7.4.7 Personal bankruptcy framework

As part of the reform of laws regarding companies, Vanuatu introduced a Companies (Insolvency and Receiv-
ership) Act in 2013. It provides a simple system for the winding up of a company. This is in contrast to personal
bankruptcy, an issue that still lacks a specific regulatory regime. The Government should consider developing
a policy in relation to introducing a personal bankruptcy regime to provide individuals with a cost-effective
and administratively easy process for the discharging of debts.
7.4.8 The Financial Inclusion Strategy 2018-2023

Financial inclusion refers to improving access to, and usage of, appropriate financial services by the under-
served adult population and MSMEs in Vanuatu. 219 Financial inclusion is accepted as an effective strategy for
equitable economic growth, through which low income earners can be economically empowered and improve
their standard of living. 220
Following the conduct of two surveys in 2016, the first being a financial inclusion demand survey and the
second, a MSMEs survey, the Government developed the Financial Inclusion Strategy (FIS) 2018-2023. The
FIS is a medium-term road map to drive financial inclusion across the country.
One of the goals of the FIS is that by 2023, an additional 54,000 adults (34% of the total) will be active users
of formal or semi-formal financial services, of which 50% will be women. lxxxvi For MSMEs, the FIS mission
is to “ensure a suite of MSME business financing products are available, which are tailored to the needs of
businesses led by women and youth”. 221 The FIS is comprehensive and, if implemented, will have a significant
impact on access to finance for MSMEs.
One example of successful FIS implementation is the announcement by NBV, in August 2018, of the commence-
ment of the migration of almost 30,000 of its rural customers from legacy paper-based passbook system to
electronic and mobile banking. 222
The implementation of FIS is being led by RBV, however, there are numerous goals which require significant
Government policy direction and input. One such goal is Goal 5.3.1 which is to “introduce policies and a
regulatory environment to support access to finance for MSMEs, with a specific target of 30% of women”.
The action plan states that this would involve working with MTTCNVB on the introduction of an MSMEs Act.
The Act is currently in draft form with the name of Small Businesses Development Bill. The Government is
in the process of updating the 2011 MSMEs policy would also be useful provide direction for implementation
of the FIS.
7.4.9 Legislation relating to the payment system

The interbank payment system in Vanuatu still operates on a manual basis, with clearance and settlements of
interbank payments taking a number of days. A new payment system is being established in Vanuatu. First,
a Bill for the Payment System Act is being drafted that will accommodate electronic real-time settlement of
interbank payments, as well as innovative means of payments. This, together with upgraded financial infra-
structure for clearance and settlement will reduce the cost of doing business. 223
Vanuatu lacks interoperability across its electronic payment platforms, including Automated Teller Machine
(ATM) and Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale (EFTPOS) machines, which raises the cost of doing
business. In other words, the customer of a bank cannot use his debit card at any other bank’s ATM and
EFTPOS machine – however, the banks are working on impleemting this operability currently. Moreover,
lxxxvi Noting that according to the 2016 MSMEs survey, 60% of population had no access to financial services, meeting the
FIS’ target would reduce this percentage to 26%
there is no interoperability between banks and mobile network operators. An electronic switch system is being
developed in Vanuatu to allow for interoperability amongst the banks. The FIS identified a strategic goal to
“implement interoperability of electronic payment platforms between formal financial service providers such
as banks and further between financial service providers and mobile network operators”. As part of the FIS
action plan to ensure interoperability, the Government is required to implement a Payment Systems Act.
7.4.10 Interchange fees

Interchange fees are fees which are paid between banks for the acceptance of card-based transactions. It
is a fee that the merchant’s bank (the “acquiring bank”) pays a customer’s bank (the “issuing bank”) and
therefore reduces the amount received by merchants. The fees are often set by the card networks and are
used to fund the cost/risk of card systems. In Vanuatu, these fees are commonly referred to as a “merchant
clearing fee” and they range from 1.5% to 5% of the total transaction value, which is often passed on, in part
or in full, to the customer.
Interchange fees have a complex pricing structure, which is based on the card brand, regions or jurisdictions,
the type of credit or debit card, the type and size of the accepting merchant, and the type of transaction. Large
merchants can often negotiate reduced fees, which leads to a disadvantage to MSMEs.
Interchange fees are not regulated in some jurisdictions, such as the United States, where the fee averages
approximately 2% of the transaction value. In jurisdictions where the interchange fees are regulated, it has
led to significantly lower interchange fees. For example, in the EU, interchange fees are capped at 0.3% of
the transaction for credit card and 0.2% for debit cards, and in Australia, interchange fees are capped at 0.8%
for credit cards, and 0.2% for debit cards.
The lack of regulation of interchange fees in Vanuatu does not aid in transparency for either consumers or
merchants, in terms of understanding the real “cost” of transactions. In addition, regulation of the interchange
fees could significantly reduce the extent to which small and medium-sized merchants are disadvantaged
relative to preferred merchants in the MasterCard and Visa interchange systems.
The regulation of interchange fees in Vanuatu would be different to that of a mature market (as the cost may
be higher in a developing payment system), however, an analysis should be done to identify the ‘cost’ to
banks and open a dialogue on the potential for regulation of interchange fees.
7.4.11 Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism

Vanuatu has made significant progress in the area of the regulatory framework for anti-money laundering and
combating the financing of terrorism. Parliament passed, in 2017, the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Ter-
rorism Financing (Amendment) Act No. 16 of 2017 which addressed technical deficiencies in the previous
legislation and following that, in June 2018, Vanuatu was officially removed from the Financial Action Task
Force (FATF) Grey List. Notwithstanding the significant progress, there are a number of recommendations
which Vanuatu needs to continue implementing.
The Government should prioritise the monitoring of the ongoing compliance with anti-money laundering and
combating the financing of terrorism requirements and also monitor any international developments in those
requirements.
a. Introduce standard form, trilingual (Bislama, English, French) plain language security agreements in respect
of different categories of movable property and leasehold interests
b. Introduce a legislative and regulatory framework for private credit bureaus
c. Develop consumer credit policy and legislation
d. Close the Vanuatu Agricultural Development Bank
e. Introduce a personal bankruptcy framework that provides individuals with a cost-effective process for
discharging their debts
f. Monitor implementation of the Financial Inclusion Strategy 2018-2023, and, in particular, prioritise the
development of the MSME `policy and legislation
g. Develop legislation relating to payment systems

h. Consider regulating interchange fees
i. Monitor ongoing compliance with, and international developments in, anti-money laundering and combating
the financing of terrorism requirements
7.5 Intellectual property rights

7.5.1 Introduction
The purpose of protecting intellectual property rights is to ensure that there is proper legal recognition and
financial benefit given to people for their creative work. 224 Vanuatu adopted its first National Intellectual Property
Strategy in 2014, which noted that “efficient and effective intellectual property institutions and legal framework
that promotes the use of intellectual property assets in Vanuatu” can assist in ensuring “a fair balance between
intellectual property rights and the public benefit resulting from innovation and creativity”. 225
7.5.2 Legal and regulatory framework in Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s intellectual property rights legislation is somewhat new, with the first intellectual property legislation
being introduced in Vanuatu in 2000. The intellectual property legislation was introduced in anticipation to
Vanuatu’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual
Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, members are required to implement intellectual property laws. However,
given its Least Developed Country (LDC) status, Vanuatu was not bound by TRIPS disciplines. This will change
with Vanuatu’s graduation from LDC status, due to happen in December 2020 – see Chapter 2. There are
currently seven pieces of legislation which govern intellectual property rights in Vanuatu, being:
• The Trade Secrets Act 2000;
• The Circuit Layouts Act 2000;
• The Geographical Indications (Wine) Act 2000;
• The Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000;
• The Patents Act 2003;
• The Trademarks Act 2003; and
• The Designs Act 2003.
The intellectual property legislation is administered by the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (VanIPO), which
is also the Registrar of intellectual property, who is appointed by the Minister responsible for trade. VanIPO
is established under MTTCNVB pursuant to a ministerial order of 2012, being the Establishment of the Intel-
lectual Property Office Order No. 24 of 2012.
VanIPO published, in February 2017, the Business Plan 2017-2019 which provides short-term direction for
the office.
7.5.3 International organisations

Since 2012, Vanuatu has been a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). 226 WIPO is
a United Nations (UN) agency and is the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information
and cooperation. It is a self-funded agency of the UN, with 191 member states.
Also, in 2012 Vanuatu ratified the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. 227
The Berne Convention is an international agreement governing copyright and was first accepted in Berne,
Switzerland in 1886. It is administered by WIPO. The Berne Convention sets out several aspects of modern
copyright law and importantly, including a requirement that countries recognise copyright held by the citizens
of all other parties to the Convention. Therefore, Vanuatu, as a member state, is required to recognise the
copyright of citizens of the other 175 member states of the Berne Convention.
In addition to the WIPO-administered treaties and WTO IP-related agreements, Vanuatu has also ratified or
acceded to a number of international treaties with IP aspects, including but not limited to: the Convention on
Biological Diversity; the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing
of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation; Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage;
and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
7.5.4 Registration and enforcement in Vanuatu

The number of intellectual property titles applied for and/or registered in Vanuatu is relatively low. As at 31
August 2018, the figures are:
• Trademarks: 9000 registered marks and 20 pending applications.
• Patents: 129 granted patents. These patents were granted previously, when the British IP laws applied
in Vanuatu.
• Designs: There are currently no registered designs and VanIPO is yet to implement the law due to
lack of regulations. Recently, VanIPO staff members were training on design examination, therefore,
registered designs may occur in the future.
• Copyright and related rights: There is no registration requirement under the Act which means that all
works entitled to copyright and related rights would benefit from protection. There is a current proposal
to amend legislation to insert a provision on voluntary registration.
• Geographical indications for wine: There is no registration requirement under the Act which means
that all wines within Vanuatu would benefit from protection.
7.5.5 Reform relating to VanIPO

The National Intellectual Property Strategy and the VanIPO Business Plan 2017-2019 both focus on the need
to strengthen VanIPO and change it from a unit within MTTCNVB, and into a separate statutory body.
In August 2018, the Council of Ministers decided to establish a new legal framework for the management
and operations of VanIPO and it is expected that implementing legislation, once drafted, will be presented
to Parliament in 2019.
7.5.6 Protection of traditional knowledge and expressions of culture

In August 2017, the Council of Ministers 228 approved the development of a policy to protect traditional knowl-
edge and expressions of culture. A Bill has been drafted to address this and was presented to Parliament in
December 2018, but later withdrawn. The bill should be re-presented in 2019.
7.5.7 Implementation of electronic registration systems

VanIPO and WIPO signed a cooperation agreement in 2017 to establish an Intellectual Property (IP) automa-
tion system for registering trademarks, patents, and designs. 229 The system is known as Industrial Property
Automation System (IPAS). VanIPO is required to provide certain information to WIIPO on Vanuatu patents
and applications, trademarks, industrial design application, as well as other information, before IPAS’ deploy-
ment. 230
7.5.8 Legislative reform

There are a number of gaps within the current intellectual property legal framework in Vanuatu.
There are no regulations with respect to the Patent Act and the Design Act. In addition, the law on geographic
indications only covers wine, but not any other product, which seems incongruous considering that Vanuatu
would also benefit from protecting products which originate in the country – e.g. kava.
Further, there is no recognition of international protection systems for patents, trademarks, designs and appel-
lations of origin and therefore, Vanuatu-registered intellectual property rights holders cannot use reciprocal
provisions to have their IP protected in other countries.
A comprehensive review of the current laws should highlight the areas that do not align with international
best practice, and the review should be considered as part of the next national intellectual property strategy.
a. Establish a proper legal framework for the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (VanIPO)
b. Finalise legal framework on the protection of expressions of culture and traditional knowledge
c. Implement the Industrial Property Automation System (IPAS)
d. Review intellectual property laws to identify main gaps to be addressed; in first instance, consider the
following
i. Draft required regulations under Patent Act and the Design Act
ii. Extend protection of Geographical Indications beyond wines
iii. Consider joining the systems provide for international protection of patents, trademarks, design systems,
and appellations of origin
7.6 Public Sector Entities

7.6.1 Overview of public sector entities in Vanuatu
There are numerous public sector entities within Vanuatu that are mandated to support the private sector.
Broadly, these entities fall into two main categories, those being primarily regulatory and those being primarily
promotional or assistance-based. In terms of those entities which are primarily regulatory, the infrastructure
regulators (Utility Regulatory Authority (URA), and Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and Broad-
casting Regulator, (TRBR)) are covered under Chapter 5, and the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office and the
Vanuatu Financial Services Commission are considered earlier in this chapter. The VIPA is also considered
earlier in Chapter 7; however, it is noted that VIPA straddles both an investment and regulatory role.
The main non-government public sector entities which focus on the promotion of the private sector are initia-
tives developed by the MTTCNVB, such as the Vanuatu Cooperative Federation, lxxxvii and the Vanuatu Tourism
Office. Moreover, in 2018, the Parliament passed the Vanuatu Primary Producers Authority Act to facilitate
representation of farmers’ instances.
In addition to regulatory and promotional public sector entities, a number of corporatised commercial State-
Owned Enterprises (SOEs) affect the private sector. In Vanuatu, these are known as Commercial Government
Business Enterprises (CGBEs). There are eleven CGBEs which are majority owned by the Government and
operate under a commercial mandate. lxxxviii In addition, the Government has a number of minority shareholding
interests, including in Ifira Port Development and Services Company (49%), Interchange Limited (12.5%) and
Northern Island Stevedoring (10%).
In the past two years, Vanuatu’s CGBEs have received direct Government funding and there are also numerous
Government guarantees to support the CGBEs. Many CGBEs fail to produce audited financial statements in a
timely manner, which makes it difficult to assess the portfolio’s financial performance. CGBEs are monitored by
the Government Business Enterprise Unit within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM).
7.6.2 Recent reform

In October 2013, the Council of Ministers adopted a Government Business Enterprise (GBE) Policy 231 which
was aimed at the commercial, majority-owned enterprises. This GBE Policy was adopted to address three
key issues, namely:
• The absence of a robust legal, governance and monitoring framework;
• Poorly defined mandates; and
• A lack of transparency and accountability.
lxxxvii Now renamed as Vanuatu Cooperative Business Network. The network has been established to serve as a link between
grassroot cooperatives, the government, and the broader marketplace.
lxxxviii Air Vanuatu (Operations) Ltd, Airports Vanuatu Ltd, Vanuatu Post Ltd, National Bank of Vanuatu, Vanuatu Agriculture
Development Bank, National Housing Corporation, Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation, Metenesal Estates Ltd,
Vanuatu Livestock Development Ltd, Asset Management Unit, Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board
Since the adoption of the GBE Policy in October 2013, there has been limited progress in implementation.
A CGBE Bill was drafted and submitted to Parliament in June 2018, however, Parliament referred the CGBE
Bill to the ad-hoc Committee. 232 It is expected that the CGBE Bill will be referred back to Parliament.
7.6.3 The Commercial Government Business Enterprises Bill

The enactment of the CGBE Bill is imperative to address the key issues regarding CGBE performance. The
CGBE Bill addresses some of the critical aspects of CGBEs in Vanuatu, particularly:
• Objectives: the CGBE Bill states that CGBEs are required to be at least as profitable and efficient as
comparable business and are to generate a net operating profit, as stipulated by the Minister; 233
• Management: the directors are required to develop and adopt (i) statements of corporate intent,
detailing a commercial and financial strategy, 234 and (ii) business plans; 235
• Governance: the CGBE Bill stipulates certain requirements for the appointment and qualification of
directors, including limiting the number of public servants to the boards of CGBEs, 236 and also sets
out the duties of the directors; 237
• Financial reporting: all CGBEs will be required to provide financial statements 238 and annual reports
and to have the financial statements audited by the Auditor-General before submission to Parliament; 239
• Enhanced capacity for monitoring: a specialist Enterprise Monitoring Unit will be established within
MFEM, 240 with defined functions 241 and powers 242 for monitoring of CGBEs; and
• Formalised community service obligations: in terms of CGBEs with a specific mandate to provide
services which are known as community service obligations (i.e. non-profitable services), the Minister
will provide proposals, upon the approval of the Council of Ministers, for negotiation and agreement
with the relevant CGBEs. 243
7.6.4 Remaining gaps in State-Owned Enterprises policy and proposed legislation

The adoption of the GBE Policy and the proposed enactment of the CGBE Bill will improve the framework
within which CGBEs operate within Vanuatu. However, there are a number of gaps and opportunities for more
clarity in the proposed legislation.
7.6.4.1 Funding and guarantees
The first relates to the funding of CGBEs and the provision of Government guarantees with respect to the
operations of CGBEs. Section 28 of the CGBE Bill provides that the Minister may give a guarantee or other
credit support in respect of a liability of a CGBE in accordance with sections 59 and 60 of the Public Finance
and Economic Management Act [CAP 244] (PFEM Act). The PFEM Act provides that the Minister may, on
behalf of State, provide a guarantee or indemnity upon the following three conditions:
• With the prior approval of a simple majority of Parliament;
• After consultation with the Director-General of MFEM; and
• Where such guarantee or indemnity is consistent with the fiscal responsibility provisions of the PFEM
Act.
Whilst this addresses the issue of guarantees given by the Government, the CGBE Bill is silent as to how
each CGBE is funded, particularly in situations where the CGBE is required to invest capital in expansion or
strategic plans. In some CGBEs, the Government has entered into sovereign loans with external financiers
and has on-lent the proceeds of those loans. There is no policy that stipulates the conditions upon which such
on-lending takes place, and what, if any, shareholder loans will be given to the CGBEs. The development
and adoption of a specific funding and on-lending policy related to both CGBEs and enterprises where the
Government has a minority shareholding interest will increase transparency, lead to greater fiscal responsi-
bility and create a more level playing field in terms of competing private sector entities.
7.6.4.2 Minority interests
The GBE Policy and the CGBE Bill only apply to enterprises where the Government has ‘control’, meaning
the Government owns 50% or more of the share capital. 244 The consequence of this is that there has been no
consideration or consultation regarding the Government’s minority shareholding interests. The GBE Policy
states that the Government’s powers in respect of minority shareholding interests will be stipulated in the
relevant shareholders agreement relating to each enterprise. However, there does not appear to be any
shareholders agreement for any Government minority interests, nor is there any guidance as in relation to
governance, financial reporting, and financial support to enterprises where the Government has a minority
interest. The development and adoption of a policy on such matters will also increase transparency and
confidence in competing, or vertically dependent, private sector entities.
7.6.4.3 Identity of CBGEs included in the CGBE Bill
There are a number of Government CGBEs which are listed in the policy but are not listed in the schedule
to the Bill. They are:
• Metensel Estates Limited;
• Vanuatu Livestock Development Limited;
• Vanuatu National Provident Fund; and
• Asset Management Unit.
Each of these entities are still recognised by the Government as a CGBE, however, there is no information
available as to why these CGBE are not covered by the CGBE Bill. A formal statement as to the reasons why
such entities have not been included will assist in clarifying which CGBEs are still intended to be operational
in the future and also the scope of the CGBE Bill.
7.6.4.4 CGBEs rationalisation
Following the development of a rationalisation strategy by the Government, 245 with assistance from the Asian
Development Bank (ADB), a number of priorities were adopted, however implementation of the identified short
and medium-term priorities has been slow. The following priorities should be implemented by the Government:
• Vanuatu Agricultural Development Bank (VADB). According to the Asian Development Bank, The VADB
is technically insolvent with current liabilities exceeding current assets 2.7:1. 246 It has failed to provide
financial statements since 2015. The Council of Ministers passed a resolution in 2017 to liquidate,
however this has not been implemented to date.
• Asset Management Unit (AMU). The AMU was established to assume defaulting loans in the context of
bank restructurings, however, AMU ceased operations in 2012 and is currently insolvent. The Council
of Ministers passed a resolution in 2015 to proceed to liquidation of AMU, however, this has not yet
been finalised. 247
• Vanuatu Livestock Development Corporation (VLDC). VLDC has not been operational since 2001,
however, it does have some assets. These include a 49% shareholding in Sino-Van Fisheries, a lease
regarding an off-loading wharf in Mele, Efate, and a lease of land at Teouma, Efate. These assets
should be transferred to the Government and VLDC liquidated. 248
• Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board (VCMB). VCMB was established by the Vanuatu Commodities
Marketing Board Act [CAP 133] to market commodities such as copra. The Government announced
that the VCMB would be repealed, and Parliament passed the Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board
(Repeal) Act No. 7 of 2010, however, such legislation has not yet come into force. The Government
should gazette the winding up of the VCMB. 249
7.6.5 Government procurement

Government procurement is governed by the Government Contracts and Tenders Act [CAP 245] (GCTA Act).
Pursuant to GCTA and the Tenders Regulations No. 40 of 1999 (Tenders Regulation), the Government has
established a procurement procedure that applies to all Government contracts of an amount which is VUV 5
million or more. 250 The GCTA creates the Central Tenders Board, 251 which reviews all proposed Government
contracts over VUV 5 million and reports to the MFEM. Pursuant to section 3 of the Tenders Regulations, all
procurement is required to be done on an open and competitive bidding basis, unless the Central Tenders
Board believes that an open and competitive bidding process would not provide the “best result”. 252 The Central
Tenders Board has published contract templates to be used for the contracts under its review.
There are a number of difficulties with the current process, primarily:
• The low threshold for consideration by the Central Tenders Board: the VUV 5 million threshold amount
is low and has the consequence that much procurement is slow as the relevant Ministry must undertake
an onerous process and documentation to have any particular procurement approved. This is partic-
ularly relevant to ministries such as the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, which procures
large numbers of maintenance contracts.
• The option out of the open and competitive bidding process: the ability of the Central Tenders Board
to approve contracts or arrangements which are not the product of an open and competitive bidding
process is ambiguous and should be more clearly defined. The Government should identify the criteria
to consider when deciding about the adequacy of an open and competitive bidding process to produce
“best result”.
• The standard form contracts: the standard form contracts are lengthy and there is no standard Govern-
ment risk allocation for issues such as insurance requirements, bond requirements and liability provi-
sions. The effect of this is that major risk issues are often not addressed adequately in project contracts
which leaves the Government exposed to losses, liabilities, cost overruns and claims by counterparties.
MFEM is currently leading a review of the GCTA and the Tenders Regulation with a view to streamlining the
Government procurement process, while ensuring transparency of process. This review should be prioritised.
a. Approve State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) legislation
b. Finalise on-lending policy for SOEs
c. Close certain SOEs, including VADB, AMU, VLDC, and VCMB
d. Review Government procurement policy and legislation to streamline the procurement process
7.7 Private Sector Entities

7.7.1 Overview
There are limited private sector entities lxxxix within Vanuatu with the mandate to provide business support
the private sector.
The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) was established in 1995 by the Chambers of
Commerce and Industry of Vanuatu Act (CAP 236) and is the premier private sector entity in terms of dealing
with, and access to, the public sector in Vanuatu.
There are also a number of sector-based associations, such as the Vanuatu Hotels & Resorts Association,
the Vanuatu Bankers Association, the Land Transport Association, the Espiritu Santo Tourism Association,
the Financial Centre Association of Vanuatu, the Vanuatu Tour Operators Association, the Dive Operators
Association, and the Vanuatu Organic Cocoa Growers Association.
In some sectors, there are direct links between the private sector association and the relevant Government
ministry. For example, the Vanuatu Hotels and Resorts Association directly liaises with, and contributes to, the
Vanuatu Tourism Office’s promotional activities, in addition to representing members on the board of entities
such as Vanuatu Tourism Office, the Tourism Marketing and Development Fund (TMDF), and Hospitality
Tourism Leisure Training Centre (HTLTC). However, most associations do not have a direct dialogue with
the Government.
lxxxix Private sector entities are intended as entities representing the private sector, irrespective to their legal status
7.7.2 Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The VCCI was established by the Government to promote the private sector. The objectives of the VCCI are,
inter alia:
• The representation of the business community in dealings with persons or organisations, public or
private, national or international;
• The collection and dissemination of information on all matters of interest to the business community;
• The encouragement and promotion of the greatest possible Ni-Vanuatu participation and success in
business; and
• The provision of information and advice to the Government and other public authorities in all matters
affecting business in or the economy of the Republic of Vanuatu. 253
The VCCI is intended to be comprised of seven regional chambers, one representing each of the six prov-
inces with an additional chamber representing Port Vila, known as the Capital Chamber. 254 In addition to the
general responsibilities of VCCI, the Capital Chamber is further mandated to, inter alia:
• Establish and manage a business training and support centre for the promotion of Ni-Vanuatu people
in business;
• Assistance to potential investors; and
• Assistance to the Local Chambers. 255
Every holder of a business license is automatically a member of the Chamber of the province in which their
license was issued. 256 In addition, each ordinary member has one vote in respect of any general meetings
of that Chamber. 257
For a number of reasons, regional chambers were never established, the Capital Chamber was renamed
VCCI, and the VCCI has operated as the Port Vila Chamber, under the Capital Chamber provisions in the Act.
7.7.3 Funding relating to the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The VCCI is funded through the business license system. As set out in section 7 of the Chambers of Commerce
and Industry of Vanuatu Act [CAP 236], each regional Chamber is entitled to receive an annual sum equal to
10% of all business license fees paid in respect of that region in the previous year. In respect of the Capital
Chamber, 50% of all subscriptions and other funds received are to be used to fund the business training and
support centre for the promotion of Ni-Vanuatu people in business. 258
The MFEM has capped the VCCI grant to VUV 20 million, however, this is probably below the VCCI’s enti-
tlement. For example, in 2018 business licenses received from Port Vila, Tanna, and Espiritu Santo totalled
VUV 256 million. In order to sustain its mission, VCCI engages in some revenue-raising activities, for example
renting of its premises, and management of donor contracts.
There should be greater accountability within Government in ensuring that VCCI receives the full amount of
its entitlement.
7.7.4 Governance structure of the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The VCCI is governed by a National Council, which is comprised of the President of each regional chamber and
the Capital Chamber and one additional member of each chamber for each 200 members of that chamber. 259
Councillors are appointed for a term of two years, which is renewable. The President of the National Council
is elected by the members of the National Council. 260
Each Chamber is managed by its own Council, which has no less than six members and no more than 16
members, at least one of whom must be a woman. 261
For the Capital Chamber, the Council has 16 members 262 who are represented by individuals elected to repre-
sent certain sector industries. Only one position is reserved for a female nominee, and only two positions are
reserved to small business - being defined as an annual turnover of less than VUV 50,000,000. 263
Given the lack of regional chambers, the only active Council is that of the Capital Chamber. One of the main
complaints in respect of VCCI was that the composition of its Council was not reflective of Vanuatu’s diversity,
and that turnover of Councillors was limited. This is no longer the case. Since the VCCI Council’s elections of
2019, five Councillors are indigenous Ni-Vanuatu and three Councillors are women. Ten of the 16 Councillors
have joined the Council for the first time since August 2018.
To future-proof diversity, the Government could consider amending the VCCI Act to reserve positions to indige-
nous Ni-Vanuatu, youth, and women. 264 It could also amend the VCCI Act to provide that any Councillor cannot
hold their position for more than three consecutive terms, and no more than six terms within a 20-year period.
7.7.5 Services to the provinces
The same issues preventing the establishment of regional chambers xc have made it difficult to provide services
to the provinces. However, under its new Strategic Plan 2019-2021, VCCI’s Business Information and Advice,
Business Training, and Communication ‘workstreams’ aim at increasing services outside Port Vila, by lever-
aging traditional and new communication channels and donor funding. 265
7.7.6 Communication of VCCI’s mandate and membership

Discussions with private sector entities reveal that many businesses are not aware of either their automatic
membership to VCCI, upon payment of the business license fees, nor of the general objectives and mandates
of VCCI. Greater awareness of VCCI’s role should lead to greater participation by the private sector, and
therefore more diversified and comprehensive representation. The Government could address this issue by
providing an informative brochure about the automatic membership to VCCI and providing contact details for
VCCI, preferably tri-lingual (Bislama, English and French), to companies when they pay for their business
license fees at the relevant office.
7.7.7 Consultations between VCCI and the public sector

After a number of years of relatively poor working relationships, the partnership between VCCI and the
Government has markedly improved. The VCCI Strategic Plan 2019-2021 acknowledges previous problems
and commits to establish effective two-way communication with all relevant Government Ministries and Depart-
ments. 266 The joint efforts by VCCI and the Government to conclude the New Caledonia Trade Agreement
are a testament to the improved working relationships. However, even in the new setting, more formalised
consultation arraignment between VCCI and the Government could be beneficial as this could lead to greater
understanding of the issues and challenges faced by each party.
7.7.8 Awareness of the NTDC role and private sector membership

The National Trade Development Committee (NTDC) is a body established by the Council of Ministers in 2012,
with the mandate to “formulate recommendations to the government, through the Development Committee of
Officials (DCO) and the Council of Ministers (CoM) as to how to mainstream trade into the Vanuatu’s national
development strategy”. 267 The NDTC has VCCI as one of its members, on behalf of the private sector. A Bill
for the Trade Governance Act has been drafted by the MTTCNVB with the view of formally establishing the
NTDC. The Bill should confirm VCCI membership to the NTDC as a way to enhance the role of the private
sector in Vanuatu.
a. Confirm compliance with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) funding arrangements
as set out in the VCCI Act
b. Implement the VCCI Strategic Plan 2019-2021
c. Amend VCCI legislation to:
i. Encourage youth and Ni-Vanuatu participation in VCCI governance structure; and
ii. Restrict the number of consecutive elections by any person to the position of councillor
d. Government to provide an informational brochure on VCCI’s mandate to all companies when the business
license fee is paid
e. Formalise VCCI and Government consultation arrangements
f. Strengthen the private sector’s role in the NTDC
xc In most provinces, 10% of business license revenues has never been devoted by local authorities to sustain regional cham-
bers
8.1 Introduction
Skill gaps and shortages are an obstacle to the further development and diversification of Vanuatu’s exports,
and to the long-term growth of the country. They hinder productivity and competitiveness, and hamper entre-
preneurship. Skills gaps and shortages are particularly damaging in sectors open to international competition,
such as those that the Trade Policy Framework Update (TPFU) 2019 wishes to promote.
The Government of Vanuatu has identified that there is a mismatch between the current education and training
system and labour market demand where an over-supply of low-skilled labour is seen to hinder national
development objectives. 268
In recognition that human resource development is one of the key engines for sustainable economic and social
development, the Government through the Prime Minister’s Office has developed a National Human Resource
Development Plan (NHRDP) that is intended to clarify priority areas for education and training investments
(including scholarships) over the medium to longer term. This Chapter draws on the research that has been
undertaken as part of the NHRDP drafting process.
8.2 Unmet Skill Demand

This section discusses skill gaps and shortages that are perceived to constrain export growth in Vanuatu and
national development more generally.
8.2.1 Skill profiles in priority export sectors

The National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2016-2030 provides the overarching framework to guide
investment decisions in education and skill development over the coming 15 years. 269 If national objectives
are to be achieved, it will be critical over this period to establish clear priorities for investment in education
and training that are aligned to occupational requirements in relevant industry sectors. This requires the
identification of occupational categories (and their associated qualifications and skill sets) that are most
relevant to the NSDP’s economic objectives. From this base, labour market analyses can target identified
occupational categories to determine existing skill shortages and skill gaps as a guide to education and
training investment decisions.
The TPFU 2019-2025 has a clear focus on priority export sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism
and other commercial services. Occupational profiling will provide a basis to determine perceived skill short-
ages and gaps for each of these sectors. It will also provide a mechanism to identify and correlate generic
occupational types across sectors, for example general management, finance, and accounting.
To identify occupational categories for TPFU related industries, this chapter adopts the International Standard
Classification of Occupations (ISCO), a four-level taxonomy of occupations developed by the International
Labour Organisation (ILO). 270 As an illustration, Table 8.1 applies a third level ISCO classification to the
tourism Industry.
118 Ch. 8: Education and Skills
TABLE 8.1: ISCO OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES RELATED TO TOURISM
ISCO Occupational Category ISCO Occupational Category

Level Level
141 Hotel & restaurant managers 514 Hairdressers, beauticians & related workers
142 Retail & wholesale trade managers 515 Building & housekeeping supervisors
242 Administration professionals 516 Other personal services workers
243 Sales, marketing & public relations profes- 611 Market gardeners and crop growers
sionals
264 Authors, journalists & linguists 612 Animal producers
265 Creative & performing artists 613 Mixed crop and animal producers
332 Sales and purchasing agents & brokers 621 Forestry and related workers
313 Process control technicians 622 Fishery workers, hunters and trappers
314 Life science technicians & related associate 731 Handicraft workers
professionals
315 Ship & aircraft controllers & technicians 741 Electrical equipment installers & repairers
333 Business services agents 751 Food processing and related trades workers
511 Travel attendants, conductors & guides 832 Car, van and motorcycle drivers
512 Cooks 833 Heavy truck and bus drivers
513 Waiters & bartenders 834 Ships’ deck crews & related workers
Source: ILO
8.2.2 Skill shortages and skill gaps in priority export sectors

A 2008 Asian Development Bank (ADB) study noted that across the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), formal
economies are small and yet there are widespread skills shortages, particularly in management and trade
occupations. As is the case in Vanuatu, the ADB observed that the primary source of skill supply is from
the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector and that “…there appear to be too few
TVET graduates in key fields and the performance level of TVET graduates is below that expected in the
workplace”. 271 However, the study noted significant data limitations, particularly for labour market data, which
made it difficult to compare and contrast employment and skill shortages across the PICs.
Lack of data was further noted in a 2011 labour market review commissioned by the Government of Vanuatu as
part of its approach to human resource planning. 272 The review, relying on secondary sources and in-country
consultations, found that management, tourism and construction (related to an expanding tourism sector)
were the principal areas where skill shortages and skills gaps were apparent.
The critical lack of coherent labour market data upon which analysis of future education and training invest-
ments can be based remains an issue. Routine labour market and industry surveys have not been conducted
by the Department of Labour (DoL) and the little available data has not been aggregated in digital form.
Given the paucity of current data, an industry survey was conducted in mid-2018 with the support of the
Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and a number of other professional associations. Over
200 responses covering almost 5,500 employees predominantly in Port Vila have been received and analysed
in order to establish a baseline from which skill demand and future investments in education and training
can be projected. This represents approximately one third of private sector employment in Port Vila. 273 For
the purposes of the TPFU 2019-2025 further analysis has been undertaken specifically in the priority export
sectors – agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The following tables provide an analysis of each of these sectors in the context of the broader 2018 industry
survey results. They then highlight a number of factors that point to existing skill shortages and gaps.
In aggregate, the agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism respondents to the survey represent about 50%
of the full sample in terms of number of employees. Of these respondents, Table 8.2 indicates the types of
enterprise activity. Naturally, accommodation, food service and people transport businesses predominate in
tourism classification. Manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade and transportation and storage businesses
account for most in the manufacturing and agriculture classification.
TABLE 8.2: PROPORTION OF INDUSTRY TYPE REPRESENTED IN SURVEY RESPONSES
Tourism Manufacturing and Agriculture

N=82 N= 40
People Transport 30% Wholesale and retail trade 33%
Accommodation 24% Manufacturing 30%
Food service 22% Transportation and storage 15%
Arts, entertainment and recreation 12% Agriculture 10%
Wholesale and retail trade 7% People Transport: 8%
Manufacturing 4% Food service 3%
International agencies and NGOs 3%
Finding skilled workers is the number one issue for employers in Vanuatu. In response to a survey question
asking respondents to consider 10 business-related issues and to rank the significance of each issue to their
business, there was consensus that finding skilled workers was the most significant issue.
Table 8.3 shows the relative significance of each issue to employers in each category. As seen in the table,
there is general agreement about the rank of issues between the Manufacturing and Agriculture and All Other
Reponses categories. For both of these categories, energy costs are also regarded as a significant issue,
possibly due to the issues canvassed in Chapter 5. On the other hand, the tourism sector is less concerned
about energy costs and more concerned about the state of the roads. Given most of the tourism respondents
are based in Port Vila this is perhaps a reflection on the disruption caused by the longstanding roadworks
in Vanuatu’s capital.
It is noteworthy, that while skill levels are a significant issue, employers see the work habits of Ni-Vanuatu as
less of an issue than others. While in a comparative sense work habits were less of an issue, further analysis
points to some concern in this area (see Tables 8.11 and 8.14).
Given the difficulty in finding skilled workers, many employers have recruited personnel from overseas, the
cost of which does not seem to be an inhibiting factor with the issue being consistently ranked least significant
amongst the 10 offered in the survey.
Table 8.3: Most important issues facing business
Issue All Other Tourism Manufacturing &

Rank xci Rank Rank
Finding skilled workers 1 1 2
Energy costs 2 6 1
The duties and tax system 3 4 3
Government regulations 4 3 3
The state of the roads 5 2 5
Access to credit or finance 6 8 7
Business permits 7 4 9
Lack of good work habits among your workers 8 7 6
Problems with suppliers 9 9 8
The cost of foreign workers 10 10 10
xci
While the results illustrated in Table 8.3 point to a general recognition that skilled labour is a fundamental
requirement for business success, Table 8.4 below shows there is some variability as to how difficult each
sector finds recruitment of personnel with required skills.
xci Relative proportion of responses in relation to each issue

Manufacturing and agriculture find it more difficult than others to recruit Ni-Vanuatu with required skills, with 64%
indicating that it is hard or very hard compared to 61% for all other sectors and 53% in the tourism sector. This
variation is perhaps an indication that manufacturing and agriculture needs to meet international standards
to be successful, and that the tourism sector recruits a higher proportion of lower level occupations and is
served by better TVET institutions.
TABLE 8.4: EASE OF RECRUITMENT OF NI-VANUATU WITH REQUIRED SKILLS
Degree of Difficulty All Other Responses Tourism Manufacturing & Agriculture

% % %
Very hard 39 26 36
Hard 22 27 28
Not very hard 26 40 32
Easy 13 7 4
Whilst Table 8.4 identifies the perceived recruitment difficulty for all occupational levels irrespective of qualifica-
tions required, Table 8.5 provides a more specific indication of skill shortages by level of the Vanuatu Qualifica-
tions Framework (VQF). As the table indicates there is a clear view that it is more difficult to recruit Ni-Vanuatu
with appropriate higher-level qualifications than lower level qualifications.
In part, this is a reflection of the current qualification levels available through local Post-School Education
and Training (PSET) providers. For example, 83% of the 47 qualifications currently accredited by the Vanuatu
Qualifications Authority (VQA) are below the Certificate IV level (see Table 8.18).
TABLE 8.5: RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTY BY QUALIFICATION
Difficulty in finding locally, people with relevant: All Other Tourism Manufacturing &
% xcii % %
Degrees and post-graduate degrees 66 54 56
Technician level qualifications (Cert IV to Diploma) 61 54 56
Basic operator level qualifications (Cert I to III) 38 42 32
Secondary school qualifications 22 27 24
xcii
It is also a reflection that the national scholarship program has not been specifically targeted to industry
needs resulting in an over-supply of some higher-level qualifications that are not relevant to businesses and
an under-supply of those that are.
A possible reason for the tourism sector finding recruitment of higher-level qualifications less difficult than
others is the location of a Tourism and Hospitality campus of the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC)
in Port Vila where for example, 48 students graduated with hospitality and tourism qualifications in 2017. 274
Since its inception in 2007, the APTC has graduated over 690 Ni-Vanuatu with tourism and hospitality related
qualifications. Of this number 72% have found employment. 275
As a result of the above difficulties, Vanuatu’s employers are forced to recruit employees who lack the required
higher-level qualifications. A study based on 2009 Census data and prepared as part of an Australian Depart-
ment of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Investment Design, 276 shows that Vanuatu has a low proportion of
managers, professionals and technicians with post school qualifications compared to Fiji and Australia (see
Table 8.6).
xcii Proportion of responses for each qualification level selecting ‘Hard’ or ‘Very Hard’ on a 4-point scale ranging from ‘Very
Easy’ to Very Hard’
TABLE 8.6: POST-SCHOOL QUALIFICATIONS, PER CENT OF EACH OCCUPATION GROUP
ISCO - 1 Digit Level Vanuatu Fiji Australia

% % %
1. Managers 29.7 43.4 68.6
2. Professionals 34.8 77.0 91.5
3. Technicians & associate professionals 18.8 56.7 73.0
Source: Curtain (2014)
In addition to the pointers to skill shortages outlined above, employers were asked to comment on their
existing staff. Table 8.7 indicates the level of agreement employers had to a number of statements related
to Ni-Vanuatu workers.
TABLE 8.7: LEVEL OF AGREEMENT TO STATEMENTS ABOUT NI-VANUATU WORKERS
Statement All Other Tourism Manufacturing &

% xciii % %
Many of our Ni-Vanuatu workers need improved technical 80 86 74
skills relevant to their job
Our Ni-Vanuatu workers have a good attitude to their work 74 86 70
We cannot find enough Ni-Vanuatu workers with the skills 63 52 52
we need
Ni-Vanuatu workers have only basic skills 62 56 48
We prefer to use foreign workers 17 14 17
xciii
While a very high proportion believed Ni-Vanuatu workers had a good attitude to their work, especially the
tourism sector, there was even stronger agreement across all sectors that workers needed improved technical
skills.
There was less consensus in the tourism, agriculture and manufacturing responses (compared to all other
responses) in relation to difficulties finding Ni-Vanuatu workers with required skills, with only about half agreeing
or strongly agreeing that they cannot find enough Ni-Vanuatu workers with the skills needed.
Similarly, there was proportionally less agreement to the proposition that Ni-Vanuatu workers have only basic
skills. Irrespective of perceived skill levels, there was clear consensus that employers preferred Ni-Vanuatu
workers to foreign workers. The conclusion being there is significant demand to improve the technical and
basic skill gaps amongst the existing workforce in preference to filling gaps through foreign worker recruitment.
The composition of foreign workers currently operating in Vanuatu provides important indicators to skill
shortages and gaps in the Ni-Vanuatu workforce.
In June 2018, the Department of Labour reported 899 foreign worker permits. As Table 8.8 shows, most of
these foreign workers are engaged in managerial, professional and/or technician level occupations. This
composition is consistent with earlier analysis related to difficulties with recruiting skilled Ni-Vanuatu employees
and an apparent lack of concern about the cost of foreign workers (Table 8.3). It also provides further evidence
that local education and training providers are not delivering to required standards and that scholarship
graduates lack relevant qualifications and skills.
xciii Percentage of responses that either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement
TABLE 8.8: FOREIGN WORKERS IN VANUATU BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY
ISCO ISCO Occupations (1 Digit level) All Others Tourism Manufacturing & Agriculture
Class N=691 N=179 N=29
% % %
1 Managers 28 32 31
2 Professionals 34 2 10
3 Technicians and Associate Profes- 23 55 41
sionals
4 Clerical Support Workers 0 1 3
5 Services and Sales Workers 5 6 3
6 Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and 0 0 7
Fishery Workers
7 Craft and Related Trades Workers 10 3 0
8 Plant and Machine Operators and 0 0 3
Assemblers
9 Elementary Occupations 0 1 0
Source: Department of Labour, June 2018
In the tourism sector, 89% of foreign workers are in managerial, professional and technician level positions.
There is a similar pattern in the manufacturing/ agriculture sectors with 82% of foreign workers classified
in the first three ISCO code areas. However, it is noteworthy that managers and technicians/associate
professionals are the predominant occupational category of foreign workers in the tourism, agriculture and
manufacturing sectors whereas the professional category is more significant in other sectors of the economy.
From this analysis, targeted skills training at the managerial and technician/associate professional levels
would be particularly advantageous for the sectors targeted by TPFU 2019-2025 – potentially reducing their
employment costs and reducing the outflow of foreign worker remittances.
If there is to be targeted skills training at the managerial and technician/associate professional levels, the
question then arises – targeted to which occupations in particular? In the tourism sector most of the managers
are designated as general manager (37%) and there are also significant numbers of food and beverage (12%)
and casino assistant managers (9%). Foreign workers also occupy a broad range of other management roles
including finance, operations, housekeeping, sports and recreation, and spa. At the technician/associate
professional level aviation related roles (especially pilots) and chefs dominate.
TABLE 8.9: FOREIGN WORKERS IN VANUATU BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY – TOURISM SECTOR

MAJOR CATEGORIES TO 3-DIGIT LEVEL
ISCO Class ISCO Occupations (3 Digit level) %

Managers N= 57
141 General Manager 37
141 Food & Beverage Manager 12
141 Casino Assistant Manager 9
Technicians and Associate Professionals N= 99
315 Pilot 34
315 Engineer – Aviation 8
343 Chef 37
Services and Sales Workers N =10
514 SPA & Beauty Therapist 40
514 Masseuse 50
514 Tattooist 10
The foreign worker profile in the tourism sector is broadly consistent with employer responses in the 2018
Industry Survey to an open question to name the most difficult occupations to recruit – see Table 8.10.
TABLE 8.10: TOP TEN MOST DIFFICULT OCCUPATIONS TO RECRUIT – TOURISM SECTOR
ISCO Class ISCO Occupations (3 Digit level) %

343 Chefs 14
141 Managers 13
241 Finance & Accounting Staff 9
513 Waiters 8
342 Dive Instructors 6
334 Administrators 5
422 Reservation Officers 5
315 Pilots 5
332 Sales & Marketing Staff 5
315 Engineer 3
Once again chefs and managers were cited by a high proportion of respondents. It is perhaps surprising to
see less technical occupations such as waiters being mentioned as a difficult occupation to recruit. A possible
explanation is that the skills required in higher end hotels/resorts are greater than the standards of hospitality
graduates coming from local PSET providers. A similar rationale might explain the identification of occupations
such as reservation officers and sales and marketing staff as difficult to recruit.
Other explanatory factors may be found by looking at employer responses to an open question asking them
to identify up to five general/basic missing skills. The wide range of expressions received have been clas-
sified into five categories in Table 8.11. The fact that personal attributes were foremost among these may
partly explain the difficulty in recruiting front of house staff such as waiters, reservations officers and sales and
marketing staff. The other issue frequently cited by tourism sector respondents related to language, literacy
and numeracy (LLN). Literacy and numeracy references were common across most respondents pointing
to a general concern about the levels of literacy and numeracy being achieved by the end of schooling.
Understandably, language skill concerns mostly related to bilingualism and interpreting, specifically French
and Chinese.
In the PSET sector, following the Government’s endorsement of a National Adult LLN Framework in 2017, 277
a National LLN Strategy was approved and published at the end of 2018. The successful implementation of
the strategy which focuses on workplace literacy and numeracy is critical across all sectors, but particularly
so where a strong human interface is required such as the tourism sector.
TABLE 8.11: GENERAL/BASIC SKILLS LACKING IN NI-VANUATU TOURISM SECTOR WORKFORCE

General/Basic Skills Lacking %

Personal attributes xciv 35
Language, literacy numeracy 29
Self-management xcv 16
Customer Service 12
ICT 9
xciv
Source: Vanuatu Industry Survey 2018 xcv
xciv Personal attributes category includes references to reliability, work ethic, commitment, consistent standards, personal
grooming
xcv Self-management category includes references to time management, initiative, pro-activeness, organisation
In the manufacturing and agriculture sectors the highest proportion of foreign managers are production
managers in the primary sector (31%) and retail and wholesale trade managers (10%). The ‘Other’ category
includes a range of other management roles including logistics and supply chain. Maritime related roles
including ships’ captains and engineers make up the bulk of Technician and Associate Professional level
positions occupied by foreign workers.
TABLE 8.12: FOREIGN WORKERS IN VANUATU BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY – MANUFACTURING

AND AGRICULTURE SECTORS - MAJOR CATEGORIES TO 3-DIGIT LEVEL
ISCO ISCO Occupations (3 Digit level) %

Class
Managers N= 29
131 Production managers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries 31
142 Retail and wholesale trade managers 10
Technicians and Associate Professionals N= 12
313 Process control technicians 17
315 Ship controllers and technicians 75
331 Financial associate professionals 8
The responses to the open question about which occupations are hardest to recruit correlates with the foreign
worker profiles. As was the case in the tourism sector a number of difficult to recruit occupations cited by
respondents include less technical roles such as cashiers and sales and marketing staff.
TABLE 8.13: TOP TEN MOST DIFFICULT OCCUPATIONS TO RECRUIT – MANUFACTURING AND
AGRICULTURE SECTOR - PERCENTAGE OF ALL RESPONSES – N=43
ISCO ISCO Occupations (3 Digit level) %

Class
315 Engineers - Maritime 14
131 Managers 12
332 Sales & Marketing Staff 12
741 Tradespeople 7
315 Captains - Maritime 5
421 Cashier 5
313 HACCP supervisor 5
241 Accountant 5
833 Heavy Vehicle Drivers 5
314 Agriculture Technician 2
Manufacturing and agriculture businesses’ responses to the open question related to general/basic skills
lacking in their workforce, followed a similar pattern to the tourism sector. Again, personal attributes were the
most frequent concern. The citing of LLN issues was frequent but not as high as in tourism sector, perhaps
because there is comparatively less face to face communication requirements. Nevertheless, findings rein-
force the view that LLN is an issue across all industry sectors. The self-management category was also a
major concern.
TABLE 8.14: GENERAL/BASIC SKILLS LACKING IN NI-VANUATU MANUFACTURING/AGRICULTURE

WORKFORCE - PERCENTAGE OF ALL RESPONSES – N=37
General/Basic Skills Lacking %

Personal attributes 51
Language, literacy numeracy 19
Self-management 19
Customer Service 5
ICT 5
8.2.3 Unmet skill demand summary

A short summary of the evidence presented is provided below:
• In a list of ten business challenges, finding skilled workers is the number one issue identified by
employers
• A high proportion of employers believe it is hard or very hard to recruit Ni-Vanuatu with the required
skills, particularly at higher-level qualifications
• As to general skills, significant emphasis was given to lack of personal attributes, self-management
skills, and language, literacy and numeracy
• There is significant demand to improve the technical and basic skill amongst the existing workforce in
preference to filling gaps through foreign worker recruitment
• Part of the skills gap and shortages are filled by foreign workers predominantly in managerial, profes-
sional and technician/associate professional levels.
• The tourism sector has identified chefs and various types of managers (general, food and beverage,
finance etc.) as the more significant areas of skill shortages and skills gaps
• The manufacturing and agriculture sectors have identified maritime engineers, managers (again various
forms) and sales and marketing staff as the areas they find most difficult to recruit locally
8.3 Key Constraints in the School System

Chapter 2 noted improvements in primary and secondary education, but mindful of the persistent challenges
also recommended reversing the relative decline in primary and secondary expenditure observed during the
last decade. The challenges in the school system are well documented, as it is their impact on the observed
skills gaps and shortages. In 2005 the World Bank concluded that “despite Vanuatu’s progress towards
achieving universal primary education, its education sector outcomes remain disappointing and do not seem
to be commensurate with the level of funding provided to the education sector from both the government
and donors.” 278
A 2011 literacy assessment in Shefa Province conducted by the Asia South Pacific Association for Basic
and Adult Education (ASBAE) 279 recommended that “there is a need to dramatically improve the quality of
education at primary and secondary schools and ensure that more students become literate”. It based this
recommendation on findings that on completing primary school only 32.6% were literate. For those completing
secondary school only 55% were assessed as being literate. The study acknowledges that its findings are
confined to the rural parts of Shefa province and that the extent to which these findings might reflect national
literacy levels needs further assessment. However, given the centrality and proximity of Shefa province to
national services, it is reasonable to expect that similar or possibly worse results might arise in more remote
provinces.
A 2018 analysis developed for a DFAT investment design 280 reported there are some positive literacy level
signs as evidenced by a Vanuatu Standardised Test of Achievement (VANSTA) conducted in 2017, which
showed 64% of French-speaking students and 65% of English-speaking students met the Year 4 minimum
literacy standard. While the methodologies between the two studies may be different and a direct compar-
ison is difficult, there is certainly an indication of significant improvement compared with the 2011 ASBAE
assessment.
However, the DFAT analysis highlighted a number of challenges impacting the quality of schooling in Vanuatu.
These included a large and widely dispersed number of schools, limited supply of qualified teachers and
principals, low numbers of children enrolled at the right age, high repetition rates, large numbers of out-of-
school children and weak infrastructure. Linguistic diversity was seen as a factor that further compounds the
challenges outlined above. In 2016 Net Enrolment Rates xcvi (NER) for primary schools overall were 79.1 for
both males and females. For secondary schools in the same year it was 42.1 and 46.1 for males and females
respectively. 281 The introduction of school grants in 2010 has not eliminated concerns related to stagnant
enrolment, access inequalities, right age entry, retention and completion.
Importantly, there is a need for more qualified teachers and improved school leadership. Of the registered
primary school teachers in 2017 only 60% are certified, predominantly from a pre-service two-year diploma
program offered by the Vanuatu Institute of Teacher Education (VITE). 282 School principals are often appointed
without a merit-based selection process, and many lack financial or leadership experience.
The quality of teaching and learning is further hampered by low Ministry of Education and Training (MoET)
capital and recurrent budgets for school infrastructure. Overcrowding and safety concerns for children result,
due to both a lack of classrooms and many classrooms requiring significant repairs and maintenance.
In 2015, the total budget for MoET Vanuatu education budget of VUV4.3 billion, mostly spent on payroll and
administrative support, represented 24% of the recurrent national budget. 283 At 4.7% in 2017, total expenditure
on education as a percentage of GDP is relatively high compared to countries such as Fiji (3.9% in 2013) and
Samoa (4.1% in 2016). 284 However, with 64% of the population under the age of 24, considerable pressure
continues to be placed on available resources.
8.4 Key Constraints in the PSET System

The Trade Policy Framework (TPF) 2012 identified a number of barriers to trade related to the education and
training system in Vanuatu, namely: (1) lack of tools to understand which skills are in high-demand in the
labour market; (2) lack of capacity of training institution to deliver high-quality training and the right quantity;
(3) lack of career counselling; and (4) lack of coordination in the tertiary education system. 285 While there
has been considerable progress since 2012, these barriers still exist.
8.4.1 Reforms since 2012

There have been significant reforms, particularly in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector
since 2012. Following a 2013 review, the Vanuatu National Training Council (VNTC) Act was repealed and
replaced by the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority Act 2014 286 which incorporated two principal changes:
1. The replacement of the VNTC Council, comprised mostly of training providers, with a VQA Board comprised
mostly of productive sector departmental heads and the private sector – the intent being for the Board
to ensure better alignment between VQA’s quality assurance practices and procedures and priority skill
demand
2. The VQA was given quality assurance responsibilities for all Post-School qualifications, including higher
education and TVET - previously its focus was solely on TVET
Another fundamental change occurred in 2015 when, though Ministerial Agreement, responsibility for the
VQA shifted from the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports and Training (MYDST) to the Ministry of Educa-
tion (MoE). In parallel, a restructure of the MoE was approved which included for the first time a Tertiary
Education Directorate taking over responsibility for Scholarships, Teacher Education, Higher Education, and
TVET. The renaming of the MoE to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) was an integral element
of the restructure.
xcvi Students enrolled at specified education levels as a percentage of the total number of same-age individuals in the popula-
tion
The MoET structure now includes six xcvii Provincial Skills Centres to facilitate decentralised and flexible
delivery of accredited qualifications and business development support services. Since their progressive incep-
tion in Malampa, Sanma, Torba and Tafea, these Centres, in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the
Vanuatu Tourism Office, have played a central role in the considerable expansion of provincial tourism. These
partnerships have established a model for similar arrangements with other productive sector agencies such
as the Departments of Industry (DoI) and Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The purpose of these
partnerships is to facilitate better alignment between PSET investments and national development priorities.
Extensive consultation in 2016 led to the formulation of National PSET Policy (2016-2020) 287 that is directly
focused on National Sustainable Development Plan’s objectives and aligned with the World Bank’s approach to
effective workforce development. 288 The National PSET Policy which includes key objectives for an inclusive,
quality-assured and demand-led system, is built around the legislative and structural reforms cited above
with the VQA Board having direct accountability to the Minister of Education and Training for the strategic
direction and performance of the PSET sector.
Following the PSET Policy’s release, a National PSET Policy Implementation Plan was developed in 2016 to
promote a more coordinated approach to PSET strategic and corporate planning, and policy implementation.
In 2018, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) through the Department of Strategic Policy Planning and Aid Coordi-
nation (DSPPAC) commissioned the development of a National HRD Plan to guide on-going PSET investments
and ensure they are directly linked to national objectives.
8.4.2 Key constraints

8.4.2.1 PSET funding
While there has, and continues to be, considerable progress towards a better coordinated and demand
focused PSET system, there remains a number of critical constraints that continue to impede the capacity of
the system to better contribute to national development objectives.
On the plus side there is strong evidence of increasing investment in PSET overall. A comparison between
actual investment in 2016 and budgeted investment for 2018 shows an overall increase of 37%. 289
TABLE 8.15: PSET INVESTMENT 2016 AND 2018
2016 (actual) 2018 (budget)

% change
VUV VUV
Scholarships 586,440,092 809,515,006 38%
MoET 23,911,975 52,370,150 119%
Tertiary Education Directorate 1,523,489 5,967,165 292%
Scholarships Coordination Unit 18,795,211 18,700,199 -1%
TVET 2,993,275 23,083,093 671%
Teacher Education 600,000 4,619,693 670%
Vanuatu Qualifications Authority 25,000,000 50,000,000 100%
PSET Providers (Public) 462,488,339 591,771,326 28%
Agriculture College (VAC) 82,800,392 82,800,392 0%
Bilingual Institute of Higher Education (BIHE) 3,259,026 38,000,000 1,066%
College of Nursing Education (VCNE) 102,299,584 175,525,517 72%
Institute of Technology (VIT) 124,706,986 109,463,935 -12%
Institute of Teacher Education (VITE) 89,598,374 105,518,268 18%
Maritime College (VMC) 41,255,243 43,355,234 5%
Police College (VPC) 18,568,734 37,107,980 100%
TOTAL PSET 1,097,840,406 1,503,656,482 37%
Source: calculations on Government of Vanuatu (2018c)
xcvii While formalised in the MoET structure, only four Provincial Skills Centres have been established to date (2018) – the two
provinces without a Centre are Penama and Shefa
However, the increase in PSET budget has not been shared equally across all elements of the PSET system.
Over half of the budget increase in monetary terms went to the scholarship program. Strong percentage but
relatively low value increases were also seen in the MoET administrative units responsible for PSET – partic-
ularly the TVET and Teacher Education units. Increased investment in the TVET division follows increasing
Government commitment to Provincial Skills Centres. These Centres have contributed to substantial economic
development, especially in the tourism sector, by facilitating decentralised delivery of accredited training and
business development support that is specific to provincial needs. 290 The Government funds a number of
staff positions in these centres already and is expected to increase this level of commitment over successive
budgets in the coming years.
Across the PSET Providers, the levels of budget changes have also been variable. The large percentage
increase in the Bilingual Institute of Higher Education is reflective of the Government’s strong interest in the
development of a national university. Discussions are on-going across the various line agencies – MoET,
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB), Ministry of Health (MoH)
and Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) about PSET institutional amalgamations to create an Institute of Higher
Education, perhaps as a first step towards a national university. An Institute of Higher Education would
reduce costs through effciencies derived from a single administration and economies of scale. Providing the
new Institute with a sufficient degree of autonomy would allow for the establishment of incentive mechanisms
designed to promote improvements in the Institute’s overall performance.
The strong increase in the Vanuatu College of Nursing Education (VCNE) budget has come from a grant to
support the development and introduction of a nursing degree program as a first step to addressing the acute
shortage of nurses.
When combined with the increased allocation to the Institute of Teacher Education and the Police College, the
increased investment in the Bilingual Institute of Higher Education and the College of Nurse Education account
for all of the increased funding to public PSET Providers. As Table 8.15 also reveals, the actual allocations
to other PSET providers have either declined (Vanuatu Institute of Technology, VIT), remained static (Vanuatu
Agriculture College, VAC), or only marginally increased (Vanuatu Maritime College, VMC). Table 8.16 reveals
that despite some PSET Providers are receiving increased allocations, the overall PSET Provider percentage
share of the national PSET Budget has declined by 3% between 2016 and 2018. This is significant, as the
capacity of VIT, VAC and VMC is directly relevant to meeting the skill needs of the trade related industries
as identified in Section 8.2 of this chapter.
TABLE 8.16: SHARE OF PSET INVESTMENT 2016 AND 2018
2016 (actual) % 2018 (budget) % % Share

VUV Share VUV Share Change
Scholarships 586,440,092 53% 809,515,006 54% +1%
MoET/VQA 48,911,975 4% 102,370,150 7% +3%
PSET Providers 462,488,339 42% 591,771,326 39% -3%
1,097,840,406 1,503,656,482
Source: calculations on Government of Vanuatu (2018c)
8.4.2.2 Labour market data

Vanuatu lacks a coherent and routine approach to collection and dissemination of labour market data. Data
limitations were encountered in the Skilling the Pacific study (ADB, 2008) which commented on a lack of reliable
and comparable labour market statistics across PICs that made it difficult to compare and contrast differences
in employment and skills shortages. Hind (2011) noted the quality and coverage of labour market information in
Vanuatu is poor and that there is no regular collection of information on job vacancies, unemployment levels,
and wage and salary trends. The major data source for that report was the 2009 National Census. Curtain
(2014) also relied on census data but noted its limitations as being a snapshot in time between extended
periods which inhibited forward projections of jobs growth by occupation. The last full census in Vanuatu was
in 2009 and the last Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) was conducted in 2010. A more recent
mini-census in 2016 has provided more up-to-date labour market data but of a limited nature.
In 2018, the lack of readily accessible labour market data remains an issue. The DoL does not conduct
routine labour market surveys and for the most part relies on hard-copy filing systems that have not been
aggregated in digital form.
Most of the data presented in this chapter relied on a specially commissioned Industry Survey conducted
as part of the Government’s process to develop a NHRDP. As part of this process, the foreign worker data
was obtained only after a request for the DoL to digitise data from the hard-copy work-permits in their files.
8.4.2.3 Scholarships
The PSET Policy includes a specific objective related to scholarships:
The award of Government and development partner funded TVET and Higher Education scholarships is merit
based and strategically focused to ensure scholarship awards are inclusive, equitably distributed across
provinces and educational levels, and aligned to the National Sustainable Development Plan.
This objective emanated from a belief expressed during policy development consultations that currently,
scholarships are awarded predominantly on the basis of student interests and available university places.
That is, they are supply-driven and not driven by skill demand.
In the absence of available research into the outcomes and impact of the high investment in scholarships it is
difficult to conclude whether this investment has been either efficient or effective. However, anecdotal evidence
from a number of Ministers and Departmental Heads consulted as part of the NHRDP development process,
indicates that it has been neither efficient nor effective. Concerns were predominantly perceived to be oversupply
of degree and post-graduate degree holders who are unable to find employment in their chosen professions
upon completion of their respective scholarships. Moreover, in line with the skill gap/shortage perceptions
cited in the earlier part of this chapter, comment was made about the need for more middle-level technical
skills in both the public and private sectors.
A number of strategies to achieve a more efficient and effective scholarship system that were identified in the
PSET Policy are now being implemented including:
• Provincial Skills Plans and the development of the NHRDP in line with NSDP 2016-2030,
• Since 2018 applicants are being asked to indicate how their course preferences relate to the achieve-
ment of NSDP objective, 291
• Review of scholarship award criteria to ensure weighting for certificate, diploma, degree and post-grad-
uate awards align to national skill development priorities,
• Expand the availability of national scholarships where PSET Providers have the capacity to deliver
qualifications to the required standard – this has already commenced. For example, in 2018, 52 diploma
level scholarships have been awarded to the Vanuatu Agriculture College, and 25 Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) diploma level scholarships to the USP Pacific Technical and Further
Education (TAFE) at the Emalus Campus in Port Vila. Moreover, the current development of a degree
program at Vanuatu College of Nursing Education (VCNE) should obviate the need for international
nursing scholarship in the near future. Furthermore, in 2019 all new USP scholarships awardees will
undertake their 100-level (basic) courses at the Emalus Campus.
It is recommended that research, including scholarship graduate tracer studies, is undertaken to evaluate the
impact and return on investment of the scholarship program. Economic and financial analyses will need to
assess the relative costs/benefits of international scholarships compared to strengthening national provider
capacity to the levels where scholarships can be delivered in-country.
8.4.2.4 PSET providers’ capacity constraints
In a PSET Provider survey conducted in 2018, as part of the process to develop the NHRDP, the technical
and teaching capacity of staff emerged as a significant issue as illustrated in the following two tables:
TABLE 8.17: MOST SIGNIFICANT ISSUE AFFECTING QUALITY OF PSET QUALIFICATIONS (TOP 5)
Most significant Issue Rank xcviii

Literacy/numeracy levels of students at enrolment 1
Ability to recruit skilled instructors/lecturers/teachers 2
Student fees 2
Capacity to generate revenue 3
Availability of data to guide planning 4
Information, communications technology (ICT) 5
xcviii
Source: PSET Provider Survey (2018)
Table 8.18: Perceived Teaching and Management Staff Skill Levels
Level of Skill % of Responses

All our staff have the skills to do their job 26
Most of our staff have the skills to do their job 32
Some of our staff have the skills to do their job 42
None of our staff have the skills to do their job 0
Source: PSET Provider Survey (2018)
Of 10 possible issues, the ability to recruit skilled instructors/lecturers/teachers was the second most signif-
icant issue cited by PSET Provider directors/principals. In fact, only 1 in 4 believed all their staff had the
necessary skills to do their job while over 40% believed that only some staff had the requisite skills.
Successive Australian funded programs including the Australia-Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) initiative
have over a number of years supported trainer training through the delivery of the Australian minimum trainer
qualification – Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Encouragingly, VITE is now offering a similar
pre-service qualification. As a result, the pedagogical skills of instructors have been enhanced. However,
there remains a concern that their technical capability is below current industry standards. For example, at
VIT most instructors are employed through the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) with guaranteed tenure.
Many have been in the Institute for a very long time, lack industry experience and have not had opportunity
(or possibility the incentive) to improve their technical skills over time.
8.4.2.5 Quality assured qualifications
Recognition of qualifications is fundamental to graduates seeking employment in national and international
labour markets. The Vanuatu Quality Assurance Framework (VQAF) administered by the VQA prescribes
quality criteria for PSET Providers and the accreditation of qualifications. 292
Expected outcomes for respective qualification levels are prescribed in the Vanuatu Qualifications Framework
(VQF). 293 The VQF is benchmarked to other regional and international qualification frameworks to establish
levels of equivalence. Accredited Vanuatu qualifications are registered on the Pacific Register of Qualifica-
tions and Standards.
Over recent years an increasing number of qualifications have been accredited by the VQA. There has also
been a trend towards higher level qualifications. There is a need for this positive trend to continue with the
view of developing appropriate courses for accreditation and delivery.
Table 8.19 provides a breakdown of the type and level of qualifications accredited by the VQA as of July
2018. As can be seen, most of these (70%) are at the two lowest levels of the VQF – Certificates I and II.
These are basic entry level qualifications that are below the trade and technician/associate professional
levels required by industry.
xcviii Proportion of responses by identification of issue

TABLE 8.19: ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS (JULY 2018)
Industry Sector Certificate Level Diploma Diploma Total

I II III IV Advanced Graduate
Trades 6 3 1 3 13
Tourism & Hospitality 4 5 1 10
Primary Production 4 4 8
Business 2 2 2 1 7
ICT 1 1 3 1 6
Climate Change 1 1
Nursing Education 1 1
Teacher Education 1 1
Total 18 15 6 6 1 1 47
Source: VQA Records
8.4.2.6 Flexible delivery and workplace training

Respondents to the 2018 Industry Survey were asked whether they had paid for training in the previous year.
Around 50% of the Tourism, and Manufacturing/Agriculture firms indicated that they had, with a combined
value of over VUV 27 million.
TABLE 8.20: INDUSTRY INVESTMENT IN SKILLS TRAINING
Sector # Firms Invested in training 2017 Total VUV 2017 Average VUV
Tourism 27 out of 55 11,580,200 428,896
Manufacturing & 12 out of 25 16,580,000 663,200
Agriculture
Total 27,150,200
Source: Industry Survey (2018)

Industry was also asked to indicate their preferred mode of training. A clear majority of firms identified
on-the-job training (OJT), either by qualified instructors or their own staff as their first preference.
TABLE 8.21: INDUSTRY PREFERRED TRAINING MODALITY
Manufacturing & Agriculture,

Training Preferences Tourism, Ranked 1 st
Ranked 1 st
Classroom training away from the workplace
by qualified instructors 15% 16%
Training delivered on the job by qualified
instructors 45% 40%
Training delivered on the job by your own
staff 27% 44%
A mixture of the above 29% 32%
Source: Industry Survey (2018)
Industry’s recognition of skills gaps within their existing workforce (see Table 8.7), in combination with their
preparedness to purchase training services and preference for OJT, presents an excellent opportunity for
PSET Providers to increase their revenue base by delivering accredited short courses directly in response
to industry demand.
8.4.2.7 Private providers

A specific objective in the National PSET Policy is that “Government investment in PSET is supplemented
by increased levels of private sector, non-government and community funding of PSET program delivery”
(Objective 4a).
Up until recently PSET delivery has been through a number of public providers and a network of rural training
centres generally governed by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). The National PSET Policy includes
elements that focus on fostering an enabling environment that encourages increasing levels of private and
non-government delivery of PSET qualifications in Vanuatu.
There are now two private providers that, having achieved VQA accreditation for a number of courses, are
delivering these courses. Importantly, all of these courses are at a higher level compared to most of the
accredited courses offered by public providers.
TABLE 8.22: PRIVATE PROVIDER ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS (JULY 2018)
Private Provider Qualification Level Course

Pacific Vocational Certificate IV Electrical Engineering (Installation & Maintenance)
Training Centre Certificate IV Mechanical Engineering (Refrigeration & Air Con)
Certificate III Computing (Hardware)
Edwards Computer Certificate III Computing (Networking)
Foundation Certificate III Computing (Support)
Diploma - Advanced Information Systems
Source: VQA Records
8.4.2.8 National Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Framework

It is noteworthy that results from both the Industry and PSET Provider surveys shared a common concern
for language literacy and numeracy (LLN) levels. A significant number of Industry respondents referred to a
lack of LLN skills as a predominant issue within their workforce – see Tables 8.11 and 8.14. Similarly, PSET
providers reported literacy and numeracy levels of students at enrolment was ranked as their number one
concern – see Table 8.17.
In 2017, the Minister of Education and Training launched the National Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy
Framework (NALLNF). In his foreword to the Framework the Minister noted that it “…is particularly relevant
to those working in the PSET sector (TVET and Higher Education) where learners of technical skills require
certain levels of LLN for their learning to be effective”. 294
In 2018, based on the agreed Framework, a National LLN Strategy was approved and published. The Strategy
notes that low LLN levels have hindered the delivery of PSET programs and people’s capacity to work in a
range of industries. It further notes that MoET is committed to addressing the complex and high LLN needs
at all levels of the education system in Vanuatu and across all societal contexts. 295
8.4.3 Summary
While, the structural and policy reforms over the past 6 years have been positive there remains a number of
critical constraints requiring attention:
• PSET Funding – allocation of resources to PSET Providers is lagging increased funding to the PSET
system generally
• Scholarships – an important trend to toward more strategically aligned scholarship awards has
commenced but the overall funding allocation to scholarships remains disproportionate to other
elements of the PSET system
• PSET Provider Capacity Constraints – technical skills of instructors are below current industry stan-
dards and permanent employment structures inhibit incentives for self-improvement
• Quality Assured Qualifications – strong trends toward more accredited qualifications at higher levels
of the VQF but public providers still lagging, with most of their accredited qualifications at lower
certificate levels.
• Flexible Delivery and Workplace Training – preferred by employers and an essential element of filling
skill gaps but limited practice by PSET Providers in this area
• Private Providers – positive trend toward more private providers but still low level
• National Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Framework – significant attention being given to
improving LLN but this remains a critical issue
8.5 Recommendations
The following recommendations have been drawn from and are consistent with the NHRDP because processes
to meet skill shortages and skill gaps in support of national development are generic and equally applicable
to all industry sectors including those that are the focus of the TDFU 2019.
1) Primary and Secondary Education
a. Improve primary and secondary education, including in areas such as net enrolment, completion rates,
certified teachers, and educational attainment.
2) Labour Market Data
a. That the Department of Labour establish a web-based Labour Market Information System (LMIS).
b. That the Department of Labour conduct comprehensive labour market research on a triennial basis (as
a minimum) in collaboration with key industry groups such as the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and other professional associations.
c. That the web-based LMIS facilitates data input from industry on a routine basis to supplement and keep
current labour market data between triennial surveys.
d. That the labour market data be provided to key agencies such as the VQA, Tertiary Education Directorate
and the Institute of Higher Education (once established) to ensure course development and accreditation is
aligned to industry and national development priorities, and to ensure all investments in PSET are similarly
aligned.
e. That the LMIS also facilitates career counselling and employment by providing extensive information on
occupational options and information of employment vacancies posted by employers.
3) Industry Engagement
a. That PSET Providers establish working partnerships with industry that facilitate the placement of instructors
on work experience to improve their currency and gain a better understanding of industry requirements
b. That the VQA and PSET Providers note the skill shortages and skill gaps identified in the 2018 Industry
Survey and develop relevant courses for accreditation and delivery as soon as possible.
c. That the PSET providers recognise the opportunity to expand their revenue base and become more respon-
sive to industry needs by offering increased levels of on-the-job training of accredited short courses for a
fee.
d. That the Tertiary Education Directorate, note the skills shortages and skills gaps identified in the 2018
Industry Survey and initiate the provision of professional development programs for current PSET instruc-
tors in these priority areas to ensure they have the skills to meet industry standards.
4) Institute of Higher Education
a. That an Institute of Higher Education is established with each of the merged institutes becoming schools
or departments of a semi-autonomous statutory authority accountable to the Minister of Education and
Training through a Board of Directors.
b. That budget allocations for the effective running of the Institute of Higher Education include a perfor-
mance-based component conditional on the achievement of specific targets linked to the NHRDP and
national development objectives.
c. That funding to establish and maintain the Institute of Higher Education be derived from the sum of existing
appropriations of the Public PSET Providers plus an increasing share of overall scholarships allocations
for delivery of scholarships in Vanuatu.
5) Scholarships
a. That the award of international and national scholarships be demand driven - directly linked to the NHRDP
and any emerging areas of skill shortages and gaps identified in regular labour market research undertaken
by the Department of Labour.
b. That triennial impact evaluations of the scholarship program be undertaken to measure outcomes and to
inform ongoing review of the NHRDP and adjustments to award criteria.
6) Performance Based Funding
a. That overall PSET investments by Government, including current scholarship allocations, include perfor-
mance-based funding approaches to provide incentive for public and private providers to improve their
standards to the level required for scholarship award
b. That performance-based funding criteria have a focus on meeting access and inclusion targets – particularly
in rural and remote areas.
c. That performance-based funding criteria include revenue targets derived from sale of education and training
services to the private sector through flexible workplace delivery.
d. That performance-based funding criteria include targets for the accreditation and delivery of qualifications
at VQF certificate level three and above.
CHAPTER 9: TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
9.1 Introduction
This chapter will assess the sustainability of Vanuatu’s current trade-related policies, and recommend policy
options to promote sustainable development. To guarantee that development is sustainable, Vanuatu has to
ensure that the growth of export-oriented sectors does not harm the environment, that natural resources are
used in a sustainable manner, and that such development contributes to achieving global climate change
mitigation and adaptation goals. Further, Vanuatu’s development will become more sustainable when both
women and men have the equal opportunity to contribute to it, and when it builds on the traditional founda-
tions of Melanesian society.
The first section of this chapter investigates the impact of trade development on the environment, and
recommends policy options to mitigate these impacts. The second section assesses whether current levels of
resource exploitation are sustainable, and recommends policy options to improve sustainability and to reduce
the risks of over-exploitation. The third section examines the impact of Vanuatu’s commitments to the global
community for climate change mitigation, particularly the impact of these commitments on the price, access,
and reliability of electricity. This section also discusses options to mainstream trade into Vanuatu’s climate
change adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies. The fourth section assesses women’s contribution to
Vanuatu’s economy, considers barriers to their participation, and discusses the potential of women’s economic
empowerment to develop Vanuatu’s export sectors. Finally, the fifth section analyses the relationship between
trade development and Vanuatu’s traditional kastom economy. Based on this analysis, the section proposes
a number of criteria to assess the impact of trade development on Vanuatu’s kastom economy. The proposed
criteria will be employed to evaluate the risk from implementing each recommendation of this Trade Policy
Framework Update (TPFU) for the traditional kastom economy.
9.2 Environmental Impacts

9.2.1 Environmental impact assessment
Development of Vanuatu’s primary and secondary export industries, as well as development of the tourism
sector, can adversely affect the surrounding environment. For example, tourism development close to the
shore may harm mangrove forests or coral reefs; development of on-shore fish processing plants may generate
effluents that pollute the soil and the water; primary forests may be cleared to plant more cash crops for sale
in the export markets; and deep-sea mining may permanently damage the marine environment.
The Government of Vanuatu recognises several of these risks, and has developed tools to regulate them. The
Environmental Protection and Conservation Act 2011 xcix (the EPC Act) requires that every project in Vanuatu,
with the exception of single-family residential structures and traditional structures, be subject to a Prelimi-
nary Environmental Assessment (PEA) by the Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment Division of
the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC). Depending on the recommendation
of the PEA, the DEPC may require a more detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Some of the
xcix The legislation was initially called the Environmental Management and Conservation Act 2002, but its name was changed
to Environmental Protection and Conservation Act in 2011.
136 Ch. 9: Trade and Sustainable Development
instances in which projects are likely to require a full EIA include proximity to the shoreline, to sources of
fresh water, or to human settlements. The EIA may impose environmental conditions on the project through
an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP). If these conditions are violated, the DEPC has
the authority to impose penalties and to stop the work on the project site. For example, according to the 2016
report by the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, 85 project applications were registered with the DEPC
in 2016. 296 Of these, 56 were granted an Environmental Permit with conditions, 3 were granted an Environ-
mental Permit following the submission of an EIA report, one was cancelled, and the other applications were
still being processed at the time the report was drafted. As per the same annual report, DEPC has issued 40
‘stop work’ notices between 2008 and 2016, and 35 penalty notices for non-compliance. 297
This regulatory framework is a good first step to address environmental impacts arising from the implementa-
tion of TPFU recommendations, but there are important challenges in its implementation. First, according to
the DEPC, several projects have started without environmental permits (i.e. without a PEA study), in violation
of the EPC Act. Several such projects have been funded through foreign investments, where the investor
began work after receiving an approval from the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA), but did not
apply for an environmental permit from the DEPC. This includes the “Rainbow City” real estate project near
Rentabau bridge in southern Efate, which was eventually halted by the DEPC pending compliance with the
provisions of the EPC Act.
To deal with environmental risks from foreign investments, there should be a close relationship between the
DEPC and VIPA. Since VIPA has to approve all foreign investment projects in Vanuatu, it should play an
active role in ensuring that the potential foreign investors are aware of Vanuatu’s environmental laws and
regulations. Until July 2018, VIPA was not considering environmental risks in its assessments of foreign
investment proposals. c In July 2018, the VIPA updated its application template for new foreign investment
approval certificates, which now clearly mentions that foreign investors must consult the DEPC to determine
if the project has significant environmental, social, or cultural impacts. The language in the VIPA application
template could be made even clearer by mentioning the legal obligation to obtain a permit from the DEPC.
There is scope to make the relationship between VIPA and DEPC stronger. One option could be for VIPA
to automatically forward each foreign investment application to the DEPC for their assessment. A stronger
option could be that the Director of the DEPC is included as a member of the VIPA Board, though this does
not seem to be aligned with the Government’s objective of streamlining the VIPA Board, as per the latest
draft Bill for the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act.
Second, the DEPC’s capacity to conduct PEAs, and to monitor compliance with the conditions imposed by
the EMMPs, is severely constrained by the small number of officers available for these tasks. For example,
there are three officers assigned to PEAs, who have to conduct approximately 70-80 PEA studies in a year.
Moreover, only one officer is assigned to ensure that all projects are complying with the relevant environmental
regulations. To relieve these constraints, the Government should consider expanding the human resources
within the Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment Division of the DEPC.
Other departments could contribute to the environmental compliance process. For example, Section 27
of the Tourism Council Act 2012 empowers the Director of the Department of Tourism to accredit existing
tourism operators. One of the criteria for refusing or revoking accreditation is violation of the EPC Act. The
Department of Tourism is currently piloting a project to monitor compliance with the accreditation conditions,
in collaboration with local industry associations. Implementing this project nationally will help ensure that
all tourism businesses comply with Vanuatu’s environmental framework, and reduce the environmental risks
from the tourism sector. It would also help contribute towards achieving the DEPC’s compliance goals, and
perhaps allow the DEPC to allocate its limited capacity towards other sectors.
Moreover, Vanuatu could explore the option of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) for key export
sectors and for policies related to these sectors. These studies may help to identify important sectoral risks
and provide recommendations to better integrate sustainability into the national planning process. 298 By iden-
tifying environmental risks for sensitive sectors, SEA studies may reduce the burden on the DEPC for under-
c Until July 2018, VIPA used the following criteria to assess foreign investment proposals: (i) the proposed investment should
not include a “prohibited” activity; (ii) the proposed investment should not contravene the “reserved list” requirements; and (iii)
the proposed investor should be deemed to be a fit and proper person.
taking a large number of PEAs and EIAs. Discussions with stakeholders suggest that the Asian Development
Bank (ADB) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) are interested in
supporting SEA studies for Vanuatu. These assessments should be pursued, as long as the DEPC is able to
integrate them within the existing environmental regulatory framework.
Further, consultations reveal that in some recent cases donor-funded projects did not apply for environmental
permits, in violation of the EPC Act. This should be avoided in the future, noting the size of some donor-funded
projects and the fact that some of these projects may pose significant environmental risks, for example, the
risk that the effluents from the proposed SinoVan processing plant in Black Sands are not properly treated,
thus polluting the land and the marine environment.
9.2.2 Deep sea mining

Additional risks to Vanuatu’s environment could emerge from Deep Sea Mining (DSM). Previous surveys
within Vanuatu waters have found zinc deposits at sub-sea hydrothermal vent sites, ci which has sparked the
interest of the DSM industry. The Department of Geology and Mines (DGM), which has authority over DSM
under the Mines and Minerals Act 1986, has not issued any prospecting licenses for DSM at the moment.
However, to prepare the DSM regulatory framework, the DGM has drafted a national Deep-Sea Mining Policy,
which recommends using Vanuatu’s existing environmental regulatory framework to assess risks from issuing
DSM prospecting licenses. The policy has not yet been officially adopted by the government. The technology
for DSM is still nascent, and production is not likely to be commercially viable soon, so it is unlikely that
DSM poses a major risk to Vanuatu’s environment during the period of the TPFU. However, it is important
that the draft DSM policy is widely consulted and approved, and that the regulatory framework is amended
in line with the policy’s recommendations to ensure that Vanuatu is ready to deal with DSM when this sector
becomes commercially important.
a. Strengthen the relationship between VIPA and the DEPC, by establishing an obligation for VIPA to auto-
matically forward each foreign investment application to the DEPC
b. VIPA should update its investment application template to clearly inform the foreign investment applicants
about the legal necessity to take environmental permits from the DEPC before beginning any project in
Vanuatu
c. Strengthen the relationship between the Prime Minister’s Office’s Aid Coordination Unit and the DEPC,
by establishing an obligation for the Aid Coordination Unit to automatically forward each project design
document to the DEPC
d. Strengthen capacity within the DEPC to conduct PEAs and evaluate EIAs
e. Department of Tourism should scale up the accreditation compliance process at national level to ensure
compliance with the EPC Act
f. Explore the option of conducting Strategic Environmental Assessments for key export sectors, through
assistance from the ADB and/or the SPREP
g. Approve the DSM policy after consultations, and amend the regulatory framework in line with the policy’s
recommendations
9.3 Resource Over-Exploitation

For its export-led development to be sustainable, Vanuatu has to ensure that it does not over-exploit its
stock of exhaustible natural resources. These resources should be harnessed in such a way that their stock
remains stable, or grows over time. Two natural resources that face this risk are fisheries and forest products.
ci A hydrothermal vent is a fissure on the seafloor from which geothermally heated water is released.
9.3.1 Forestry products

While growing exports of natural resources can significantly increase Vanuatu’s export earnings, boost its GDP,
and create valuable employment opportunities, there is also a risk that over-exploitation will rapidly deplete
the current stocks, which can take several years to recover, causing long-term damage. Vanuatu has already
experienced this with timber. While the production and exports of timber grew through the late 1990s and
early 2000s, over-exploitation of accessible hardwood forests drastically reduced Vanuatu’s timber production
capacity by mid-2000s, harming the economic health of the sector. cii More recently, over-exploitation has
affected the high-grade Pterocarpus Indicus, known locally as the ‘blue water tree’ (see also Chapter 3).
Assessing the sustainability of current forestry practices is more challenging, since the last National Forest
Inventory (NFI) was carried out in 1989-1990, before the reported over-exploitation of timber resources. The
National Forest Policy Statement 1997 used the NFI to estimate the total volume of pacmerch ciii species in
different islands of Vanuatu, and recommended sustainable annual yield for each island. These numbers are
most probably outdated in 2018. Nevertheless, the National Forest Policy 2013–2023 concludes that because
timber harvesting is mostly done on a small scale with the help of mobile sawmills, annual timber harvests
of approximately 10,000 cubic meters are substantially below the recommended sustainable yield levels of
68,000 cubic meters per annum. However, these are national figures; it is possible that timber harvests on
certain islands exceed the sustainable yields established for those islands.
To improve the current status of forestry statistics, the German aid agency, Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has agreed to provide financial resources to support the next NFI through the Reducing
Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiative. Work on the NFI was expected to
start by the end of 2018 and to be completed by 2020. This inventory process will also provide the opportu-
nity to conduct Vanuatu’s first national carbon stock assessment, which can then be used to promote trade
in carbon.
In addition to the NFI, the Department of Forestry has emphasised the importance of a national reforestation
program, to increase the stock of forest resources in the country and reduce the risk from natural disasters
such as mud-slides and extensive soil erosion.
9.3.2 Fishery products

When assessing the sustainability of Vanuatu’s fisheries sector, it is helpful to divide fishing into three
categories: fisheries in Vanuatu’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (up to 200 nautical miles from the coast),
coastal fisheries (up to 12 nautical miles from the coast), and reef and lagoon fisheries (up to 3 nautical
miles from the coast).
The most important commercial species fished in Vanuatu’s EEZ is tuna. Four tuna species pass through
Vanuatu’s EEZ: albacore, bigeye, skipjack, and yellowfin tuna. Fishing of these species is managed based
on the Revised Tuna Fishery Management Plan, 299 which ensures that the exploitation of the tuna resources
found in, and passing through, Vanuatu’s EEZ is compatible with the sustainability of their stocks throughout
their range. Using bio-economic modelling in collaboration with the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), the Department of Fisheries has estimated the Total Allowable
Catch (TAC) per year for each tuna species. The TAC is the volume of tuna, in metric tonnes, that can be
caught each year without threatening the tuna stocks in regional waters. The TAC for the four main tuna
species is shown in Table 9.1.
cii This over-exploitation occurred for several reasons: reduction in government support for replanting after the fiscal crisis
of 1997-98, major cyclones in 1998-99, and poor planning by land-owners. Source: discussions with Director, Department of
Forestry
ciii “Pacmerch” species refers to those tree species that are generally accepted commercially in the Pacific.
TABLE 9.1: TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH FOR EACH TUNA SPECIES
Species TAC (metric tonnes)

Albacore 8,376
Bigeye 1,000
Skipjack 3,000
Yellowfin 3,000
Source: Department of Fisheries
Figure 9.1 plots the annual catch for each tuna species over the 1996 to 2016 period. Each graph also shows
the TAC for that species; this is the red horizontal line in the graph. As we can observe, for each species,
Vanuatu’s annual catch volumes are significantly lower than the TAC for that species. Only in one year – 2006
– did Vanuatu’s annual catch of albacore (8,354 tonnes) come close to its TAC (8,376 tonnes). Therefore,
with the exception of albacore – the most abundant species in Vanuatu’s waters, whose catch volumes are on
an increasing trend – it seems that there is significant scope to expand catch volumes for other tuna species
while remaining within the bio-economic sustainable limits.
FIGURE 9.1: ANNUAL CATCH VOLUMES OF TUNA SPECIES FOUND IN VANUATU’S EEZ AGAINST
TAC, METRIC TONS
Notes: The red line in each graph shows the Total Allowable Catch for that species, as per the Revised Tuna Fishery Manage-
ment Plan, August 2014.
Source: FFA Compendium of Economic and Development Statistics 2017
In terms of coastal fisheries, the main species fished include the poulet or snapper, sea cucumber, and
aquarium fish. Among these, the survival of sea cucumber populations was threatened by extensive over-
fishing in the last few decades. The Government imposed a ten-year moratorium on the harvesting of sea
cucumber in 2008. Since then, several sub-species of sea cucumbers have begun to recover to healthy
population levels. In 2015, the Government allowed harvesting of certain sub-species for a trial four-month
period. The Government is now considering options to award concession contracts for harvesting sea cucum-
bers, under strict guidelines and rigorous monitoring. If managed properly, they could become an important
source of export revenue for Vanuatu, given their importance in certain pharmaceutical products and as a
dietary delicacy.
In terms of reef and lagoon fishing, anecdotal evidence suggests that there has been over-fishing, depleting
the stock of reef fish and compelling fishermen to travel longer distances to support their traditional catch
volumes. But until recently, there has been no systematic data to back these claims. In 2017, the SPC
supported the Department of Fisheries to pilot the ‘Tails’ project, under which fishermen in 19 sites around
Vanuatu were provided with tablets to record their fishing effort and catch values for different species of fish.
Extending this project to more sites in Vanuatu and using it to collect regular data will enable the Department
of Fisheries to assess the sustainability of reef and lagoon fisheries, and develop management plans to
promote its sustainability.
One of the strategies being followed by the Department of Fisheries to reduce dependence on reef and
lagoon fish stocks is encouraging the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). FADs help to attract and
concentrate a large number of fish species beyond the reef, and therefore make it easier to fish there. This
can promote economic independence and nutritional security, especially in places where reef and lagoon
fishing is prohibited due to the establishment of Marine Protection Areas (MPAs). However, the use of FADs
has to be carefully monitored and tracked, since they can damage the marine habitat and result in by-catch
of non-target species. 300 The Department of Fisheries is seeking assistance with tracking FADs through the
Global Ghost Gear Initiative.
a. Government should conduct a National Forest Inventory (NFI) and National Carbon Stock Assessment by
2020
b. Continue to monitor annual catch volumes for EEZ fish (e.g. tuna) and ensure they remain below the
sustainable yield limits
c. Government should secure donor assistance (from ADB or SPC) to continue implementing the Tails program
to develop a better dataset of reef and lagoon fisheries
9.4 Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction

9.4.1 Mitigation
In its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) submission to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Vanuatu has committed to use close to 100% renewable energy
to produce electricity sector by 2030. Vanuatu has stated that achieving this target is conditional on receiving
sufficient funding from external sources. In addition, the Vanuatu National Energy Roadmap (VNER) specifies
a short-run target of using 65% renewable energy to produce electricity by 2020. These renewable resources
currently include wind, solar, hydropower and biofuel (especially coconut oil), and may expand to include
geothermal in the future.
Transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2030 will be very challenging. According to the VNER, only 29% of
electricity was produced using renewable sources in 2015. civ The major renewable resource is hydropower, in
particular, the Sarakata dam in Espiritu Santo, which produces electricity for the Luganville concession area.
However, recent reports suggest that the electricity output from the Sarakata dam has weakened, especially
since the El Niño phenomenon adversely affected the flow of the river. 301 In the Port Vila concession area,
approximately 10-20% of the energy is currently obtained from renewable sources, which include wind, solar,
and coconut oil.
From a trade perspective, what is important to assess is the impact of the transition to 100% renewable
civ There is substantial intra- and inter-year variation in the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources of ener-
gy, due to the inherent variability of environmental conditions. For instance, the Vanuatu Energy Roadmap reveals that in 2015,
the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources varied between 13% in March and 50% in August.
energy on Vanuatu’s trade potential. The Trade Policy Framework (TPF) 2012 identified factors related to
electricity as some of the major barriers to trade in Vanuatu. In particular, the TPF argued that Vanuatu’s trade
performance is constrained by limited access to electricity, its high price, and its low reliability. This section
will assess how transitioning will impact these three dimensions.
9.4.1.1 Access
A substantial proportion of households in Vanuatu do not have access to regular electricity. In 2015, about
83% of rural households lacked electricity access, as did 20% of urban households. 302 Increasing access is
a major priority for the Government of Vanuatu. In the VNER, the Government has committed to ensuring
100% access to electricity by 2030.
For households located close to the grid, the Government’s strategy involves subsidising the cost of grid
connections, through the Grid Based Electricity Access Project (GBEAP). For households located on outer
islands without an electricity grid, but still close to areas of concentrated demand (such as schools or hospi-
tals), the Government’s strategy involves the construction of solar-based ‘micro-grids’. Finally, for households
that are distant from the current electricity grid and from areas of concentrated demand, the Government’s
strategy is to provide access to pico solar cv lighting products, solar home systems, and other similar products.
One challenge that would emerge with this policy is ensuring appropriate recycling mechanisms for lead-acid
and lithium-ion batteries that are commonly used with solar systems for energy storage purposes. Discarded
batteries can pose several environmental risks, and different government departments will have to coordinate
to ensure that these risks are mitigated.
Therefore, except for grid connections, the Government’s transition to producing 100% electricity from renew-
able sources will increase electricity access, and will therefore help to promote trade. As to grid connections,
the transition to producing 100% electricity from renewable sources may negatively affect access through
its impact on prices.
9.4.1.2 Price
If Vanuatu has to transition to using renewable sources of energy to produce almost 100% of its electricity,
substantial investments in capital expenditure, for example, in hydropower plants, solar plants, and wind
farms, will be required. In the past, such capital expenditure has been financed through donor partners such
as the European Union and the World Bank. Without this support from donor partners, transitioning to 100%
renewable energy is likely to substantially increase the per unit cost of electricity.
Discussions with UNELCO, the holder of Efate’s electricity concession contract, suggest that fuel costs are
responsible for approximately 45% of the per unit cost of electricity (23-24 vatu out of a total of 53 vatu
per kilowatt hour). UNELCO could engage in capital expenditure on renewable sources such as wind and
solar without donor support, but to recover its investment, the fuel component would have to be increased
from 23-24 vatu to approximately 30-40 vatu per kwh. Therefore, in the absence of donor support for capital
expenditure, the per unit price of electricity is expected to increase by 10-30%. This would impose a heavy
burden on businesses and households, especially since electricity prices in Vanuatu are already higher than
the Pacific average (see Chapter 5). This highlights the importance of financial support from bilateral donor
partners, and from multilateral funds such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate
Fund (GCF), if Vanuatu has to achieve its climate change mitigation targets without damaging its domestic
economy.
While hydropower represents a relatively cheap and renewable source of energy, generating electricity using
hydropower requires large and fast-flowing rivers. It was earlier believed that the Teoma river on Efate could
be harnessed for generating electricity, but UNELCO’s technical assessments have concluded that this is not
feasible. There are currently no hydropower plans for Efate. Hydropower from the Sarakata River is used to
produce electricity on Espiritu Santo. Its low cost is an important reason why electricity in Espiritu Santo is
cheaper than electricity on Efate (see Figure 9.2).
cv Pico solar products use small compact and light weight solar photovoltaic panels to generate just a few watts of power in a
wide range of small and portable applications.
FIGURE 9.2: ELECTRICITY PRICES ON EFATE AND ESPIRITU SANTO, JANUARY 2017 – JULY 2018
60.00
50.00
40.00
30.00
20.00
10.00
0.00
Jan-17 Mar-17 May-17 Jul-17 Sep-17 Nov-17 Jan-18 Mar-18 May-18 Jul-18
Efate Santo
Source: Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA)
There are two alternative renewable sources of energy, in addition to hydropower, wind and solar. The first is
biofuel, in particular, coconut oil or ‘coco-fuel’. According to UNELCO, the company has sufficient installed
thermal capacity to start generating 80% of the electricity for Efate from coconut oil within a very short period
of time. However, the high and volatile price of coconut oil is a major impediment to its widespread adop-
tion as an energy source. Coconut oil is about one-third as efficient as diesel. Therefore, for its use to be
economical, its price per litre has to be less than one-third the price of diesel. This has not been the case for
most 2017-18 and UNELCO hasn’t therefore used any coconut oil to produce electricity in this period. When
the world price is high, coconut oil producers find it more profitable to export coconut oil rather than sell to
UNELCO. cvi Coconut oil has been reintroduced in the production mix towards the end of 2018 as a result of
a moderate increase in the international price of diesel and a pronounced decline in the international price
of coconut oil.
Some of the reasons for the limited uptake of coconut oil include the absence of a deep and well-integrated
domestic market, as well as the absence of long-term contracts between coconut oil producers and UNELCO.
Discussions with UNELCO suggest that to operate its coconut oil-based thermal generators, it would require
approximately 20 million litres of coconut oil per year. The Government of Vanuatu, especially the Depart-
ment of Energy, the Department of Industry, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries
and Biosecurity (MALFFB) should explore options for expanding the domestic production of coconut oil and
encouraging its greater use to generate electricity, also noting that significant resources will be allocated to
the coconut value chain under the 11 th European Development Fund.
The second alternative renewable source is geothermal energy. The World Bank made a preliminary assess-
ment that there is “medium to high potential” of geothermal energy near the Takara hot springs in northern
Efate. A prospecting license has been issued to establish the site’s energy potential. However, issues such as
land ownership disputes and lack of clarity around electricity production and distribution rights have stymied
the project. Discussions with stakeholders suggest that the current licensee has written off the project, before
it was able to conclusively assess the geothermal potential of the site. This is something that the Government
can investigate further, possibly with financial support from the World Bank or from private sector operators.
9.4.1.3 Reliability
Based on their reliability, energy sources can be divided into two categories: intermittent sources, whose
output varies with environmental conditions, and baseload sources, which provide stable energy output.
Among the renewable energy sources discussed in the previous subsection, wind and solar are intermittent,
while hydropower, coconut oil, and geothermal energy can be classified as baseload sources. The challenges
associated with increasing the reliance on baseload renewable sources of energy have been discussed above.
If Vanuatu has to increase the share of renewable energy in the short-term, it would likely have to increase
cvi The increase in coconut oil exports observed in 2017 can partly be explained by this fact.
its reliance on the intermittent sources, such as wind and solar.

Wind and solar energy are intermittent sources because their output is susceptible to sudden changes in
environmental conditions. This volatility can threaten the stability of an electricity grid that depends on their
output. Fluctuations in the grid reduce the reliability of electricity supply, increase the risks of blackouts, and
therefore impose severe costs on electricity users, particularly mechanised businesses. If the electricity grid
in Vanuatu will increase its reliance on intermittent sources of energy, utility companies will have to invest in
infrastructure that mitigates the costs of this instability.
There are two main types of this ‘stability infrastructure’: primary reserves and storage systems. Primary
reserves, or spinning reserves, refers to the extra capacity that can be generated by increasing the power
output of generators already connected to the grid. Therefore, if the output of a solar generator drops sharply,
for instance because the weather becomes overcast instantaneously, other generators will immediately (within
seconds) increase their output to ensure that the grid is not affected. Storage systems, on the other hand,
absorb power from the grid when there is excess generation, and use the stored power to replenish the grid
when there is a deficit. Both these types of infrastructure are expensive to establish and maintain. These
investments would require substantial support from donors and multilateral funds, otherwise the resulting
capital expenditures would increase electricity tariffs and hurt business and household consumers.
a. Government should continue pursuing renewable options to increase off-grid access to electricity
b. Government should work with bilateral donor partners and multilateral funds such as the GEF and the GCF
to secure capital expenditure for establishing wind farms and solar plants
c. Government should work with bilateral donor partners and multilateral funds such as the GEF and the
GCF to secure capital expenditure for stabilisation infrastructure, such as spinning reserves and storage
systems, to ensure grid stability
d. Government of Vanuatu should explore options for increasing the production of coconut oil and expanding
its use for generating thermal electricity
e. Government should further assess the geothermal potential in Vanuatu, notably on Efate, and, if significant,
facilitate a way forward to solve land and concession-related issues preventing its commercial exploitation
9.4.2 Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction

Due to its location in the South Pacific tropical cyclone basin and the Pacific Ring of Fire, Vanuatu is partic-
ularly exposed to hydro-meteorological hazards such as cyclones, and geophysical hazards such as earth-
quakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. These natural disasters are expected to increase in intensity and
frequency as a consequence of climate change. The Government of Vanuatu will have to prepare and plan
to mitigate these systemic risks.
Like most Pacific Island Countries, Vanuatu’s economy and trade sector are highly susceptible to natural
disasters. Between 1950 and 2011, natural disasters were responsible for an annualised loss equivalent to
6.6% of GDP in Vanuatu, the highest figure in the Pacific. 303 The latest major natural disaster was Tropical
Cyclone (TC) Pam, which struck Vanuatu in March 2015, killing 11 people and resulting in an estimated USD
450 million of damages. This was equivalent to 64% of Vanuatu’s GDP. 304 TC Pam affected the Vanuatu
economy in three major ways:
1. Expenditure on reconstruction activity contributed to increase the public debt to GDP ratio
2. Production losses in the agriculture sector led to a precipitous decline in merchandise exports, while
imports surged. Between 2014 and 2015, merchandise exports declined by 31% while imports increased
by 29%, worsening the trade deficit
3. Tourism, the most important economic sector in Vanuatu in terms of employment and contribution to GDP,
also suffered significantly. Visitor arrivals by air dropped 17% between 2014 and 2015.
Cyclones such as TC Pam are not expected to be one-off events. Vanuatu will have to prepare to deal with
high costs arising from these natural disasters in the coming years. According to the World Bank, by 2040,
Vanuatu will have to spend between 2 and 8% of its GDP on adaptation costs.
For a long time, climate change adaptation and disaster recovery were considered as separate processes
at the global and national levels. However, integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction
initiatives is now perceived as the most efficient way to leverage national and global resources. In Vanuatu,
this has been achieved through the establishment of the National Advisory Board on Climate Change and
Disaster Risk Reduction (NAB) in 2012.
The Vanuatu Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2016-2030 outlines the institutional frame-
work for coordinating Vanuatu’s efforts to “integrate and strengthen climate change adaptation and disaster
risk reduction initiatives across national, provincial and local levels, and across all sectors.” While this policy
acknowledges the economic costs arising from natural disasters and climate-related events in Vanuatu, it does
not explicitly focus on the trade channel through which these events will affect Vanuatu’s economy. Further, the
MTTCNVB is not a member of the of the NAB, and there does not seem to be a close relationship between the
NTDC and the NAB. There is scope to improve this relationship, which would help ensure that trade-related
concerns are addressed more explicitly within the context of Vanuatu’s adaptation and disaster-risk reduction
planning. The recent work by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the linkages between trade and natural
disasters 305 can help the MTTCNVB advocating for an increased focus on trade-related issues by the NAB.
a. The MTTNCVB should raise awareness on the linkages between trade and natural disasters at the NTDC,
and seek membership of the NAB so that trade can be further mainstreamed into climate change mitigation
and adaptation, and disaster response, recovery, and resilience
9.5 Women’s Economic Empowerment

Greater economic participation by women can provide a substantial boost to Vanuatu’s GDP, either if more
women join the workforce as formal wage workers, or as entrepreneurs. On a global scale, greater female
economic participation can add between USD 12–26 trillion to global GDP by 2025. 306 From the perspective
of the TPFU, women’s economic empowerment will power the growth of Vanuatu’s export sectors. Already,
women constitute almost half the formal sector workforce in the tourism sector. cvii Policies that support
women’s economic empowerment can potentially increase this number, and enable women to lead the growth
of other key export sectors.
However, despite legal commitments to gender equality, cviii there continues to be gender disparity in terms
of access to training opportunities, ownership of land and other productive assets, access to credit, and
participation in the formal workforce. For example, data from the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET)
indicate underrepresentation of women in vocational, technical and other tertiary education. 307 Of the 30,000
registered leases in Vanuatu, fewer than 20 are in the sole name of a woman. 308 Among the Ni-Vanuatu without
bank accounts, 64% are women. 309
Given these disparities, it is perhaps not surprising that even though women constitute 49% of Vanuatu’s
population, they are only 39% of the formal workforce. 310 Even among formal sector workers, women occupy
only 29% of “positions of authority” across the public and private sectors, 311 and only 3% of senior executive
positions. 312 According to Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV) data, fewer than 20% of small and medium busi-
nesses are owned by women. 313
Underpinning these barriers to women’s participation in economic activities is the role of patriarchal social
norms that perpetuate discrimination towards women and constrain their ability to become economically
independent. These norms may have emerged through traditional kastom, as well as through the effects
of the church and colonisation on Ni-Vanuatu society. Some of these norms may have been internalised by
women themselves: for example, in a survey of women by the Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC), 36% of women
cvii Source: discussions with Department of Tourism

cviii Hs Article 5(1) of the Constitution of Vanuatu prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex. In addition, Vanuatu ratified
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1995, acceded to the Optional
Protocol of CEDAW in 2007, and adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Agenda in 2000. These actions and com-
mitments involve a series of obligations to promote gender equality, eliminate discrimination and empower women.
agreed that “it is all right for a woman or girl to be swapped or exchanged for marriage”, and 53% women
agreed with the statement that “I become a property of my husband after bride price is paid”. 314 Women who
violate these social norms to participate in the formal economy face considerable risks of backlash from their
partners and from their communities. This is particularly relevant in a context of common physical and sexual
violence. For example, approximately 60% of women surveyed by the VWC had experienced some form of
physical or sexual violence in their lives, of whom 21% had been left with permanent injuries. 68% had been
subjected to psychological violence by their intimate partners. 315
Yet, traditional social norms can, and do, change over time. Different departments within the Government of
Vanuatu, NGOs, and donor partners are working to ensure that women are provided with the right tools (or
inputs) to enable them to join the formal workforce, either as wage employees or as entrepreneurs. This section
organizes these efforts into three types of inputs: access to school education, access to PSET opportunities,
and access to the formal financial sector. These are discussed in more detail below.
In addition to the NSDP, there are two high-level policy documents that direct the Government’s efforts in
this area: the National Gender Equality Policy and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy. These policy
documents have developed a number of recommendations and indicators to track women’s economic empow-
erment. This section does not recommend any policy actions that are not already included in the high-level
policy documents, but recommends that the relevant indicators should be tracked and reported also to the
National Trade Development Committee.
9.5.1 Access to school education

Girls should have the opportunity to continue in school until they acquire secondary education. Unfortunately,
the high costs of secondary education in Vanuatu compel a substantial percentage of students to leave school
at the completion of free primary schooling in Year 6.
The TPFU welcomes the decision by the Government of Vanuatu to provide free secondary education to
all students in Vanuatu. 316 Once fully implemented, this policy can substantially decrease the number of all
students dropping out of school after Year 6. In the meantime, in 2018 still 18% of students dropped out
between Year 6 and Year 7, and only 23% reached Year 13. 317
However, there seems to be no gender disparity in terms of these dropout rates. If anything, girls are slightly
more likely to stay in school as students transition from primary school (Years 1-6) to secondary school (Years
7-13). The MoET measures gender parity using the Gender Parity Index (GPI), which is equal to the ratio
of girls to boys at a given level of schooling. In 2018, the GPI at the primary school level was 0.95, while at
the secondary school level was 1.12. Even in 2016 and 2017, the secondary school GPI was higher than the
primary school GPI. 318
9.5.2 Access to Post-School Education and Training (PSET)

Data from MoET reveal no significant gender imbalance in terms of access to universities and scholarships.
For example, in 2017, 146 Ni-Vanuatu students completed a degree course at the Emalus campus of the
University of the South Pacific (USP). Of these, 54.1% were women. Similarly, in 2018, there were 614
awardees with ongoing scholarships for higher education. Of these, 51.1% were women. 581 new higher
education scholarships were awarded in 2018. Of these, 49.2% were awarded to women. 319
Nevertheless, a substantial gender imbalance remains in terms of access to public PSET institutions: in 2018,
only 30% of trainees in public PSET institutions were females. 320 This means that fewer trained women enter
the labour force, and this is likely to be one of the factors contributing to their low share in the skilled workforce.
However, over the past few years, there has been a strong push to provide vocational skills and training to
women entrepreneurs to enable them to participate in the modern economy. This has been particularly driven
through the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (previously known as TVET), a joint program of the Australian and the
Vanuatu Government. To ensure sustainability, equal household participation, and to mitigate against the risks
of male backlash, the VSP focusses on training couples rather than just women to become business owners.
Focus sectors include the tourism and handicraft sectors. For example, VSP’s “Skills for Tourism” program
grew from 11 clients in 2010 to 127 clients in 2017. In 2017, 43% of these clients were couples, and 17% were
women. In businesses that received training through the “Skills for Tourism” program, 60% of the employees
are women. Such programs therefore have a great potential to expand both women entrepreneurship and
women’s participation in the formal economy.
9.5.3 Access to credit

As noted above, one way in which women’s low participation in the formal economy manifests itself is in
their limited participation in the formal financial sector. For example, among the Ni-Vanuatu without bank
accounts, 64% are women. However, when provided with bank accounts, women are more likely to use their
bank accounts to save than men. 321
The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu is now implementing the Vanuatu National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2018
– 2023, with explicit targets for promoting women’s participation in the formal financial sector. Some of the
salient targets include:
1. Ensuring that an additional 54,000 Ni-Vanuatu adults will be active users of formal or semi-formal financial
services by 2023, of which 50% will be women
2. Introducing policies and a regulatory environment to support access to finance for MSMEs, with a specific
target of 30% of women-led MSMEs
3. Encouraging widely available financial literacy programmes targeted at building entrepreneurial and finan-
cial management skills, especially among women entrepreneurs.
In addition to the formal banking system, Ni-Vanuatu women entrepreneurs can also access credit through
microfinance channels. Vanwods has been a leading microfinance institution that has provided low-cost credit
to Ni-Vanuatu women since its foundation in 1996. In recent years, though, there has been a rapid increase
in the number of microfinance institutions in Vanuatu, which has generated fears of predatory lending and
over-burdened borrowers trying to repay loans to several lenders simultaneously. To avoid this situation, the
RBV will have to vigilantly monitor the lending patterns of microfinance institutions and ensure healthy and
sustainable lending by these organisations.
a. Relevant indicators of the National Gender Equality Policy and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy
are tracked and reported annually to the National Trade Development Committee
9.6 Kastom
At its broadest level, kastom refers to the set of social norms, rules, and practices that influence and inform
the way in which the people of Vanuatu interact with each other, within their families, their communities, their
island, their country, and within the wider Melanesian region. It guides the operation of Vanuatu’s traditional
economy, which constitutes the political, economic, and social foundation of the country. 322 The traditional
economy is more likely to be based on the principles of egalitarianism, joint ownership of productive assets,
production and barter of traditional food crops, and sustainable use of natural resources. However, with
globalisation and the growth of the modern economy, the principles of traditional kastom often come in conflict
with relatively more ‘western’ values systems that emphasise individualism, alienation of land from its tradi-
tional owners, the cash economy, and consumerism. For Vanuatu’s economic model to be sustainable, these
differing and sometimes conflicting value systems have to be reconciled and managed, so that the citizens
of Vanuatu can enjoy the benefits of economic growth while continuing to respect their traditions and kastom.
This Trade Policy Framework Update (TPFU) recommends several policy actions to develop Vanuatu’s export
sectors. While each policy recommendation will contribute towards growing Vanuatu’s modern economy
and increasing the standard of living of its citizens, it is also important to be cognisant of the effects these
recommendations may have on Vanuatu’s traditional kastom economy. Some recommendations may have
positive effects on both the export sectors and the kastom economy, while some recommendations may involve
trade-offs. This section identifies a number of criteria to evaluate the potential positive and negative effects
of TPFU recommendations on the kastom economy. Specific evaluations are mentioned in the Trade Policy
Implementation Matrix (TPFIM). The Government, and other users of the TPFU such as donor partners, can
use these evaluations while prioritising the implementation of different TPFU recommendations.
In addition, Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO) and the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs
have developed the Melanesian Wellbeing Indicators (“Alternative Indicators for Well-being in Melanesia”)
to measure the prosperity of Vanuatu’s traditional economy and its contribution to the well-being of the
Ni-Vanuatu people. Several of these indicators are being tracked as key indicators under the Monitoring and
Evaluation framework of the NSDP. The NTDC should take cognisance of these indicators and regularly track
them, depending on the availability of data on these indicators.
The first criterion for evaluating the effect of a TPFU recommendation on the kastom economy is the potential
of the recommendation to generate dispute within the community around the ownership or use of land. In
Vanuatu, all land is owned by the traditional, or kastom owners. People who do not own land, for example,
foreign investors, must lease land from the traditional owners before using the land for productive reasons.
However, given the absence of written ownership records, it is often difficult to establish the correct kastom
owners. This is usually not a problem when the land is used for growing food crops, but becomes a major point
of contention as soon as the expected value of land (or value of the lease) increases. These land disputes
weaken social cohesion within the village or the community, and threaten traditional kastom relations. There-
fore, if any TPFU recommendation is likely to increase land ownership disputes, it will be judged negatively
in the kastom risk column. Any TPFU recommendation that supports the institutional set-up to resolve land
ownership disputes will be judged positively in the kastom risk column.
The second criterion is the potential of the TPFU recommendation to generate dispute around ownership of
traditional knowledge. Several policy documents of the Government of Vanuatu have recommended leveraging
traditional knowledge to grow Vanuatu’s tourism sector, and tourism-related exports. However, once traditional
knowledge becomes valuable in the cash economy, there can be competing claims on its ownership. These
competing claims and conflicts can once again weaken social cohesion and threaten the kastom economy.
Therefore, if any TPFU recommendation is likely to increase the risk of disputes around the ownership of
Traditional Knowledge, it will be judged negatively by the kastom risk matrix. Any TPFU recommendation
that recommends strengthening institutions for resolving Traditional Knowledge disputes, for example, the
establishment of the Traditional Knowledge authority within the Malfatumauri (Council of Chiefs), will be
judged positively in the kastom risk column.
The third criterion is the potential of the TPFU recommendation to reduce the production and consumption of
traditional root crops, such as yam, taro, kava etc. These root crops underpin the kastom exchange economy,
and a decline in their production can adversely affect traditional social ceremonies. Therefore, if any TPFU
recommendation is likely to reduce the production of traditional root crops, for example by encouraging the
allocation of resources towards cash crops for export, it will be judged negatively in the kastom risk column.
The fourth criterion is the effect of the TPFU recommendation on inter-island trade. By expanding the domestic
market, greater inter-island trade increases the market opportunities for selling traditional products, such as
traditional food crops and handicrafts. To the extent that investing labour and other resources in the produc-
tion of these traditional products strengthens the kastom economy, greater inter-island trade can be good
for the kastom economy.
The fifth criterion is the effect of the TPFU recommendation on traditional tabu or conservation areas. Several
Ni-Vanuatu communities use tabu areas to conserve natural resources and prevent over-exploitation of natural
resources. These tabu areas are common ways of protecting forests and marine resources. Any TPFU recom-
mendation that supports the creation of tabu areas is therefore good for the kastom economy, and therefore
will be judged positively in the kastom risk column.
The sixth criterion is the potential of the TPFU recommendation to increase income inequality in the commu-
nity. Traditionally, Ni-Vanuatu societies are fairly egalitarian, emphasising the joint ownership of the means
of production and redistributing income and productive assets to those in need. Any policy that increases the
income inequality in the community weakens these traditional norms and harms the kastom economy. For
example, the rapid increase in the number of cruise ships visiting Mystery Island off the coast of Aneityum
has generated windfall gains for land-owners located close to the Mystery Island. Those living at some
distance from Mystery Island can view this new-found prosperity, but cannot partake in it. These negative
spillovers, also found by the cash transfers literature, 323 weaken social cohesion and therefore damage the
kastom economy.
The seventh, and final, criterion is the potential of the TPFU recommendation to increase rural to urban
migration. When villagers migrate to the town, their kinship networks may become weaker. They contribute
less to informal insurance mechanisms and receive less in turn. Their immediate social group may not belong
to their community or their island. These factors weaken traditional social bonds, and therefore harm the
traditional kastom economy.
The TPFIM uses these criteria to evaluate the impact of each TPFU recommendation on the kastom economy,
classifying TPFU recommendations as positive or negative for the kastom economy. Users of the TPFU can
then decide the optimal portfolio of recommendations to support, which can achieve the appropriate goals of
growing Vanuatu’s modern economy without harming the traditional kastom economy.
a. The NTDC regularly track the Melanesian Wellbeing Indicators (“Alternative Indicators for Well-being in
Melanesia”), depending on the availability of data on these indicators
10.1 Progress So Far
Vanuatu’s trade mainstreaming program aims at ensuring that the trade dimension is duly considered when-
ever government policy is formulated and implemented. It is led by the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce,
and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB).
10.1.1 CoM decision 20/2012

The program was officially endorsed by the Council of Ministers (CoM) with decision 20/2012. The latter
approved the proposed three pillars of the program (policy, institutional, and development cooperation), and
provided direction on each of those pillars as follows:
• At policy level, (1) draft a Vanuatu Trade Policy Framework (TPF) to identify and consolidate trade-re-
lated priorities across the government; and (2) draft a Vanuatu Trade Act to formalise the institutional
arrangements of the trade mainstreaming program;
• At institutional level, establish a National Trade Development Committee (NTDC) to serve as multi-stake-
holder advisory body on matters of trade; and
• At development cooperation level, stimulate donor engagement on Aid-for-Trade by leveraging the
TPF and NTDC mechanisms.
10.1.2 Achievements
The trade mainstreaming program has been quite successful in achieving its objectives, and Vanuatu is
now mentioned as an example of good practice in relevant international literature. 324 Main achievements are
briefly reported below.
10.1.2.1 Policy level
The year 2012 saw CoM approval of the Vanuatu TPF with decision 99/2012. A Trade Policy Framework
Implementation Matrix (TPFIM) was drafted in 2013, endorsed by the NTDC in the same year, and approved
by CoM with decision 54/2014. Since March 2013 the MTTCNVB has reported on TPF implementation three
times a year, including through detailed updates and succinct summaries. The monitoring and evaluation
system established by the MTTCNVB has received very positive feedback from the government, donors and
the private sector, who have found the TPFIM to be one of the best available mechanisms to get reliable
information on implementation of the country’s economic policy. The MTTCNVB should continue to devote
adequate resources the TPFU’s monitoring and evaluation, also noting the increased complexity of the TPFU
implementation matrix compared to its predecessor.
Policy mainstreaming has benefitted from the MTTNCVB’s ability to use the TPF and TPFIM to deliver consis-
tent messages over a number of years. Examples of policy messages first advocated by the TPF and subse-
quently endorsed by the whole government include the need to prioritise sectors of comparative advantage,
to give more prominence to trade in services, to adopt more comprehensive approaches to towards technical
barriers to trade, to increase support to trade-oriented Technical and Vocational Education and Training
(TVET), and to pursue innovative Aid-for-Trade projects such as waterfront regeneration.
The track-record with implementation the TPF’s recommendations can also provide evidence of the MTTCN-
VB’s achievements. At the time of the first TPFIM status report (July 2013), implementation was on-track for
150 Ch. 10: Trade Mainsreaming and It's Pillars
28% of the TPF’s recommendations, partly on-track for 41% of the recommendations, and off-track for 31%
of the recommendations. The subsequent five years saw most off-track recommendations becoming partly
on-track, and a similar number of partly on-track recommendations moving to the on-track status. As a result,
in the last TPFIM status report (September 2018), the percentage of on-track, partly on-track and off-track
recommendations was 49%, 40%, and 9% respectively. 325 Despite the good achievements, there are some
lessons which can be learnt from the targets which remained off-track after seven years of TPF implementa-
tion; these are summarised in Annex 1, together with proposed or adopted measures to achieve these targets.
Policy mainstreaming can also be assessed by comparing the former and the current national development
policy. The Priority Action Agenda Update (PAA Update) approved in 2012 included 7 Strategic Priorities
and 32 Priority Objectives. The National Sustainable Development Plan (NDSP) approved in 2016 includes
15 Goals and 98 Priority Objectives. In the PAA Update, the word ‘trade’ was mentioned in zero Strategic
Priorities (0%) and one Priority Objective (3.1%). cix In the NSDP the same word is mentioned in one Goal
(6.7%) cx and three Priority Objectives (3.1%). cxi This indicates policy mainstreaming took place, at least at
the highest strategic level.
10.1.2.2 Institutional level
The NTDC in its current form was first convened in May 2012 for the purpose of validating the TPF. It has
since met three times a year, with the TDD serving as its secretariat. It is chaired by the Minister responsible
for trade, with the Director General of the MTTCNVB as vice-chairman.
At each NTDC meeting members are updated on TPF implementation, presented with the latest trade statis-
tics, and introduced to trade-related issues requiring their decisions. Upon discretion of its secretariat, the
NTDC recommendations can be submitted to the attention of the CoM.
The consistency and professionalism of NTDC meetings have won the committee unanimous support from the
government, the private sector, and donor partners. During the past seven years the committee has played
an important role in informing some key development cooperation decisions, including the choice of value
chains to be supported by the National Indicative Program (NIP) of the 11 th European Development Fund
(EDF 11), the decision by New Zealand to support waterfront regeneration in Port Vila, and the prioritisation
of project proposals under the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). Some policy decisions have also been
informed by the committee’s recommendations, for example those in support of the local poultry industry.
Open discussion on contentious issues such as the Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board (VCMB) have
been instrumental in promoting transparency and fostering accountability. Despite some shortcomings, the
Vanuatu’s NTDC epitomises the best regional practice of trade governance in the Pacific region.
The Vanuatu’s NTDC would not have performed as it did without the TDD, a dedicated team of professionals
sitting under the Office of MTTCNVB’s DG and tasked to serve as NTDC secretariat, monitor and coordinate
implementation of the TPF, and secure and manage the MTTCNVB’s projects for the purpose of TPF imple-
mentation. Together with the NTDC, the TDD represents the second institutional leg of the trade mainstreaming
program. Established in 2011 as an offspring of a former project management unit, the TDD quickly developed
into high-performing body servicing the strategic needs of the MTTCNVB’s leadership and of its departments.
Initial support from Australia and the EIF was crucially contributed to the division’s early achievements,
including CoM approval of the TPF and the TPFIM, standardisation of NTDC meetings, and the successful
management of some Aid-for-Trade projects. These achievements were important to build confidence in the
division, secure additional resources to boost its capacity, and expand its project management responsibilities.
In terms of human resources, the division expanded from a three-staff structure in 2011, with two vacant
positions plus the contribution of one long-term external contractor, to a six-staff structure in 2019, with one
vacant position plus the contribution of eight long-term external contractors. cxii At the same time, the amount
cix Priority Objective 1: Enhance Performance of Trade and Industry

cx Goal ECO 1: A stable and prosperous economy, encouraging trade, investment and providing economic opportunities for all
members of society throughout Vanuatu
cxi Priority Objectives ECO 1.4 (Increase trade and investment opportunities and reduce barriers, including through the use of
Aid-for-Trade), ECO 1.6 (Require all new trade agreements to demonstrate tangible benefits in the national interest), and ECO
4.2 (Strengthen linkages between urban and rural business and promote trade between islands)
cxii Four contractors under the EIF programme, two under the EDF 11 program, one Overseas Development Institute (ODI)
Fellow, and one Trade Adviser supported by Australia
of national budget appropriated by the TDD increased by four times during the past six years, from VUV
3,652,281 in 2013 cxiii to VUV 15,937,910 in 2019. 326
10.1.2.3 Development cooperation level
The policy and institutional changes triggered by the trade mainstreaming program resulted in increasing
amounts of Aid-for-Trade committed to MTTCNVB and managed by the TDD. Annual Aid-for-Trade committed
to the MTTCNVB increased from an average of about VUV 50 million during the period 2012-14 to an average
about VUV 350 million for the period 2018-20 – see Figure 10.1. cxiv The scope of projects managed by the
MTTCNVB also expanded, from an initial focus on trade facilitation to a broader set of priorities including
tourism development, value chain support, economic governance, trade-related infrastructure, and disaster
recovery.
FIGURE 10.1: AID-FOR-TRADE PROJECTS MANAGED BY THE MTTNCVB, VUV MILLION, COMMITTED
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2012-14 2013-15 2014-16 2015-17 2016-18 2017-19 2018-20 2019-21 2020-22
Source: MTTCNVB
10.2 Challenges and Opportunities

As illustrated in the previous section, Vanuatu’s trade mainstreaming program is undoubtedly a strong success
story. However, the program still presents a number of weaknesses which should be addressed during the
TPFU implementation period.
10.2.1 Policy level

A review to the main policies adopted by the ministries with trade-related mandates cxv reveals that whilst trade
concepts are at least partly incorporated in most documents, many of the same documents fail to explicitly
mention the TPF - see Table 10.1. The need to further mainstream trade policy concepts emerges with regard
to some agriculture sub-sectors (livestock and fisheries), the education and training sector, the infrastructure
sector policies, and the energy and climate change sector.
The TPFU chapters on agriculture, agro-processing, skills, and sustainable development will be useful to
support the MTTCNVB’s efforts to further mainstream trade policy concepts in target sectors and should make
it easier for the TPFU to be explicitly referenced in other sectoral polices.
cxiii No budget was explicitly allocated to the division before 2013

cxiv Value of projects managed by the TDD, with the value of each project divided by the length of its implementation period.
Whist some projects are also managed by MTTCNVB’s departments their amount is negligible due to the centralisation policy
adopted by the MTTCNVB with respect to project management. The estimated decline after 2018-20 may well be reversed of
some of the projects being discussed are eventually secured
cxv For the purpose of this section the following ministers are considered: MTTCNVB, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock,
Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity (MALFFB), Prime Minister Office (PMO), Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), and
Ministry of Climate Change and Energy (MCCE)
152
TABLE 10.1: TRADE POLICY MAINSTREAMING, RAPID ASSESSMENT

Trade mainstreamed
Ministry Policy (timeframe) TPF mentioned
Y/N Notes
MTTCNVB Vanuatu Industrial Development Strategy (2018-22) Yes Yes Draws upon the concept of comparative advantage to justify its recommendations
MTTCNVB Vanuatu Strategic Tourism Action Plan (2014-18) Yes Yes Fully acknowledges TPF role and builds upon its recommendations
MTTCNVB Sustainable Tourism Policy (2019-30) Yes Yes However, it criticises the narrow economic focus of the TPF
MTTCNVB Vanuatu Tourism Market Development Plan (2019-30) No Yes Tourism analysed akin to a product to be exported
MTTCNVB National Co-operative Policy (2017 -22) No No The focus is mainly on domlestic issues
PMO Overarching Productive Sector Policy (2012-17) No Yes Adopts a trade-oriented value chain approach. Three objectives are trade-related: market access,
quality, value-addition
MALFFB Vanuatu Agriculture Sector Policy (2015-30) Yes Yes Some recommendations are aligned with the TPF
MALFFB Livestock Policy (2015-30) No Partly The focus is more on domestic issues
Ch. 10: Trade Mainsreaming and It's Pillars
MALFFB Vanuatu Forest Policy (2013-23) No Yes Importance of external markets acknowledged and strategies to access profitable external markets
highlighted
MALFFB Vanuatu National Fruits & Vegetables Strategy (2017-27) No Yes Trade dimension visible both in term of import substitution and export promotion (mainly to Australia
and New Zealand). Mentions the NTDC
MALFFB Vanuatu Coconut Strategy (2016-25) No Yes Adopts a trade-oriented value chain approach. Three objectives are trade-related - market access,
quality, value-addition. Mentions the NTDC
MALFFB Vanuatu National Fisheries Sector Policy (2016-31) No Partly Very limited trade-related recommendations
MoET Vanuatu Post-School Education and Training (PSET) Policy (2016-20) No Partly Alignment of PSET to development priorities and intl. standards is recommended, but there is not
explicit linked to trade
MoET Vanuatu Interim Education and Training Sector Strategy (2017-18) No No No reference to linkages with trade
MIPU Vanuatu Infrastructure Strategic Investment Plan (2015-24) Yes Partly The economic impact of infrastructure used to prioritise, but not explicitly linked to trade. TPF only
mentioned for a laboratory project
MIPU Vanuatu Transport Plan (2018-30) No Yes Trade-related needs used to justify recommendations
MCCE Updated Vanuatu Energy Roadmap (2016-30) No No No reference to linkages with trade
MCCE Vanuatu Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy (2016-30) No Partly Acknowledges the economic costs arising from natural disasters and climate-related events, but
does not explicitly focus on the trade channel through which these events will affect Vanuatu
10.2.2 Institutional level

The NTDC is seen by many as a good mechanism of economic governance. However, some limitations
are apparent and these should be addressed as the body enters its maturity stage. Seven years after its
establishment the body still operates without a legal basis. A Trade Governance Act legally establishing the
NTDC was recommended by the TPF 2012 and the TPFU reaffirms this recommendation. By giving legal
status to the NTDC and its recommendations, a Trade Governance Act would avoid lack of follow-up that has
sometimes affected the committee’s determinations. This should also incentivise more senior representation
at the committee’s meetings – the seniority required could be specified in the Act. The MTTCNVB may also
consider a co-chairing arrangement with the MALFFB in recognition of the important linkages between the two
ministries and to incentivise a more joined-up approach. The Trade Governance Act could define a procedure
for the establishment of public-private working groups as advisory bodies to the NTDC. The National Trade
Facilitation Steering Committee (NTFSC) could as well be legally established under the Trade Governance
Act in consideration of the fact that it already operates and reports to the NTDC. In September 2019 the CoM
decided to pursue the directions recommended by the TPFU, and to rename the NTDC as National Trade and
Production Committee (NTPC) – a Bill for the Trade Governance Act should soon be presented to Parliament.
Vanuatu’s ability to carry out consistent trade policy is undermined by the poor coordination between its
domestic and external dimensions, with the former falling under the responsibility of the MTTCNVB and the
latter falling within the remit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and External Trade
(MoFAICET). After moving the Department of External Trade (DoET) from MTTCNVB to MoFAICET, Vanuatu
has not ratified any new trade agreement, despite goods reasons existing to do so – see Chapter 4.
During TPF implementation period the MTTCNVB was included as board member of the Vanuatu Project
Management Unit (VPMU), the body managing the country’s major infrastructure projects, and of the Vanuatu
Primary Producers Authority (VPPA), a new institution tasked to support Vanuatu’s farmers. These are
important achievements for institutional mainstreaming, however, the MTTCNVB’s participation to deci-
sion-making bodies operating under trade-related ministries could further be improved. These include the
Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU), the
MALFFB, and the Ministry of Climate Change and Energy (MCCE). With regard to the MoET, the MTTCNVB’s
Director General is already member of the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (VQA) board. Membership to the
Scholarships board could also be targeted, noting the importance to align scholarship allocation to the demand
of trade-related skills (see Chapter 8). With regard to the MCCE, a more active engagement with the National
Advisory Board on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAB) is recommended, including seeking
membership and regularly participating to NAB meetings, promoting discussion on trade-related topics at NAB
meetings (see Chapter 9), presenting project proposals for endorsement by the NAB, and participating to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conferences Of the Parties (COP),
together with other NAB members, to support fund-raising for trade-related climate change projects. A mapping
of decision-making bodies under trade-related ministries would be useful to identify further opportunities for
institutional mainstreaming.
Unlike donor resources, government resources allocated to the MTTCNVB did not increase significantly. As
a percentage of total government budget, the MTTCNVB’s budged declined from 2.5% in 2013 to 1.6% in
2018. The increase in infrastructure expenditure during the past few years partly explains the relative decline,
however, even looking at absolute figures, results are disappointing. Notably, the MTTCNVB’s total budget
only increased by VUV 42 million between 2013 (VUV 400 million) and 2019 (VUV 442 million), with 30%
of the increase allocated to the TDD. cxvi The elaboration of New Policy Proposals (NPPs) at the MTTCNVB
is very decentralised, it is based on the departments’ ad-hoc priorities, and lacks a unifying narrative. The
TPFU 2019-2025 can provide a unifying narrative to the MTTCNVB’s submissions, serve to inform guidelines
for the ministry’s NPPs, and to exercise a better scrutiny of each proposal. The ability to secure additional
budget is also undermined by the limited capacity of the MTTCNVB’s departments to design and implement
cxvi Figures for 2013 are obtained by adding the budget for the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism (MTICT)
and the Ministry of Cooperatives and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MCNVB). Figures for 2019 are obtained by adding the budget of the
Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce, and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCVB) and the Department of External Trade (DoET) – the
latter was under the MTTCNVB until 2014. Notably, in 2013 the MTCIT budget was VUV 303,842,470 and the MCNVB budget
was 96,539,137. In 2019, the MTTCNVB was 410,581,906 and the DoET budget was 31,310,962
practical projects to operationalise their NPPs. A capacity assessment of the MTTCNVB’s, including recom-
mendations on departmental structures and tailored training options, could be a useful step to create the
conditions for increased budget allocation. In addition to informing the NPP process, the TPFU’s targets and
strategies should logically inform the key corporate documents defining what the MTTCNVB does with its
existing resources, namely, the its triennial corporate plan and its annual business plan.
10.2.3 Development cooperation level

Development cooperation has been one of the most successful pillars of the trade mainstreaming program,
and the MTTCNVB’s can now rely on a core group of very supportive partners, including Australia, New
Zealand, the European Union, and the Enhanced Integrated Framework.
Beyond this core group, the MTTCNVB has been less successful in mobilising support, including from donors
and agencies such as China, Japan, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the World Bank. Whilst the
infrastructure focus of these partners partly explains their limited engagement with the MTTCNVB, the latter
could nonetheless try to open new development cooperation channels, including through direct involvement
of its technical and political leadership. Recent experience with the beautification of the Port Vila waterfront
shows that the MTTCNVB can be a reliable partner for infrastructure projects. And evidence across the
Asia-Pacific region show that donors focusing on infrastructure can be keen to support projects in comple-
mentary sectors. cxvii
The possibility of securing projects which blend aid and private (local and foreign) finance could also be
considered, as this is an area which the MTTCNVB has still to explore. The MTTCNVB could promote a
roundtable on this topic with like-minded partners to initiate dialogue on possible options.
a. Continue devoting adequate resources the TPFU’s monitoring and evaluation
b. Promote trade policy mainstreaming, including explicit reference to the TPFU 2019-2025 in relevant poli-
cies by the Ministries of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB), Agriculture,
Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB), Education and Training (MoET), Infrastructures
and Public Utilities (MIPU), Climate Change and Energy (MCCE), and the Prime Minister Office (PMO)
c. Approve a Trade Governance Act legally establishing the NTDC, giving legal status to its recommenda-
tions, promoting stronger MALFFB-MTTCNVB cooperation, ensuring senior representation at its meetings,
setting-up a procedure to establish advisory public-private working groups, and legally establishing the
National Trade Facilitation Steering Committee
d. Moving the DoET back under the umbrella of MTTCNVB and give this Department (maybe renamed as
Department of Trade) responsibility for both domestic and external trade policy
e. Map decision-making bodies under the MALFFB, MoET, MIPU, and MCCE, and seek MTTCNVB membership
in relevant ones, for example the Scholarship Board under MoET
f. Increase MTTCNVB engagement with National Advisory Board on Climate Change and Disaster Risk
Reduction (NAB)
g. Use the TPFU 2019-2025 to create a unifying narrative for the MTTCNVB’s New Policy Proposals (NPPs)
h. Use the TPFU 2019-2025’s strategies and targets to inform the MTTCNVB’s corporate plan and its agencies’
business plans
i. Undertake a capacity assessment of the MTTCNVB’s staff, including recommendations on departmental
structures and tailored training options
j. Formally engage World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), China, and Japan to scope options for new
Aid for Trade projects managed by the MTTCNVB
k. Promote a donor roundtable on opportunities for blended projects managed by the MTTCNVB
cxvii One example is the Laos’ Second Trade Development Facility, which was also supported by the World Bank with and
International Development Association (IDA) grant of USD4 million
10.3 Aid-for-Trade
Official Development Assistance (ODA) disbursed to Vanuatu, as reported by the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD), increased at an average rate of 3.4% during the past decade, from
USD 98 million in 2008 to USD 132 million in 2017 – see Table 10.2. This is in line the global growth of 3.7%
observed during the same period. 327
According to OECD statistics, Australia is by far the major donor, with an average share of about 46%. Donors
with a share above 5% include New Zealand (17%), Japan (13%) and the United States (9.1%). Unlike the
first three donors, engagement by the United States and was on an ad-hoc basis, and the country quickly
disengaged after completion of a major road project in 2010. OECD statistics do not include data from China,
which however are reported by the Lowy institute. 328 Looking at Lowy Institute data (Table 10.5) China emerges
as one of the top donors, with an average share of 17% during the last decade, and with a steep increase
in disbursements since 2015 which brought the country to become Vanuatu’s biggest donor partner in 2017.
Aid-for-Trade (AfT) is a sub-set of ODA, which essentially covers aid codified under one of the following
categories: (1) technical assistance for trade policy and regulations; (2) trade-related infrastructure; and
(3) productive capacity building. 329 Based on OECD data (Table 10.3), about 33% of ODA was spent for AfT
projects during the past 10 years. This compares well with the global average of about 25% and comes as a
result of major infrastructure projects which took place in 2008-2009 (ring road in Efate and Espiritu Santo)
and after cyclone PAM (reconstruction, roads, wharves). Integrating OECD data with information about China
would not change this conclusion, as also for China AfT represented 33% of total ODA during the period
2008-2017. cxviii
Like for most recipient countries, the majority of Aid-for-Trade disbursed to Vanuatu supported trade-related
infrastructure - transport and storage, communication, and energy (Table 10.4). In particular, transport projects
absorbed on average 70% of Aid-for-Trade disbursements, followed by energy projects, mostly renewable
energy, whose average share was around 7%. As to productive capacity building, support was significant for
agriculture and tourism: Aid-for-Trade disbursed to the two sectors increased at a higher-than-average rate,
and the two sectors jointly absorbed around 12% of Aid-for-Trade during the past decade.
In conclusion, it appears that Aid-for-Trade disbursed to Vanuatu was very much aligned to the country needs.
Support to strategic infrastructure reflects the need to unleash overall development and increase the long-term
rate of growth (see Chapter 2 and Chapter 6); support to the energy sector responds to the need of ensuring
that the transition to renewables doesn’t undermine the country’s competitiveness (see Chapter 9); and the
increasing support to agriculture and tourism is well-justified by the need to promote rural development by
investing in sectors of comparative advantage (see Chapter 2).
cxviii E-government project in 2008 and road reconstruction in 2015-2017, jointly worth USD 72 million, according to the Lowy
institute
TABLE 10.2: TOTAL ODA DISBURSEMENTS TO VANUATU BY DONOR, MILLION USD AT 2017 PRICES
Av. Av.
Donor 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Growth Share
Australia 29.0 45.5 51.4 48.1 52.8 43.0 48.8 96.1 43.0 50.5 6.4 45.9
New Zealand 12.8 20.7 14.5 13.6 14.9 14.0 22.8 28.8 28.8 16.4 2.8 16.9
Japan 12.7 10.8 12.4 5.4 7.5 12.2 9.3 19.8 26.9 30.0 10.1 13.3
United States 29.6 25.9 21.5 3.3 2.4 2.8 3.2 5.1 3.5 3.7 -20.8 9.1
EU 3.5 2.4 1.9 1.6 4.0 3.6 0.3 10.2 12.3 0.6 -18.3 3.6
Institutions
France 9.2 5.3 3.2 1.8 2.6 3.1 3.2 1.1 2.3 2.2 -14.8 3.1
World Bank -0.4 -0.5 -0.5 -0.5 -0.5 -0.5 -0.5 0.9 3.5 17.7 n.a. 1.7
Group
Asian Develop- .. .. .. .. -1.7 -1.5 -0.9 2.1 3.5 7.8 .. 0.8
ment Bank
United Kingdom 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 3.3 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.5
United Arab .. .. .. .. .. .. 0.8 2.6 0.4 0.4 .. 0.4
Emirates
Others 1.1 1.1 0.7 3.1 1.9 2.5 3.4 27.0 7.6 3.0 12.2 4.7
TOTAL 97.6 111.3 105.1 76.5 83.8 79.3 90.4 197.0 133.1 132.2 3.4 100.0
Source: OECD
TABLE 10.3: AID-FOR-TRADE DISBURSEMENTS TO VANUATU BY DONOR, MILLION USD AT 2017

PRICES
Av.
Donor 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Share
Japan 9.7 8.4 8.7 2.3 1.5 2.3 2.7 14.7 24.5 27.2 28.2
Australia 1.5 11.6 3.8 7.9 11.4 5.8 10.7 9.5 5.8 11.5 22.0
United States 27.4 20.9 19.4 0.7 0.0 .. .. .. .. .. 18.9
New Zealand 2.1 9.7 3.1 1.4 2.3 2.8 10.2 7.6 16.0 7.1 17.2
Asian Development .. .. .. .. .. 0.0 0.5 2.4 4.5 9.0 4.6
Bank
World Bank Group .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0.4 1.9 9.1 3.1
France 6.0 0.3 0.2 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.1 2.6
EU Institutions 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 1.4 0.2 1.7 0.1 0.0 1.6
United Arab Emirates .. .. .. .. .. .. 0.8 2.3 0.0 0.4 1.0
Others 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.8 0.8
TOTAL 47.2 51.2 35.5 14.1 16.6 13.2 25.7 39.2 53.4 65.3 100.0
Share of ODA (%) 48.3 46.0 33.8 18.5 19.8 16.6 28.4 19.9 40.1 49.4 32.7
Source: OECD
TABLE 10.4: AID-FOR-TRADE DISBURSEMENTS TO VANUATU BY PURPOSE, MILLION USD AT 2017

PRICES
Av. Av.
Sector 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Growth Share
Transport and 34.3 40.8 32.3 8.7 7.5 3.3 16.0 25.2 38.6 48.9 4.0 70.7
Storage
Communications 1.5 7.0 0.7 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 -16.2 3.0
Energy 7.5 1.1 0.0 .. 1.7 0.9 3.7 4.9 1.6 5.1 -4.2 7.3
Banking and
Financial .. 0.1 0.2 0.2 1.3 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.0 .. 0.8
Services
Business and 0.3 0.8 0.1 1.2 0.1 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.4 0.1 -14.6 1.5
Other Services
Agriculture 1.8 0.4 1.0 2.2 2.4 3.9 1.5 1.6 2.2 7.1 16.4 6.7
Forestry 0.1 0.3 0.3 1.0 .. .. 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.2 5.5 0.7
Fishing 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.1 1.1 1.5 0.7 0.8 0.1 1.0 1.4 1.9
Industry 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 .. .. 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.3 11.4 0.2
Mineral
Resources and 0.1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0.0
Mining
Trade Policies 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.5 1.7 1.7 0.9 0.9 0.4 0.4 31.1 1.8
and Regulation
Tourism 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.4 1.3 4.4 9.7 1.9 17.8 5.4
TOTAL 47.2 51.2 35.5 14.1 16.6 13.2 25.7 39.2 53.4 65.3 3.7 100.0
Source: OECD
TABLE 10.5: TOTAL ODA DISBURSEMENTS TO VANUATU INCLUDING CHINA, MILLION USD AT 2017
PRICES*
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Total ODA, China 28.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 3.7 3.7 66.0 45.6 68.7
Total ODA, official donors 97.6 111.3 105.1 76.5 83.8 79.3 90.4 197.0 133.1 132.2
reported by the OECD**
Total ODA, official donors 126.4 111.3 105.1 76.5 86.7 83.0 94.1 262.9 178.7 200.9
reported by the OECD + China
ODA share, Australia 22.9 40.9 48.9 62.9 60.8 51.8 51.9 36.5 24.1 25.2
ODA share, China 22.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.4 4.5 3.9 25.1 25.5 34.2
* Current prices for China
** Includes Development Assistance Committee (DAC) countries, non-DAC countries, multilateral agencies,
and private donors
Source: OECD and elaborations on Lowy Institute
158 Ch. 11: Goods
a. Regularly monitor Aid-for-Trade to ensure it is aligned with the country needs
CHAPTER 11: GOODS
11.1 Introduction
The absence of a sectoral chapter on goods in the Trade Policy Framework (TPF) 2012 hindered the ability of
the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce, and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB) to monitor and coordinate
Vanuatu’s trade policy. Acknowledging this gap, the Trade Policy Framework Update (TPFU) 2019 introduces
a sectoral dimension. The goods addressed in this chapter have been selected based on their export perfor-
mance (current or perspective) and possibilities to establish economic linkages with the tourism industry.
They are coconut, cattle, fruits and vegetables, kava, timber, cocoa, and fish.
11.2 Coconut
Coconut products have been the mainstay of Vanuatu’s economy for well over a century and will continue
to be a significant source of export earnings in the near future. In 2016 Vanuatu ranked among the 26 major
coconut product (copra, crude coconut oil, coconut meal, and other value-added products) exporters. 330 Over
the period 2008 to 2018, the average share of coconut products of merchandise exports has been about 38%.
11.2.1 Export performance

Copra and Crude Coconut Oil (CNO) make up the bulk of the sector’s exports. According to data from the
Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR), in 2018 copra accounted for 11% of total exports for
a value of VUV 550 million, while CNO accounted for 8% for a total value of VUV 403 million. Over the last
decade, export of CNO had its peak in 2011 and since then has been declining, while copra exports increased
until 2017, and experienced a 70% drop in 2018 - see Figure 11.1.
FIGURE 11.1: COPRA AND COCONUT OIL EXPORTS, VATU MILLION
2,000
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Copra Coconut oil
Source: DCIR
Vanuatu’s other coconut-based export product of significance is copra meal, an animal feed whose exports
averaged VUV 71 million over the past ten years, with a peak in 2015. Export of other coconut-based products
(food preparations, essential oils, cosmetics, soaps, etc.) is still very limited.
DCIR data reveal that on average Vanuatu exported 80% of its copra to the Philippines, 6% to Hong Kong,
160 Ch. 11: Goods
and 5% to Australia over the period 2008 to 2018. Copra processing capacity is underutilised: the copra
mill in Espiritu Santo has not been functioning to its full capacity. 331 As for CNO, 37% of Vanuatu’s exports
went to Australia and 36% to Malaysia over the period 2008 to 2018. Both countries became major export
destinations after 2009, when the Bank Line, a shipping company providing direct links between Vanuatu and
Europe ceased operations – see Chapter 3.
11.2.2 World market conditions

In 2016, coconut oil represented about 2.5% of the global edible oil production, 332 to which Vanuatu contributed
with a relatively significant volume of copra and some CNO.
The world market for edible oil and oleochemicals cxix underpins Vanuatu’s coconut industry. International
prices for edible oil are characterised by two main factors, namely replaceability between coconut and other
vegetable oils, and fluctuation caused by weather conditions affecting production. 333 Prices for copra and
CNO are highly volatile and, over the period, peaked in early 2011, declined sharply afterwards, recovered
from 2013 to 2017, and returned to very low levels in 2018 – see Figure 11.2.
FIGURE 11.2: COPRA AND COCONUT OIL PRICES OVER THE LAST DECADE, USD PER METRIC
TONNE
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18
Coconut Oil Copra Estimated Copra
Source: The World Bank Commodity Markets data cxx
When international prices for CNO are low, Vanuatu partly employs its CNO to generate electricity. cxxi
Exploiting CNO’s competitiveness over diesel, Vanuatu can therefore work towards achieving its Updated
National Energy Road Map 2016-2030’s targets (see Chapter 5), import substitution, and counteracting
adverse price volatility.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Indonesia, Philippines, and India dominate global
coconut production, with their respective shares being 31%, 23% and 19% in 2017. 334 The biggest Pacific
producer is Papua New Guinea (PNG), with a share of 2% in 2017. Vanuatu’s share in the same year was 0.6%.
Melanesian countries are world leaders of copra exports, signifying minimal value addition. PNG had a world
export share of 35% in 2017, followed by Solomon Islands (13%) and Vanuatu (12%). Only Indonesia has a
two-digit share (20%) outside of the Melanesian countries. Copra is mainly exported to the Philippines (64%
of world imports) and Bangladesh (18%). 335
cxix Oleochemicals are chemicals derived from biological oils or fats. They are analogous to petrochemicals which are chemi-
cals derived from petroleum.
cxx The time series from the World Bank stopped in 2014 for copra. The years to follow have been estimated using the average
ratio found between coconut oil prices and copra prices in the years ranging from 2008 to 2014. This average is (roughly) equal
to 63%, and it states that the copra price has been 63% of the coconut oil price for the period 2008-2014, on average.
cxxi CNO accounted for 1.8% of total energy sources to produce electricity in Vanuatu during the month of April 2019.
Export of CNO is dominated by the two biggest coconut producers, i.e. Indonesia (42% share in 2017) and the
Philippines (20%), plus Malaysia (16%). CNO eventually finds its way into the markets of developed countries
such as the United States (18%), the Netherlands (12%), and Germany (10%), as well as China (14%). 336
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is a niche market and a value-added product whose economic performance has
boomed in recent years due to intense promotion of its health benefits to the consumers. cxxii VCO uses range
from cooking oil to cosmetics and health care. The Philippines are the largest exporters of virgin coconut oil
(VCO) in the world. 337 In addition, since different types of technologies can be employed depending on the
setting and scale of the operations, 338 VCO seems well suited for micro- and village-scale productions creating
new opportunities for rural communities. 339
Additional uses for coconut, such as oleochemicals and geo-textiles contribute to uphold global demand for
this commodity.
11.2.3 Domestic supply conditions

11.2.3.1 Current producers and production capacity
As of 2019, a wide range of companies are active in Vanuatu. Teouma Coconut, a major actor in the coconut
industry, is based in Port-Vila and produces refined and deodorised cooking oil. The company works with a
large network of farming communities from nearby coconut-producing islands.
A second major company, Coconut Oil Production Espiritu Santo Limited (COPSL), is based in Luganville
and processes 10t/year of oil for food and 6t/year of copra meal for both the local and export markets. It also
produces bio fuels. cxxiii The company employs over 150 staff and buys copra from farmers across the northern
regions of Vanuatu. The company faces recurrent management and productivity challenges. cxxiv
Pacific Pride Ltd, a small-medium enterprise founded in Espiritu Santo in 2018, is producing and trading
premium (white) copra. They provide local communities with the needed training and production tools to
transition away from low quality crude (black) copra towards higher quality premium copra.
Tanna Farms produces organic CNO, i.e. made without genetic modification or use of pesticides, and is
certified by BioGro, a New Zealand certifier of organic produce. It capacitated farmers in organic growing,
traceability and standards, and focuses on the New Zealand and New Caledonia markets.
Another relevant company is Plantation Reunie de Vanuatu, which is planning to start a widespread replan-
tation campaign to secure an integrated coconut supply for its processing plant.
Smile Premium Virgin Coconut Oil and Bella Trading Limited, two new VCO companies, smaller in size
and capacity, were recently established on Ambrym. They employ mainly women, who benefit from training
sessions on quality control and hygiene standards. Microenterprises and NGOs are also present in this
market.
Companies suffer from a decline in coconut production caused by aging or senile plantations (an estimated
50% of the 11,040,000 coconut trees were thought to be senile in 2017), 340 exposure to pests (in particular the
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle pest in the Shefa province in 2019), natural disasters, strong global competition
in the sector, and the decline in the world price of CNO.
Despite these challenges, opportunities exist for Vanuatu in coconut derived products driven by food, health,
cosmetic and sport sectors. 341 A case is made for moving away from bulk commodities towards high value
products that are less sensitive to transactional costs (shipping, overheads, etc.) and price fluctuations. A
case is also made in government policy for revitalising production – target is to plant 1 million new seed nuts
from 2016 to 2025.
cxxii While this was true for the early 2000s, it seems that in more recent years the overall literature on the health benefits of
VCO became more controversial. According to Sacks et al. (2017) lowering the intake of saturated fat (VCO) would ‘lower the
incidence cardiovascular disease’ – therefore discouraging its consumption.
cxxiii COPSL owns the only mill to produce CNO in the Northern provinces.
cxxiv These challenges led to cash flow issues that resulted in COPSL ceasing their operations for the lager part of 2018 and
2019. In 2019, COPSL operated only as copra crusher for other copra buyers.
162 Ch. 11: Goods
11.2.3.2 Capital and technology

To further develop exports, there is need to mobilise investment into the coconut subsectors of greatest
potential. Investment is critical but lacking. The lengthy return on coconut investments in particular is an
impediment – it takes five to six years before a tree starts to bear fruit after planting.
The National Bank of Vanuatu provides micro credit lines to businesses as well as farmers in rural Vanuatu.
These are short-term loans for a maximum period of 36 months. Farmers, as well as small and medium
enterprises, must contribute 25% of the capital. The high interest rate for rural areas is a reflection of the
high cost and risk of providing services to those areas. Currently, lending is also provided to individuals for
copra trading - i.e. buying green then selling dry.
There is a need for smallholder credit, as the formal banking systems does not seem to have adequate facilities
to provide this for farmers. Low uptake of loans appears to be associated with lack of collateral as custom land
cannot be used – see Chapter 7. The Vanuatu National Coconut Strategy (VNCS) 2016-2025 recommends
the establishment of a revolving fund, which would need to cover all aspects of the value chain. cxxv
In 2019, as part of the 11 th European Development Fund (EDF 11) Vanuatu Value Chain (VaVaC) Programme,
the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce, and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB) launched the Trade Ready
Programme (TRP), which will offer, among other things, grants and training to entrepreneurs to start or expand
their business ventures in one of the three value chains: coconut, fruit and vegetable, and beef.
The research and development potential within Vanuatu are limited. The Vanuatu Agricultural Research and
Technical Centre (VARTC) has an established history in coconut breeding to support the sector. The devel-
opment of the Vanuatu Tall Elite tree and varieties of hybrid dwarfs have provided a significant contribution.
VARTC also carries out research on pest control and husbandry to ensure optimal yields. In Vanuatu, market
(access) information is limited and technological innovation not easily accessible or tailored to small farmers.
11.2.3.3 Quality of products and services
Vanuatu’s larger coconut products, copra, CNO, and VCO are of lower quality compared to those of their
competitors and struggle to meet international standards.
Almost all copra production in Vanuatu is crude (or black) copra, which produces a CNO with a Free Fatty Acid
(FFA) cxxvi level of minimum 3%, making it a lower quality product vis-à-vis the CNO resulting from premium (or
white) copra, which has a FFA below 0.5%. Rancid oil requires refining, bleaching and deodorising to create
a commercially acceptable product, making crude copra a worse alternative for leading oil companies due
to the high costs of refining oil. In addition, poorly maintained driers and lack of storage docks result in poor
quality copra, which impacts on any localised downstream processing of copra into oil.
Premium copra does not require refining and is produced using dried kernel only, allowing producers to utilise
the other parts cxxvii of the coconut such as the water, the shell and the husk, which can be further processed
and traded as by-products. Premium copra pays a higher price than crude copra (between 40% and 50%
higher), making it a more profitable commodity.
Presently Pacific Pride Ltd alone is producing and trading premium copra. Capacity building and trainings are
needed at the community level and tailored support is required to willing entrepreneurs who aim to transition
towards this product.
Despite its high potential, only a few communities produce VCO supplying just a small number of exporters.
The quality of the VCO produced by small-scale producers is low and irregular due to low hygiene standards
and lack of technology and capacity.
There are no established product or process-specific standards for coconut and its products. Vanuatu Bureau
of Standards (VBS) is developing a national standard for VCO. In addition, VBS and Biosecurity’s institutional
capacities to address certain requirements related to coconut, especially on food safety and traceability, are
still inadequate.
cxxv POPACA, a project funded under the 9th European Development Fund, provided credit through a revolving fund for im-
proving copra dryers and building and storage docks. The funds were provided to cooperatives that in turn took over responsi-
bility for the provision of loans to individuals and the repayment.
cxxvi A measure of rancidity of oil.
cxxvii The coconut parts are, on average, split as follows water (25%), shell (12%), husk (35%), and kernel (28%).
The VNCS 2016-2015 highlights that unexploited market access potential, weak producers-exporters linkages,
supply imbalances and quality issues all affect the Vanuatu’s coconut industry. Additional studies in the area,
focusing on trade, are required to assist the implementation of the strategy.
11.2.3.4 Labour force availability, skills, and skill gaps
The agriculture sector finds it difficult to recruit Ni-Vanuatu with the required skills – see Chapter 8. VNCS 2016-
2025 identifies plantation management, pest and disease control, pasture and undergrowth control, financial
literacy, and value addition as priority areas where additional training is needed. Coconut processing companies
point to the difficulties in sourcing qualified supervisors and middle management form the domestic labour market.
11.2.3.5 Availability and conditions of support industries
The coconut industry in Vanuatu is fragmented with no leadership or coordination in the value chain. It is
characterised by recurrent shortage of raw material supplies, low productivity and high transaction costs.
Economies of scale could be achieved by encouraging alliances between farmers, value addition companies
and traders through branding, marketing and distribution cost sharing.
Lack of adequate rural infrastructure and infrastructure services, such as rural roads and inter-island ship-
ping, hamper the development of the coconut sector by preventing all-weather access to coconut producing
islands, and making it difficult to get nuts to driers and to reach the most isolated areas. In addition, stevedoring
charges in Vanuatu are among the highest in the Pacific region (Chapter 6), significantly increasing shipping
costs for copra and CNO.
Electrification outside of urban areas is very limited and processing is therefore confined to Luganville and to
areas where it is possible to operate diesel generators or produce steam power.
Poor information and communications technology coverage makes it difficult to relay and receive information on
markets and shipping schedules. These factors make it problematic to improve or change the existing copra
production model in remote areas.
The Vanuatu Cooperative Business Network (VCBN), whose scope is yet to be institutionalised and defined,
is performing well in this context, as it provides the missing link between producers and manufacturers which
ease their logistics burdens.
On a positive note, emphasis on the development of rural transport infrastructure is increasing, at both policy
and project level – see Chapter 6. The same can be said of rural electrification (Chapters 5 and 9), and the
development of backbone telecommunication services in rural areas – see Chapter 5. In 2019, a Coconut
Industry Working Group (CIWG) was established under the EDF 11 VaVaC Programme to improve coordination
within the coconut industry.
11.2.3.6 Potential new products or services
The coconut industry needs to implement a selective trade approach focusing on achieving premium quality
status, for example organic or fair trade, cxxviii for existing export products. In addition, the coconut industry
needs to promote product diversification through new non-oil products such as coconut water, coconut milk,
coconut sugar, desiccated coconut and other non-food products (coconut shell charcoal, activated carbon,
coir etc.). cxxix
Coconut water is a well-established niche product counting a worldwide market of USD 6 billion in 2017,
which is expected to grow at a 14.4% compound annual growth rate for the next five years. 342 The level of
investment required for coconut water is generally higher than for VCO due to the technology and knowledge
required for maintaining both the taste of the water and the nutritional benefits.
cxxviii In addition to the organic certification, Fair Trade, is one that could have positive impact on profitability, particularly
in European markets niches, where consumers sensitivity is higher towards best production practices (respect of social and
environmental international rules, as well as implemented sustainable production methods). “FLOCert” (Website: https://www.
flocert.net), “ECOCERT” (Website: https://cosmetics.ecocert.com) and “Fair for life” (Website: https://www.fairforlife.org) are
the leading organisations for Fair Trade certification. A detailed cost-benefit analysis should be undertaken to assess the actual
potential of fair trade, noting the high costs of obtaining certification.
cxxix Also, VNCS promotes value adding through technical support for farmers wanting to engage with emerging markets for
high-end products such as tender coconut water and coir.
164 Ch. 11: Goods
Desiccated coconut and coconut milk are not novel products and their markets have been stable in the past
years. The global coconut milk market is segmented into conventional coconut milk market and an organic
coconut milk market, with Asia and North America being the main market areas.
Demand for organic coconut sugar is increasing due to awareness on health as it has a lower glycaemic index
as compared to cane sugar and honey. 343
Non-food coconut products derive from either the husk or the coconut shell. Items and utensils are the basis
of the many products that can be made from the fibres of the husk, making it a renewable raw material
alternative to peat and plastic. 344 Coconut shells, for example, can be used to produce charcoal and even
activated carbon, which can have many applications – from environment applications to fuel storage – thanks
to its physical properties. 345 Some of these products do not require high levels of investment or skills, making
them a viable alternative for Vanuatu in the short term.
11.2.4 Domestic policy and regulatory environment

Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) emphasises the importance to achieve economic
development by creating jobs in both urban and rural areas. In this context, the NSDP’s monitoring and eval-
uation framework includes targets to increase production of copra (indicator ECO 1.7.1) and value addition
to coconut (indicator ECO 4.3.2). 346
The Overarching Productive Sector Policy (OPSP), currently under review, provides the guiding framework
for the productive sectors, and aims to achieve the joint outcomes of increasing production and productivity,
enhancing quality and safety, enhancing market access, adding value to Vanuatu’s products, and strength-
ening resilience. On coconuts, the OPSP emphasised value addition by recommending (strategy 4.5) to
“promote expansion of domestic coconut oil production and facilitate village-level value adding of coconut
product”. 347
The Vanuatu Agriculture Sector Policy (VASP) 2015-2030 348 and VNCS recognise the need to increase
production and support the existing supply chain for copra and CNO, which in the short to medium-term at
least remains the most important source of income for smallholders.
Copra remains a prescribed commodity under the Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board (VCMB) Act – whose
repeal was approved by Parliament but never gazetted. As such, an export levy of 800 vatu a tonne is still
collected by the VCMB on copra export, which acts to compress farmers’ margins of an already unprofitable
sector. cxxx
To counter the declining trend in copra prices observed in the last few years, in late 2018 the government
introduced a VUV 150 million cxxxi copra subsidy scheme. According to the Government (2018), the “subsidy
is designed as a short-term stabiliser, both whilst prices are very low, and whilst the Government pursues
its long-term goal of increasing value addition of coconut products within Vanuatu”. 349 In the medium or long
term, however, the copra subsidy scheme may act as a disincentive to pursue quality in the sector.
Responsibility for promoting agriculture production and trade is spread across Ministries, so coordination
becomes a priority especially between: the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biose-
curity (MALFFB), leading on matters of production, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, agricultural
education, and research; MTTCNVB, leading on matters of value addition, cooperatives, quality standards,
metrology, and aspects of support to conformity assessment; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International
Cooperation, and External Trade (MoFAICET), leading on trade agreements; and the Ministry of Lands and
Natural Resources (MLNR), leading on matters of land development and the environment.
cxxx According to the VNCS, 1 hectare of coconut plantation returns USD 144 a year to farmers.
cxxxi The full amount decided under the Council of Ministers on its 30th Ordinary meeting on Thursday 6th December 2018
(Decision 203/2018: Copra Subsidy) was of VUV 187 million, split in VUV 150 million for the copra subsidy scheme, and VUV
37 million for the Department of Industry to use for projects supporting value addition in the coconut sector. Note that the copra
subsidy is revolving and will stay in place until another Council of Ministers decision will end it.
11.2.5 SWOT analysis coconut
Strength Weakness
• Good genetic material locally available • Limited value-added production and reliance
on raw commodities exports
• Favourable climate
• Developing market network • Limited product diversification
• Low maintenance plantation management • Aging trees, declining supply
• Low labour force costs • Poor tree management causing pests and
disease
• Fits in well with existing farming systems
• Lack of incentives to replant for future supply
• Lack of incentives for vertical diversification
• Lack of vertical integration and coordination
in the value chain
• Inadequate infrastructure for manufacture and
transport
•
Lack of financing for smallholders
Opportunities Threats
• Emerging demand from tourists and interna- • Change in government policy
tional markers for coconut products, which are
less/not influenced by world prices
• Rising quality standards of markets and
competing countries
• Rich possibilities for value addition
• Price volatility – International global market
• Price premium attached to higher quality stan- shocks affecting commodity prices (mostly
dards (e.g. organic) and value-added products affects CNO)
• Potential demand for flooring and timber uses • Land issues
from senile coconut trees
• Pest invasion affecting plantations and
• Increased global awareness of coconut prod- organic standards
ucts health benefits
• Impacts of climate change and natural disas-
ters
Institution strengthening
a. Improve leadership and coordination within the coconut industry through the Coconut Industry Working
Group
Product development
a. Continue to roll out the coconut replanting programme, including by pursuing techniques such as G3PH,
and strengthen capacity to establish nurseries and supply farmers with seedlings
b. Promote research in genetic improved varieties (flavour and yield)
c. Pursue product diversification in new edible non-oil products (milk, water, sugar, etc.) and non-food products
d. Undertake a study on Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and other coconut products to identify market access’
opportunities and challenges, demand and supply imbalances, and reinforce linkages in the value chains
Disaster/pest
a. Develop a pest control framework involving specific preparedness and response strategies, in line with
relevant FAO’s International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs)
166 Ch. 11: Goods
Quality
a. Adopt national standards for coconut production and primary processing (Good Agriculture Practices), as
well as for further processing (e.g. Codex standards) which are aligned with international standards
b. Improve handling, transport and storage conditions of primary processed coconut products – based on the
recommendations of the adopted national standard
c. Improve the quality of copra (transition from crude copra to premium copra) and Virgin Coconut Oil (training
in hygiene and sanitary practices, and technical support) to meet relevant international standards
d. Facilitate certification against relevant international standards (e.g. Global GAP, Organic, Fair Trade, etc.),
when this is conducive to enhanced profitability
11.3 Cattle
Historically, Vanuatu has had a very good environment for cattle with productive pastures and a very favour-
able animal health status. The industry has been very well established for a number of years, and the country
had the largest number of cattle in the Pacific - approaching 200,000 in 2007. 350 Along with kava, beef is the
only merchandise export for which Vanuatu has had a global brand. In recent years however, the industry
has been under threat, with declining herd numbers, falling productivity, and falling quality all meaning that
the industry is now at a crisis point.

As shown by Figure 11.3, beef exports have declined massively in recent years, from a peak of over VUV
500m in the early part of the decade, to just under VUV 100m in 2018. There was a large fall from 2012 to
2013, and a slow but steady fall ever since then. The majority of exports are of frozen beef, with some chilled
beef exported too.
Historically the largest markets for Vanuatu beef have been Japan and Papua New Guinea (PNG), which
averaged 36% and 39% of beef exports over this period. In 2018, 51% of exports went to Japan, with just
19% going to PNG. The Solomon Islands have been the third largest market – averaging 21% of exports,
with sporadic exports to Australia and other destinations. The declining level of production from Vanuatu has
meant that key markets in PNG and the Solomon Islands have been lost to competitors from New Zealand
and Australia.
Beef exports to PNG and Solomon Islands are duty-free under the MSG agreement. For Japan, there is
currently no duty applied due to a Least Developed Country (LDC) concession. However, after graduation,
there will be a duty applied of 38.5%. Exports to Japan are already struggling, and the imposition of such a
tariff could prove fatal for this market.
FIGURE 11.3: EXPORTS OF BEEF 2008-2018, VUV MILLION

600
500
400
300
200
100
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Source: DCIR
Vanuatu beef is also in high demand from tourists, whose numbers are increasing (Chapter 12), although
there is no data on consumption of beef by tourists. There is also increasing demand from the local market.
This goes a small way to offsetting the decline in merchandise exports, but the overall picture of an industry
in massive decline definitively remains. cxxxii

Total world production of beef was 71.1 million tons in 2018, (up 2.1% on 2017) of which exports were 10.9
million tons (up 6.1% on 2017). 351 Globally there is rising demand for beef, primarily due to increased demand
in China, which now is responsible for 20% of global imports. Trends in global prices for beef are slightly
upward over the past decade - see Figure 11.4.
FIGURE 11.4: BEEF MONTHLY EXPORT PRICE, AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND, USD PER KILO
0
Sep-09 Aug-10 Jul-11 Jun-12 May-13 Apr-14 Mar-15 Feb-16 Jan-17 Dec-17 Nov-18
Source: Indexmundi
World beef prices relate to the US market with changes based on supply and demand, feed, weather and
currency. In New Zealand and Australia, the beef price offered to producers is a result of trends in the export
market. The price that Vanuatu receives for beef exports is dependent on the price offered to producers in
Australia and New Zealand, which are the main competitors. International market access for uncooked beef
and beef products is typically negotiated bilaterally between an importing country and exporting country in
compliances with international sanitary measures provided by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
and international food safety standards provided by Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The 2016 Mini Census indicated that there were roughly 115,000 cattle in Vanuatu. The majority of these
cattle were in Samna and Shefa (around 40,000 each). In Shefa, however, cattle ownership was particularly
low, at 11% of households, well below every other province.
cxxxii According to the VNSO, Gross Domestic Product at constant prices for animal production (mostly cattle beef) decreased
from VUV 1.17 billion in 2008 to VUV 0.88 billion in 2017.
168 Ch. 11: Goods
TABLE 11.1: CATTLE PRODUCTION FIGURES
Number of Households % of households Cattle/household

Province cattle owning cattle owning cattle average
Torba 2,076 543 28% 4
Sanma 42,213 3,707 35% 11
Penama 9,626 2,147 31% 4
Malampa 15,315 3,500 39% 4
Shefa 40,145 2,098 11% 19
Tafea 6,165 2,022 30% 3
Total 115,540 14,017 25% 8
Source: VNSO 2016 Mini Census
Vanuatu’s cattle industry is made up of ‘commercial’ beef cattle farmers and ‘non-commercial’ or smallholder
farmers.
Of the cattle farmers, roughly 0.2% are classified as ‘large’, with herds over 1,000 animals. These farmers supply
59% of the beef to the formal market for domestic consumption and for export. A further 9% are ‘small-to-me-
dium’ beef cattle farmers, with herds between 50 and 1,000, who supply 24% of Vanuatu beef production.352
There are roughly 14,000 smallholder farmers.353 Estimates in 2016 indicated they made up 90.8% of all beef
cattle farmers and contributed 17% to the formal beef market.354 Evidence from the 2018 Commercial Beef
Cattle Farmers Survey indicated that ‘small’ commercial beef cattle farmers (breeder herd size <150) were
consistently unprofitable. For these smallholders there is also a lack of an efficient marketing and pricing process
for selling cattle for finishing and fattening.
All cattle for the formal market are slaughtered and processed through three abattoirs - Vanuatu Abattoirs Ltd
(VAL) in Port Vila, Espiritu Santo Meat Packers and Wong Sze Sing on Espiritu Santo. VAL has traditionally
provided exports to PNG and Solomon Islands and was also eligible to export to Australia. Ongoing eligibility for
market access to Australia is now subject to completion of a review on beef imports by Australian authorities.
Espiritu Santo Meat Packers traditionally supplied Japan, while Wong Sze Sing abattoir only supplies products
for domestic consumption. The level of domestic supply has been falling rapidly, with a total of 9,876 cattle
being slaughtered at abattoirs in 2018, compared to 14,806 in 2014.355 The commercial farmers on Efate are
still doing relatively well, with slaughter in the Efate abattoir falling ‘only’ 20% from 2006 to 2018, compared to
63% for Espiritu Santo. 356 Historically, Espiritu Santo and Efate had roughly similar production,357 but by 2018
Efate was responsible for roughly 75% of commercial slaughter. 358
This declining trend has placed great strain on both the domestic market, with prices rapidly increasing over the
past few years, and on the abattoirs, who have large overhead costs to deal with, and who therefore struggle
to function at lower volumes.
Abattoirs and butchers are willing to increase the price per kg carcass if farmers can meet minimum require-
ments – meaning consistent supplies of no less than 280kg carcass weight and an average bone-out yield of
no less than 65% of carcass weight. 359 This is incredibly difficult for most smallholders to achieve however, and
so they face lower prices. Smallholders also lack market information.
As well as the formal market, there is also a large informal market, although there are no clear statistics for
this. This market is typically for ceremonies and festivals (known also as ‘custom kill’). Societal pressures to
provide cattle for these events places great pressure on the smallholders, affecting their ability to grow their
stock numbers. The Government is promoting the development of the small livestock sector, including pigs,
sheep, and goats as an important initiative to improve food security and rural livelihoods as well as reducing
demand on the custom slaughter of cattle.
Invasive weeds pose a serious and growing threat to pasture productivity and sustainability to all cattle farmers,
both in the commercial farms and smallholders alike, with 34% of grazing land now being affected by weeds.360
The main weeds of significance in both coastal and interior pastures are Wild Peanut, Pico and Hibiscus Burr.361
The combination of correct pasture species and appropriate grazing management is normally sufficient to prevent
serious weed invasion, but in many properties overgrazing, poor management, and a lack of investment have
resulted in the situation becoming unmanageable and beyond the financial resources of farmers to control.
11.3.3.2 Quality of products

For many years, Vanuatu enjoyed a favourable animal health status for beef cattle production. Significant
diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and bovine brucellosis were eradicated in the mid-1990s. Cattle tick,
tick fever, and foot-and-mouth disease are all absent. For most commercial operations an annual manage-
ment program for internal parasites is the only animal health management measure applied, with external
parasites (ticks, lice) not regarded as a problem. Amongst smallholder farmers, animal health management
measures are virtually non-existent and subsequently problems due to high levels of internal parasites are
encountered when situations of overstocking occur. There are, however, concerns that serious reproductive
diseases, such as vibriosis (bovine venereal campylobacteriosis) and bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD), are
present but unmanaged in many cattle herds, resulting in low pregnancy and hence declining calving rates.
Therefore, while Vanuatu does have a favourable animal health status for production and international trade,
the significance of diseases such as vibriosis and BVD remains unclear, particularly in small to medium-size
herds which have no management interventions for these diseases.
As noted in Chapter 6, despite the favourable animal health status, the World Organisation for Animal Health
(OIE) has identified aspects of Vanuatu’s Veterinary Services and related regulatory services that do not
meet OIE standards, and that in turn would prevent access to markets such as the EU, the US, and China.
With regards to quality, the evidence 362 indicates that this is declining, with the average carcass weight
falling from 198 Kgs in 2014 to 191 Kgs in 2018. This trend has been driven by a number of factors including
weed infestation, cattle farmers not de-stocking thus leaving some cattle numbers to graze on less suitable
pasture, and a lack of knowledge amongst cattle farmers (both commercial and non-commercial). The fall is
also caused by an increase in the slaughter of veal, which does not indicate a decline in quality.
A report by Lincoln University also corroborates this decline in quality, with every restaurant interviewed
expressing concerns about a declining quality of product, and multiple now importing beef. A concern with
regards to quality is that the abattoirs are not ageing all the beef for long enough. This is because domestic
demand is far outstripping supply, and so the abattoir cannot hold the product as long as necessary for ageing.
Whilst there are some outlets that can purchase suitably aged beef, supply is insufficient, meaning many outlets
must alternatively purchase lower quality beef.363
Vanuatu Abattoirs Ltd (VAL) is Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) cxxxiii certified, have an
on-site microbiology laboratory, and processing standards conform to Australian and New Zealand food safety
standards. VAL had previously achieved certification as an organic processing plant but considers there is an
insufficient premium for organic product to justify the cost of maintaining organic certification. The predominant
processing sector view is that branding of product as ‘rain fed, grass fed’ is both pragmatic and cost-effective
for marketing Vanuatu beef. Similarly, the cost of meeting EU standards is not considered to be justifiable.
The cost of imported fencing wire has increased markedly in recent years as international steel prices have
risen, which means fencing is often regarded as being too expensive. This can be a serious impediment to
cattle putting on weight. Similarly, water supply pumps and pipes have gone up in price. Both commercial and
non-commercial/smallholder farmers lack access to seeds and planting material for establishing improved
pastures due to the costs associated with purchase and importing. Other constraints include a lack of improved
breeding bulls and genetic material, as well as issues surrounding land ownership and its use as collateral
for development loans. Increasingly large amounts of land are being sold for residential use, which poses a
serious long-term threat to the viability of the industry.
Importantly, the down-sizing of funding for the government services has severely restricted the Departments of
Livestock (DLV) and Biosecurity’s capacity to provide support through extension services, both to smallholder
cattle farmers and commercial farmers. As an indication of this decline, previously the DLV used to import
seeds for distribution and sale to farmers, but this activity has now stopped.
Regarding farmers, there are serious knowledge gaps, particularly below the largest commercial farmers – and
even some of the commercial farmers rely on imported labour on the farms. Knowledge of pasture develop-
ment and weed management is poor, and good breeding practices are very rarely practiced. Whilst calving
cxxxiii HAACP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a systematic preventive approach to food safety from biological,
chemical, and physical hazards in production processes. HACCP certification is a system that recognizes that a food business
has developed, documented and implemented systems and procedures in accordance with HACCP.
170 Ch. 11: Goods
rates for the commercial farms are fine at roughly 65%, the smaller farmers (50-149 head) have exceptionally
low calving rates of 36%. 364 Stock development is also lacking, with many farmers simply tethering cattle to
trees, which will severely limit their development. Knowledge outside of the farm is lacking, with commercial
farmers indicating that they need to improve their knowledge of current prices, market weights, land transport
costs, the best markets to sell to, and sea transport costs. 365 Consultations with the private sector reveal that
the industry often struggles to fill the supervisor and management roles, especially to improve the business
side of things. This is in line with the findings of Chapter 8.
Support industries are poor, especially for the smallholders and non-commercial farmers. Access to water, a
key input for beef, is often a serious impediment, with many farmers having limited access. For farms where
water is available through a formal channel such as UNELCO, it is often prohibitively expensive. The same
is applicable to electricity – for example to pump water. Lack of water and electricity mean that many small-
holders cannot substantially expand their operations.
Access to transport to take cattle to market is also a serious constraint in many areas, with many feeder roads
being of particularly poor quality. Farmers on islands without abattoirs will also have to pay for shipping.
Commercial farmers have a reduced problem with transporting their cattle to market as they have their own
trucks and, in some cases, their own barge for transporting cattle inter-island. However, the poor state of
roads imposes a cost for commercial and no-commercial farmers alike.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB) has the official responsi-
bility for the sector, with the Department of Livestock being the main agency responsible for providing production
advice. The National Livestock Policy 2015-2030 supports the development of the smallholder cattle sector
and targets an increase in the national herd as a primary objective. It identifies six main constraints to the
cattle sector: breeding, animal health, credit, land access and title, markets and transport, and pasture.366
The plan proposes the revitalisation of livestock extension services to provide advice and support access to
improved cattle breeding stock, facilitate access to improved pasture materials by establishing nurseries, and
promote meat hygiene through support to the rural butcheries in their meat processing for rural consumers.
However, lack of funding through the government budgets over recent years has reduced the ability to fully
implement the policy. The national livestock development plan has an ambitious vision of reaching a national
herd of 500,000 within the decade. In this context, the Government placed a moratorium on the slaughter of
female cattle in 2017. 367 This has placed greater strain on the formal market as supply has dropped, but it
should yield long-term benefits for the industry by boosting production.
The government has recently begun stage 2 of the Beef Cattle Re-stocking Programme. The evaluation for
stage 1 was negative, with poor skills of recipients, lack of infrastructure, and poor transportation being major
issues. 368 The fact that many recipients were not suited to receive cattle meant that the programme was in
fact taking cattle from high productive farms to low productive farms. In part, this was because the first stage
more focused on food security, rather than economic development. For stage 2, this has changed, and the
Department is ensuring that the recipients have the required skills and equipment – such as fencing.
The Department of Biosecurity is the Competent Authority for veterinary services, responsible for ensuring
meat hygiene and processing standards are maintained to meet importing country requirements, and for
providing export health certification that beef is fit for human consumption. It also confirms Vanuatu’s animal
health status as free from specific diseases of biosecurity concern to importing countries (e.g. foot-and-
mouth disease) in accordance with international standards provided by the OIE. Biosecurity is responsible
for providing six-monthly and annual disease reporting on Vanuatu’s animal health status to the OIE. In the
event of a significant change in Vanuatu’s animal health status (e.g. due to disease outbreak), Biosecurity is
the government agency responsible for providing the OIE with an early notification, and then details of the
disease outbreak and government interventions. Biosecurity is also responsible for ensuring that Vanuatu
beef meets international food safety standards established under the Codex Alimentarius Commission. This
includes requirements for chemical residue monitoring and product traceability (see Chapter 6).
11.3.5 SWOT analysis beef
Strengths Weaknesses
• Free‐range naturally produced low-cost • Sector is fragmented with many inefficient small-
grass-fed beef holder producers
• Positive image, well-established traditional • Knowledge and skill deficits amongst beef cattle
industry and recognised as producer of farmers, both commercial and non-commercial
quality beef
• Lack of support from public and private sector
• Well-developed commercial sector and large for finance, inputs supply, breeding stock, and
smallholder sector training/advice
• Efficient domestic retail markets • Declining production volume and quality
• Market access to Australia, New Zealand, • Geographically dispersed and remote farms
Japanese and Pacific Islands markets
• High cost of farming inputs
• Significant prior investment in the sectors
• High cost of safety and quality certification –
from donor agencies and government disease free status, organic, etc.
• Increasing challenges from weed infestations
•
High cost of farm maintenance
• Increasing global demand and price • Increased profitability from competing sectors
- kava, copra, noni etc.
• Potential to supply beef to niche markets
with special branding - Vanuatu ‘rain-fed, • Loss of LDC status leading to imposition of
grass-fed’ organic beef higher tariffs - especially to Japan
• Growing domestic demand with increase • Negative impact of climate change – droughts,
in per capita incomes and from the tourist cyclones
industry
• Increased competition from low-cost exporters
• Subdivision of prime grazing land for real estate
and other non-agricultural uses
• Land disputes over grazing land
• Growing entrenchment of beef product imports
with domestic restaurants, resorts and other
retailers
a. Increase the number of extension officers working for the Department of Livestock
b. Increase training for pasture management
c. Increase training for water management
d. Promote alternatives to cattle as ‘custom kill’
e. Increase the calving rates, particularly amongst smallholders
f. Continue implementing stage 2 of the Cattle Re-stocking Programme, with a focus on economic opportu-
nities
g. If necessary, and as part of a revitalisation program for the industry, provide temporary support to the
abattoirs, to ensure they remain operating
h. Maintain animal disease-free status, and seek international recognition for it
i. Pilot for chemical residue testing and beef traceability, for access into high-value markets
172 Ch. 11: Goods
11.4. Fruits and vegetables cxxxiv

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (F&V) sales accounted for VUV 99 million in 2010, representing an average of
VUV 8,000 per household per month. 369 F&V have not historically been among the Vanuatu’s key exports.
However, with suitable assistance, F&V and related products have positive export prospects. The same holds
for sales of F&V to non-residents persons, which represents an indirect form of export.

F&V exports have been low and volatile over the 2008-2018 period. Major export items include Tahitian lime,
coffee, root crops, and vanilla, as well as preparations such as essential oils and noni juice. Only Tahitian
lime and essential oils cxxxv maintained consistent level of exports, whereas vanilla’s exports significantly
declined following cyclone Pam in 2015, and root crops recorded limited exports over the period. Noni juice
peaked in 2018 becoming Vanuatu’s top F&V export – see Table 11.2. Tahitian lime, essential oils, and noni
juice have high potential for the export market. New Zealand is the destination market for Vanuatu’s Tahitian
limes, having imported all of Vanuatu’s produce over the period cxxxvi for an annual average of VUV 47 million,
while China and Hong Kong were the main export destinations for noni juice in 2018, importing 89% and 9%
of it respectively. Essential oils were exported to the United States (51%), China (24%) and Australia (21%)
in 2018.
While F&V present many opportunities for value addition and growing export potential, Vanuatu heavily
relies on importing large amounts of fresh produce from external markets. For example, in 2015 VUV 108
million of fresh vegetables and VUV 60 million of fresh fruits were imported into Vanuatu for just the tourism
sector, 370 which amounted to roughly 53% of all fresh F&V imported in that year. cxxxvii Where products can be
grown domestically, import substitution strategies should be pursued with critical focus on improving quality
standards, consumer safety, and establishing distribution linkages that ensure a reliable supply for the end
buyers (restaurants, hotels, resorts, retailers and wholesalers).
TABLE 11.2: EXPORT OF F&V PRODUCTS, VATU MILLION
Essential Noni Root Tahitian

Year Coffee Vanilla Total
Oils Juice Crops Limes
2008 2 1 0 11 213 7 234
2009 3 18 8 0 151 5 184
2010 3 47 1 1 31 5 88
2011 23 14 7 1 13 5 61
2012 3 8 0 - 11 11 32
2013 6 6 13 - 19 6 50
2014 28 20 7 1 27 4 87
2015 11 10 0 2 17 0 40
2016 11 10 1 25 18 0 66
2017 17 48 2 0 10 0 76
2018 33 83 83 0 12 1 212
Source: DCIR
cxxxiv For the purpose of this section, Fruits and Vegetables (F&V) include fresh F&V (HS chapter 7 and 8), coffee and spices
(HS chapter 9), fruits and vegetable preparations (HS chapter 20). Noni juice and essential oils are also important ‘fruit prepa-
rations’, and are considered for the purpose of this section even though their exports are normally coded under chapters other
than those for F&V.
cxxxv Based on the Harmonized System classification adopted by DCIR, essential oils comprise tamanu oil, nangai oil and
canarium oil. They do not include sandalwood oil.
cxxxvi Vanuatu’s Tahitian limes enjoy fruit flies non-host status in New Zealand, which eases market access – see New Zea-
land Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (2006).
cxxxvii Department of Customs and Inland Revenue, calculated as the total value of HS chapters 07 and 08.
The rest of the section is mainly focused on fresh F&V, and address them as a whole. Some general consid-
erations, however, also apply to other F&V categories - coffee, vanilla, essential oils, and noni juice.

Fresh F&V must comply with rigorous legislation to access foreign markets. New Zealand, Australia and New
Caledonia, Vanuatu’s closest developed neighbours and suitable trade partners for F&V, are no exception.
All fresh F&V are prohibited entry into New Zealand unless they meet valid Import Health Standards (IHS).
The New Zealand Biosecurity Act 1993 describes IHS in Section 22. 371 An IHS specifies the requirements
that must be met to mitigate risks associated with the goods, like fruit fly infestation. 372 Bilateral Quarantine
Agreements detail offshore quarantine procedures, evaluating potential risks of infestation before a product
arrives in New Zealand. 373
In Australia, all imported fresh F&V are restricted under the Biosecurity Act 2015, and importers may need
to obtain a permit prior to import. 374
In New Caledonia, fresh F&V are subject to mandatory permit application, unless they are imported from
certain countries or pertain to specific categories that are exempted. 375
When fresh F&V are processed into food preparations different legislation applies, generally of a less stringent
level given the lower risks to human, animal, and plant health posed by the import of processed products.
Tariff barriers are also an issue, mainly in New Caledonia. Following the Bilateral Trade Agreement signed
in April 2019, specific F&V coming from Vanuatu, and designated to receive preferential treatment, can now
be imported with diminished or no restrictions – see Chapter 4.
Among F&V, tropical fresh fruits are currently successful mainstream market items, cxxxviii with production of
the four main fruits growing at an average annual increase of 3.6% in the past decade. 376 An estimated 6.6
million tonnes of tropical fruits were traded globally in 2017 making them one of the most valuable agricul-
tural food commodities when measured on a value basis. 377 Within tropical fresh fruits, organic produce is
surging as an established niche market. Although organic tropical fruits command a higher premium than
non-organic produce, cxxxix prices are also more volatile, making them both a preferred and riskier alternative
for producers. 378

In Vanuatu, production is dominated by semi-subsistence farmers using mostly household labour and few
farm inputs to meet their food needs and produce some surplus for markets. 379 Most small farms have mixed
gardens with crops intercropped or rotated over seasons and years. There is a small number of intensive
commercial growers, mostly located in the vicinity of Port Vila, who specialise in small portfolios of products
such as lettuce, salad greens, herbs, tomatoes, capsicum, papaya, pineapple and Tahitian limes, and use
modern techniques such as hydroponic.
In recent years, the Government, through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has under-
taken several initiatives to increase and diversify production of F&V, and to facilitate trade between the islands
of Vanuatu. Regarding import substitution, the Government encourages farmers to produce vegetables to
meet local demand, specifically targeting the tourism and hospitality sectors. 380 Some products, which in the
recent past were exclusively imported (potato, tomato, cucumber, carrots, radish and green pepper), are
increasingly produced and distributed within Vanuatu’s domestic market. Seasonal fruit products, including
pineapple, mango, grapefruit, watermelon, lemon, and avocado, meet local demand but still have difficulties
in accessing the hospitality sector, with inconsistent supply and quality being the two key constraints. 381 The
Government should support farmers seeking to increase the harvest seasons with the adoption of productivity
enhancing equipment (greenhouses, irrigation systems, etc.).
cxxxviii For the purpose of simplicity, tropical fresh fruit are intended here as the four major tropical fruits, excluding banana:
mango, avocado, pineapple, and papaya.
cxxxix Major tropical fruits organic varieties are typically priced 50 to 70% higher than their conventional varieties.
174 Ch. 11: Goods
The number of processing plants in this sector is limited, and their relative size and capacity is small. Only a
small family-owned business, Lapita, a medium enterprise, ACTIV, cxl and a large enterprise, Fine Foods Ltd,
currently produce processed F&V products in Port-Vila. Therefore, the high demand for processed products
is satisfied through imports.
11.4.3.2 Quality of products and services
F&V are often highly perishable following harvest. In Vanuatu, poor and ineffective post-harvest management
severely affect crops’ quality and shelf life. The main issues in this regard arise from:
Land transport (buses, trucks, or vans) and road infrastructure, which are not suited to handle fresh produce,
spoiling the product;
• Maritime transport, which is undertaken on small/medium sized ships with limited facilities for handling
fresh produce, insufficient packing, and limited cold storage facilities, and inadequate loading/unloading
facilities;
• Limited extent of cold storage facilities accessible to farming communities; and
• Absence of pack-houses.
Providing fresh produce to the tourism market and the retail chains requires consistency in volumes, quality,
and meeting safety requirements. Policy can improve the linkages between rural producers and the growing
urban and tourism markets. The recent cooperation between MTTCNVB and MALFFB on agritourism and
VCBN’s establishment and work are steps in this direction.
When volumes are sufficient and sufficiently consistent, targeting the export market becomes a possibility as
long as safety and quality can be demonstrated. Governments can play a role to in this area, for example by
strengthening border control systems to maintain and prove freedom from pests and diseases, providing quar-
antine treatment facilities against certain pests, providing training services to facilitate the adoption of Good
Agricultural Practices (GAP) and HAACP certification, 382 and providing accredited conformity assessment
services (for example testing and calibration) that can facilitate access to markets – see also Chapter 6.
Internationally recognised assurance on quality required to access export markets and is also becoming
increasingly important to access higher value domestic markets, notably the tourism and hospitality industry.
F&V producers and traders find it very difficult to access finance, which limits their ability to scale up through
the purchase of productivity enhancing equipment.383 Exploring innovative financing mechanisms, such as a
matching grant and loan programme, could facilitate needed investment in productivity and quality-enhancing
technology. To this end, establishment of funding facilities should be explored, aiming to benefit businesses that
demonstrate their capacity to sustainably develop innovative products and generate employment.
The few F&V processors located in the vicinity of Port Vila have invested significant resources cxli in processing
and transport equipment. However, their return on investment is undermined by the fact that their companies
are running at a capacity of between 30% and 50%, including due to the insufficient supply of primary inputs.
The absence of economies of scale and integrated value chains in turn results in high cost of the final products.
Establishing mechanisms modelled on the principles of a commodity exchange cxlii could improve integration of
the value chains and stimulate enhanced quantitative and qualitative production. The use of new technologies
could facilitate this process. cxliii
cxl Alternative Communities Trade in Vanuatu.

cxli Between USD 30,000 and USD 2m.
cxlii A commodity exchange is an organised, regulated market that facilitates the purchase and sale of contracts whose values
are tied to the price of commodities. Typically, the buyers of these contracts agree to accept delivery of a commodity, and the
sellers agree to deliver the commodity.
cxliii Some countries already developed platforms with successful models such as the “Ethiopian Commodity Exchange” (http://
www.ecx.com.et/), a private public partnership that provides organised farmer groups with access to markets and fair pricing, as
well as providing market information.

The F&V sector suffers from a lack of skilled personnel. This is true for both farming and processing.
As highlighted by the FAO, at farm level capacity needs to be built in the areas of “improved crop varieties,
husbandry practices and farm budgeting. To extend cropping seasons … [farmers require to adopt] … new
farm practices including crop cover during the height of the rainy season, irrigation during the drier periods
and flower induction technology where necessary. Furthermore, revenue realisation at farm level could be
improved significantly through better crop planning and market linkages, both of which are necessary for the
development of a more commercial, for-profit sector”384.
At the processing level, few employees meet requirements in business administration and finance, manage-
ment of operations, technicians (including reparation and maintenance of equipment and specialists on green
and renewable technologies), marketing and sales, and customer’s service support positions. While companies
often run on-the-job training, skills are still insufficient to significantly increase productivity. Qualifications and
skills needs of value addition companies must be identified and assessed in close collaboration with the
education and vocational system.
Lack of adequate rural infrastructure and infrastructure services including rural roads, inter-island shipping,
electrification, and telecommunications hamper the development of the F&V sector by reducing both quantity
and quality of production.
There are limited resources to properly maintain land and sea infrastructures. While F&V supply is challenged
by the irregularity and inconsistency of sea transportation, the quality of produce suffers from inappropriate
handling and storage facilities, including cool storage, on both land and sea.385 The Vanuatu’s National Fruits
and Vegetables Strategy (VNFVS) 2017-2027 identified the above as priority challenges, and laid down a
four-year plan to address them. 386
Access to electricity in rural areas is limited, with only 60% of the population having access to electricity –
see Chapter 5. Given most F&V farms are located in rural areas, the lack of electricity directly affects the
produce’s shelf life and farmers’ ability to invest in new technology and machineries. In addition, it hinders
information flows relating to good farming practices and market requirements.
To ensure consistent quantities and quality of the fresh produce, VNFVS’s objectives need to be pursued,
and support infrastructure (both land and sea) improved. In support of these improvements, mechanisms
such as those of a national commodity exchange platform can be explored, and an entity such as VCBN,
assisting coordination between producers and manufacturers, can help to vertically integrate the value and
supply chains.
There are several F&V products that grow domestically and may be pursued for export.387 The list includes
pineapple, root crops, tomatoes, and Tahitian lime.
A Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) study on Samoa highlighted that pineapple
has export potential in the New Zealand market.388 In addition, pineapple can be exported under the fruit
fly non-host status protocol.389
Root crops (taro, yams, sweet potatoes (kumala), and cassava) have high potential for processing and export
due to their year-round production, high-quality proteins, dietary fibres and calories.390 They are also pres-
ently processed as chips. cxliv
Tomato is the second highest value cxlv fruit in Vanuatu.391 Tomatoes have many processing opportuni-
ties, such as tomato sauce, chutney and purees, that fully utilise excess production during peak seasons,
preserving tomatoes for off-season demand. Full-year production can be also explored by selecting suitable
varieties such as cherry tomatoes.392
cxliv Lapita Café Vanuatu and Fine Foods Ltd are two Vanuatu based organic certified companies processing F&V products,
notably in “chips” form, for domestic consumption and export.
cxlv In terms of price per kilogram.
176 Ch. 11: Goods
Tahitian lime also has high potential as an export product, particularly in New Zealand. Tahitian lime has
a small but lucrative market in New Zealand, given that its domestic production is seasonal and cannot be
obtained between September and March. Furthermore, Tahitian lime is listed under the fruit fly non-host
protocol.393
In addition to the export and domestic markets, the cruise ship market represents another opportunity in
Vanuatu. However, access to this market is challenging for the following reasons:
• With regards to cruise tourists coming ashore
• The cruise offers pre-paid packages to their clients including all meals and activities. Many clients are
not ready to spend additionally on local food;
• With regards to the farmers supplying the cruise ships
• The local food’s quality and safety are not guaranteed;
• The local volume of supply and price of produce is inconsistent;
• The loading of products is slow and time consuming

Vanuatu’s NSDP emphasises the importance of enhancing traditional agricultural practices, reducing reliance
on food imports, and achieving economic development by creating jobs in both urban and rural areas. 394 In this
context, the NSDP’s monitoring and evaluation framework includes targets in support of import substitution
strategies (indicator ENV 1.3.1), increasing F&V products’ diversification (indicator ENV 1.5.2), and value
addition of commodities in which Vanuatu enjoys a comparative advantage (indicator ECO 4.3.2). 395
The OPSP 2012-2017, currently under review, provides the guiding framework for the productive sectors,
and aims to achieve the joint outcomes of increasing production and productivity, enhancing quality and
safety, enhancing market access, adding value to Vanuatu’s products and strengthen resilience. 396 The policy
promotes a supply chain approach where the many stakeholders work in coordination supported by adequate
policy and regulatory frameworks.
The VASP 2015-2030 promotes value addition, training, access to credit, investment, quality and productivity,
market access, and import substitution strategies. 397 The VNFVS 2017-2027 is a strategic document produced
to assist implementing the VASP. It addresses the inefficiencies in the sector and sets a roadmap for the
government and the private stakeholders to “ensure that systematic measures are put in place for enhancing
the coordination and management of the sector and to ensure as well that a certain level of consistency is
maintained within the fruits and vegetable sector and a certain level of quality is maintained throughout the
whole value chain despite external factors including climate change.” 398
Vanuatu’s National Industrial Development Strategy addresses, promotes and supports the value addition
component of agricultural products that have potential for export, focusing on medium, high-end products. 399
11.4.5 SWOT analysis fruits and vegetables
Strengths Weakness
• Developing market network • Absence of a regular and reliable production
data as a basis for planning
• Favourable climate for year-round harvests
• Fertile soil favouring production • Lack of market intelligence on consumer pref-
erences and market conditions
• Fits in well with existing farming systems
• Inadequate information and support on new/
• Existing organic local production of fruits and improved technologies, and limited use of
vegetables technologies
• Low labour force costs • Lack of quality standards
• Inadequate infrastructure for manufacturing
and transport (handling)
• Lack of / inadequate storage facilities
• Lack of skills, particularly relating to commer-
cial farming and processing
• Lack of financing for smallholders and other
economic players
•
Lack of integrated supply and value chains
resulting in lack of coordination
• Growing domestic demand linked to tourism • Unavailability of imported inputs on a timely
sector basis (e.g. seeds/ planting materials, agricul-
tural pesticides)
• Markets available in New Zealand, New Cale-
donia and Australia • Change in government policy
• Impacts of climate change and natural disas-
ters
• Rising quality standards and more stringent
health and safety standards of overseas
market
• Invasion affecting crops and organic stan-
dards
Value chain strengthening
a. Consider establishing a national commodity exchange platform
b. Improve and define Vanuatu Cooperatives Business Network’s institutional capacity and scope
c. Increasing capacity to serve needs of the growing urban, peri-urban and tourism markets by enhancing
production quality inter-island linkages
d. Reduce reliance on imported food where products can be grown domestically
e. Improve skills, at both farming and processing level
f. Improve storage facilities and cold rooms at strategic locations
178 Ch. 11: Goods
Product development
a. Design and establish a grant facility to provide finance to smallholders developing innovative products and
generating employment
b. Improve research and extension systems (improve the use of technology) – soil laboratory, hydroponics,
irrigation, covered structures (greenhouses), and practices to extend fruiting seasons
c. Use improved and proven crop varieties
d. Promote technical assistance and training in agro-processing practices and marketing
Disaster/pest
a. Establishing quarantine treatment facilities and protocols where a robust business case exist for export of
certain fruits and vegetables
b. Strengthen pest controls to maintain low pest prevalence
Quality
a. Develop/review relevant national standards for Fruits and Vegetables
b. Facilitate the compliance and certification with standards such as Good Agricultural Practices and Hazard
Analysis and Critical Control Points
11.5. Kava
Kava is a pepper plant variety, scientifically known as Piper Methysticum, which is endemic to the South
Pacific. Kava is unique to the country, in that Vanuatu is the world leader for this commodity, whilst for every
other export (including services), Vanuatu is just a minor player in a global market. Kava is also a high-value
and durable product, grown across the country, and for which the farmers receive a high proportion of the
total export price. Finally, the global kava market is booming. All of these factors combine to mean that kava
is now definitively Vanuatu’s most important commodity, offering an unparalleled road to development.

Kava has always been an important export for Vanuatu. From 2008 to 2014, exports of Kava were consistently
around the VUV 600m mark, with a slight upwards trend from 2010. In 2015, kava exports were decimated
by TC Pam, and exports fell to only VUV 64m. Since then, exports have recovered incredibly strongly, and
are now by far Vanuatu’s largest merchandise export – a trend helped by the collapse of prices for coconut
products. In 2018, kava exports were just over VUV 2.5bn – or 52% of the total. This underlines the signifi-
cance that kava now has for the country.
FIGURE 11.5: EXPORTS OF KAVA 2008-2018, VUV MILLION
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Source: DCIR
Just under half of exports (44%) were of kava powder, with the remaining being of dried roots or chips.
Regarding destinations, there are four main markets. The US market has boomed in recent years, from VUV
150m in 2016, to VUV 780m in 2018, and is now the largest market at 31%. Fiji (24%), Kiribati (23%), and
New Caledonia (16%), are the other major markets. New Caledonia has always been a key market, but both
Fiji and Kiribati have also massively expanded in recent years – possibly caused by TC Winston in Fiji in
2016, and a subsequent drought.
There are little to no data for the world market for kava. On the demand side, data are non-existent, and
on the supply side there are good data for Vanuatu and Fiji, the two major exporters, but limited data from
elsewhere. However, there are some high-level conclusions which can be drawn:
• Global demand for kava is growing, with the United States driving this. As of August 2019, there were
144 kava bars in the United States registered on kava-world.com. Over half of these (81) were found
in Florida, with California (14) being the second largest market.
• The markets in the Pacific Island Countries are already relatively saturated – for example per capita
domestic consumption in Vanuatu is exceptionally high.
Therefore, of the existing markets, the US offers the best prospects for long-term export growth. Regarding
other markets, there were widespread bans of kava from the early 2000s, which were led by Germany, with a
chain effect to other EU countries. This was caused by a lack of consistency in quality controls, and a general
lack of research. Previously demand from Europe had been very high, particularly for pharmaceutical uses,
and so this ban led to a collapse in kava exports from the Pacific. Most bans have been lifted since 2015, as
the evidence overwhelmingly points to the safety of kava. However, despite this, exports to Europe remain
exceptionally low, possibly in part because there have been continued efforts by various European authorities
to limit kava’s access. The Government should proactively take part in any future negotiations or disputes
relating to kava access, working together with other kava producing nations.
Opportunities for export growth also exist in China, whose kava imports have started to increase significantly
in recent years, and which has today become the fifth biggest buyer of Vanuatu’s kava.
Similarly, there is a lot of potential in the Australian kava market. Currently, one can only take two kilograms
of kava into Australia for personal use, but this limit will be soon increased to four kilograms and commer-
cial importation will soon be piloted.400 The Government should continue its dialogue with counterparts in
Australia to try and gain access to the market.
There are no global commodity market exchange platforms for kava, and thus no global price. Prices have
been inferred for this report from the monthly export values and volumes. This is an imperfect measure for a
number of reasons – most notably it will include a number of different kava export products (powder, roots,
etc.) - but is the best proxy available. Prices should be taken as indicative of the trend, rather than as the
actual prices. Most notable is the very large increase in price which has been observed since early 2018.
This price increase has in part been driven by increasing demand, as supply growth has been constrained
by a number of factors, including Cyclones Pam and Winston, and a drought in the Pacific.
FIGURE 11.6: MONTHLY EXPORT KAVA PRICE, VATU PER KILO, AVERAGE OF ALL KAVA PRODUCTS
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
-
Apr-12 Aug-13 Dec-14 May-16 Sep-17 Feb-19 Jun-20
Source: VNSO cxlvi
cxlvi Note: In March 2015 there were no exports of kava, and hence no price could be calculated. Given the calculated price for
180 Ch. 11: Goods
On the supply side, Vanuatu was the major global producer and exporter in 2018. Vanuatu exported roughly
1,000 tonnes per annum in recent years, with Fiji second, at an average of 218 tonnes per annum. 401
Comparisons with Fiji are complicated by the fact Fiji predominantly exports kava powder, which is relatively
high value and low volume compared to roots and chips, which make up the bulk of Vanuatu’s exports.
Furthermore, Fiji imports a lot of kava from Vanuatu, a good proportion of which is likely to be processed and
re-exported. cxlvii Samoa, Tonga, and Hawaii all are smaller producers, with the Solomon Islands and Papua
New Guinea also producing very small quantities.
Vanuatu’s four main export markets - Fiji, the US, Kiribati, and New Caledonia - do not impose any tariffs
on the import of kava. They also do not impose any specific quality standards on the import of kava. Given
kava’s role in the Pacific, regional coordination should be improved, so that the producing countries can work
together to chart a positive future for kava – especially regarding market access and demand.
The boom in kava prices has anecdotally led to a large increase in the number of kava plants being planted
across the region. However, since kava takes at least three years before it can be harvested, this has not
yet manifested itself as an increase in supply in the market. It is highly likely that in the next few years the
forecast increase in supply will lead to prices falling, which would harm the growers. Indeed, anecdotally the
domestic price has recently begun to fall. There is currently very limited work done by the Government of
Vanuatu to promote kava abroad – some work is done by diplomats – and the Government should consider
options to try and boost global demand. This must be very carefully managed to ensure that growth is managed
in a sustainable manner, and so improved forecasting and understanding of the global market is needed. The
Government must also protect the Vanuatu brand, and should pursue Geographical Indication as a priority.
According to the Vanuatu National Kava Strategy 2016-2025 (VNKS 2016-2025), the domestic kava market
value was around VUV 2 billion in 2016.402 It is estimated that about 70% of kava goes to the domestic
market.403 Kava does not only support the farmers, but it also supports the livelihoods of many kava bar
owners, and other associated industries, such as food vendors. Moreover, kava is an essential and integral
component of Vanuatu’s culture and society. The Government must ensure that there continues to be suffi-
cient kava for the domestic market.

The latest statistics on kava farmers come from the 2016 mini-census, which showed 43% of rural households,
and 32% of all households, grew kava. This represents a decline from the 2007 Agricultural Census, which
had 51% of rural households engaged in kava growing. The mini-census was just after TC Pam however,
which destroyed up to a third of kava plants,404 and so the 2016 figure may be lower than in equilibrium.
Anecdotally, the number of kava growers has been skyrocketing in recent years, and so more up to date
information must be collected. Kava growing was particularly high in Penama province, but was at least 30%
of households in all provinces apart from Shefa – see Table 11.3.
TABLE 11.3: Kava growers by province
Province No. of households No. of households % of households

growing kava growing kava
Penama 6,959 5,429 78%
Tafea 6,853 4,236 62%
Torba 1,960 817 42%
Sanma 10,704 3,459 32%
Malampa 8,896 2,695 30%
Shefa 19,913 1,257 6%
Total 55,285 17,893 32%
Source: 2016 Mini Census
February and April were both 1,000 vatu per kilo, this is assumed to be the same for March.
cxlvii The greater focus on value addition shown by Fiji compared to Vanuatu implies that the export values per kilogram in the
former are higher than in the latter – in 2018, export value for Fiji was USD 14m with only 218 tonnes (see: https://fijisun.com.
fj/2019/08/31/kava-exports-earned-about-30-7m-last-year-says-reddy/) whereas for Vanuatu it was USD 21m with about 1,000
tonnes.
From 1983 to 2007 there was also a very large uptrend in the average number of kava plants per household,
rising from 200 to 1,200. Again, this data is very old, but this trend is likely to have continued since. This is
driven by both increasing hectarage and density – in part due to lower intercropping. It is thought that the
total production capacity is roughly in the range of 32,000-35,000 tonnes fresh weight, 405 although similarly,
this must be updated with new data.
Kava supply faces long-term fluctuations, mostly due to the impacts of natural disasters, as well as annual
fluctuations, although these mostly impact the domestic market. The primary causes for the annual patterns
are the increase in demand during festive seasons, generally in July, due to the independence celebrations,
and December for Christmas and New Year celebrations; and punctual shortages of supply, particularly
during the cyclonic season, where weather conditions can disrupt sea shipping transportation of commodities
in Vanuatu. Kava is primarily transported by boats and ships, although planes are increasingly being used.
Processing solutions have been long been practiced. Kava roots are sundried from a period of a minimum of
two days, generally near their production and harvest sites, and then shipped to traders or exporters who will
properly package the product for exportation. Dried kava is either sold in its dried root form or in dried chips,
the latter being more convenient as far as volume/weight ratios are concerned. Kava is considered “dried”
with 12% or less of moisture content. There is significant potential for kava transformation, whether for local
or export market for beverage and food in the form of powder. For now, the majority of kava is exported raw
and dried without processing, as green and semi-dried kava are not eligible for export.
In terms of exporters, in late 2017 there were 23 licensed exporters, of which five were large scale. 406 There
is one particularly large exporter which makes certified powder for the US market. There are further small-
scale processers.
11.5.3.2 Quality of products
The Kava Act of 2002 lists the requirements for kava production and export, and restricts its exploitation
to Vanuatu citizens only or to joint ventures 50% owned by indigenous citizens.407 Kava has since then
been categorised as either noble or non-noble (narafala). Only the noble selection is considered proper for
consumption. The lack of product knowledge, and proper research, have limited the expansion of kava roots
export potential.
A 2016 FAO and World Health Organization (WHO) study lays out a number of recommendations, some of
which are relevant for improving the quality of the kava. 408 Key recommendations include:
• Choosing noble-variety kava;
• Carefully selecting the parts of the kava plants used for consumption; and
• Monitoring quality of kava plant material used for consumption and storage conditions.
Kava consistency and estimated reasonable intake quantity must be determined and standardised, by:
• Establishing controls to provide a consistent high-quality raw material for kava beverage preparation,
considering kava varieties, kava plant material, and preparation and handling techniques;
In order to improve knowledge of kava quality and varieties, the Government should support the private sector
to improve traceability - indicators could potentially include the grower and processor, the island of origin,
the variety and age of the plant.
The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) did a survey of 57 kava bars in 2017, which showed that many
of them had exceptionally poor hygiene. This poses a risk to both the kava industry as it artificially makes
kava look unsafe, and to the health of Ni-Vanuatu and tourists. The municipal authorities should develop and
enforce standards.
The main method used to determine the “nobility, quality and purity” of kava is today known as the Acetone
Test.409 This test shows with a high level of reliability if a kava sample is deemed noble or not. A superior,
but more expensive test, is the High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography test (HPTLC). The Government
should seek to upgrade the capacity of the VBS regarding kava testing ability.
As heighted in Chapter 6, a major objective to ensure international recognition of kava as a quality product is
to establish a Codex standard. The Codex Alimentarius Commission accepted in 2017 a Vanuatu joint proposal
to elaborate new standards and related texts for kava, as a commodity with an intended use as beverage
for regional export.410 The proposal was partially endorsed by September 2019, with a full endorsement
scheduled for 2021.
182 Ch. 11: Goods

The Vanuatu National Kava Strategy (VNKS) (2015-2025) defines an [average] kava farmer as an individual
who possesses a plantation of at least 10,000 kava plants spread over 1 hectare of land (ratio of 1 kava plant/
sqm). Individuals falling under the latter definition are limited in number and most small farmers generally
focus on mix-cropping to diversify their source of income and maintain sustainable food security levels.
Whilst small-scale mix-cropping, which involve localised on-site drying and selling activities, is not capital
intensive, the integration of the quality component requires further substantial financial commitment from
small farmers.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has recently been looking into how it can
improve farming of kava plants, most notably through various nursery programmes. DARD has also been
running annual Kava Forums, to promote knowledge to the farmers, which has been a very successful initia-
tive. Both initiatives are expected to support the integration of the quality component at small-farmer level.
Ni-Vanuatu identified as small kava farmers are naturally good self-sufficient farmers, but many do not possess
the necessary skills with regards to commercial and sales best practices, quality management, and market
readiness.
The VNKS 2015-2025 seeks to ensure that kava is processed in a manner that maintains quality and meets
market demands, by ensuring that kava is harvested in the proper manner and that the harvested material is
treated correctly. The Government should increase training for farmers regarding best practice standards for
harvesting, cleaning, preparation, packaging, and identification of fresh and dried kava and transportation
to market.
Larger farms are better able to cope with such skills deficiencies, but face critical shortage at middle manage-
ment levels within their organisations, including administrative and financial managers, as well as processing
plant managers.
Kava is less reliant on support industries than other exports – it is not as resource intensive as others, for
example it requires less water than cattle, it is less perishable than most fruits and vegetables, and without
a specific harvesting season. This means that once a kava plant has reached the required maturity, it can be
harvested at the most favourable time. This reduces the pressure on the transport system.
Nonetheless, kava, as an industry, faces the same challenges as other commodities in Vanuatu, which includes
lack of market information and statistics, lack of regular and reliable transportation, poor handling facilities
and storage conditions and scarce access to basic utility and telecommunication services. Generally, support
industries such as commodity traders and shipping companies are poorly organised and coordinated.
A key focus of the kava industry over the coming years should be on enhancing existing products – in particular
kava-powder. For kava powder, there are companies in Fiji who import kava roots from Vanuatu, before value
adding and exporting. The Government should aim to support the kava industry so that this value addition
can take place domestically instead.
Kava destined for the pharmaceutical industry is slowly picking up, particularly since the Germany 2002 kava
ban was lifted. Kava and its extracts are now being promoted as a natural organic product or medicine with
extremely limited effects due to a gentler action, as opposed to traditionally prescribed anti-anxiety drugs.
It is thought that the compounds in kava make it particularly good for alleviating anxiety, protecting neurons
from damage, and relieving pain. Potential products include kava oil, kava tea, kava liquid, and kava capsules.
At the same time, it must be recognised that kava is a traditional drink, with huge cultural heritage. The
Government should develop some labelling standards to ensure that this heritage is acknowledged, whilst
new products are developed.

Development of the kava industry is an important element of the Vanuatu National Agriculture Sector Policy,
which covers the period 2015-2030. The Vanuatu National Kava Strategy (2015-2025) was developed in
response to the overarching National Agriculture Sector Policy. The Kava Act 2002 and its amendments (the
latest in 2015) regulate the market. The Act defines 12 noble kava varieties, which are the only type of kava
that can be sold, either domestically or internationally. The only exception is if an international buyer specif-
ically requests ‘narafala’ kava. For domestic consumption, the kava plant has to be at least three years old,
and for export markets it has to be at least five years. However, it is not possible to test the age of kava. The
Act should be updated to remove this potential source of confusion.
Kava was previously regulated by the Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board, which included an export levy
of 5%. Kava was removed from VCMB’s list of prescribed commodities in 2018. The Vanuatu Kava Industry
Association (VKIA) has indicated they are willing to pay a levy, but that the funding supplied must support
the kava industry in turn. The VKIA has been an excellent platform for public-private dialogue, but has so far
been supported by the PHAMA Plus programme. Alternative funding sources should be found, to ensure the
long-term sustainability of the association.
11.5.5 SWOT analysis kava
Strengths Weakness
• Traditional crop (local expertise) • Shortage of planting material
• Government support for the kava sector • Shortage of supply
• Strong local demand and export markets • Lack of sustainability and consistency of supply
• Increased supply of planting material from • Limited incentives for FDI
tissue culture lab and nurseries • Poor handling and transport conditions
• Availability of land to expand production • Lack of adequate infrastructure and utility supply
• Attractive returns • Price fluctuations
• Biggest player in global market • Quality standards embedded in technical regu-
• No seasonality lations (Kava Act) not enforced
• Women engagement in the value chain • Lack of market information, marketing skills,
• Youth engagement in the value chain production skills
• Unexploited potential for product diversifi- • Lack of farm management skills and financial
literacy
cation and value addition
• Limited branding, packaging and marketing
• Laboratory tests are qualitative only
• Limited research and extension capacity
• Land tenure systems
• Weak value chain coordination
• Development of international FAO/WHO • Fall in price due to rising supply
Codex Alimentarius standards and certifi- • Pests and diseases - e.g. kava dieback and
cation against them nematodes
• Growing international demand • Natural disasters - cyclones and droughts
• Increased competition from other countries
• Lack of export compliance possibly leading to
future bans
• Theft of kava
• Spiking fears from other nations about the health
impacts of kava
a. Increase diversification of kava exports, both in terms of destinations and products
b. Register Geographical Indication for Kava
c. Improve data of the kava markets:
i. Improve data on domestic supply and demand of kava
ii. Improve data on the international demand for kava
184 Ch. 11: Goods
d. Ensure, as far as possible, that the European market remains open for kava exports
e. Develop a promotion strategy to boost global kava demand and stimulate FDIs
f. Improve the governance mechanisms, including:
i. Support the Vanuatu Kava Industry Association to find a long-term funding mechanism
ii. Continue to run annual Kava Forums
iii. Revive Pacific Kava Council under Vanuatu leadership
g. Improve quality, including:
i. Complete the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius standards
ii. Establish quality traceability criteria and mechanisms
iii. Develop and enforce domestic standards for the municipal areas
iv. Develop kava product labelling standards
h. Improve the testing capability of relevant Government authorities
11.6 Forestry Products

Forestry products exported by Vanuatu include sandalwood (heartwood and sapwood), sandalwood oil, timber,
and, to a minor degree, carvings cxlviii
Despite an overall upward trend since 2008 that reached its peak in 2015, sandalwood exports have been
volatile over the period. Sandalwood oil exports virtually ceased after 2012. Timber exports fluctuated around
the VUV 50 million mark, with the exception of one peak in 2017 cxlix – see Figure 11.7.
FIGURE 11.7: FORESTRY PRODUCTS EXPORTS, MILLION VATU
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Timber Sandalwood Sandalwood Oil
Source: DCIR
Today’s timber industry struggles internationally due to difficulties in accessing niche markets, lack of competi-
tiveness, and inconsistencies in supply. Furthermore, the country relies on imports from neighbouring coun-
tries, such as New Zealand, to meet domestic demand. With the exception of a few larger producers in Espiritu
Santo, logging production is scattered and unorganised, resulting in imbalances of wood supply that affect
both exporters and domestic buyers.
In 2018, Vanuatu sandalwood was primarily exported to Hong Kong (58% of all sandalwood exports), Vietnam
(22%) and China (20%), whereas most of Vanuatu’s timber was exported to China (85%) and New Caledonia
cxlviii Carvings are handicrafts. Economically they provide income to the most vulnerable segments of the population, women
and isolated communities. Socially they represent a strong link with Vanuatu’s traditional heritage. Handicrafts are either
directly or indirectly (through tourism) exported, and their economic importance is growing. While handicrafts would deserve a
dedicated section, the TPFU does not address them directly. A strategy has been developed by the Department of Industry.
cxlix Blue water tree (rosewood) slabs’ sales into China were the primary reason behind this significant export increase. Due to
sustainability concerns, blue water tree’s logging was temporarily banned in March 2018 – see Chapter 3.
(12%). Other export markets for Pacific sandalwood are Taiwan, Singapore, Korea and Japan. 411
Sandalwood is a high-value, low-volume, non-perishable product well-suited for international trade. Its price
in international markets is in steady increase due to limited global supply and rising demand. For example,
its auction price in India increased at a compound annual growth rate of 14% between 2000 and 2015. 412
Australia, the second largest producer of sandalwood after India, is also a major importer due to domestic
demand that exceeds supply, and there are substantial opportunities for Vanuatu’s sandalwood exporters. 413
Sandalwood’s heartwood and sapwood are extracted from both wild and planted trees. Planting trees is a
long-term investment, as trees take between 15 to 20 years to produce commercial quantities of heartwood.
Therefore, overexploitation of wild stocks is a serious threat – see Chapter 9. 414 To prevent deforestation, the
Management and Control of Sandalwood Trade and Exports Order (1997) and the Sandalwood Policy (2002)
introduced a three-month limitation on the harvesting season, cl a licensing system for logging companies,
an export permit system, a quota system, and royalties paid to the Department of Forestry (DoF). DoF is the
sandalwood regulatory body that sets an annual quota and a minimum price for one kilo of sandalwood to be
paid to landowners. cli Reforestation has been driven by the National Forest Policy (1997 and 2013) and is
regulated by the Forest Act (2001). As a result, over the past 10-15 years, replanting has generated around
700 hectares of combined smallholder and commercial sandalwood plantings, which are expected to mature
in 2030. 415
According to DoF data in 2017, under a quota of 70 tonnes, 12 businesses held active sandalwood licenses clii
- 57% of total licensees. A total of 49 tonnes of sandalwood were harvested, cliii which amounted to over VUV
63 million in royalties.
The bulk of Vanuatu’s sandalwood exports consist of unprocessed chips and logs. However, there is some
domestic small-scale processing in Port Vila and Malo. These sites produce essential oils and focus primarily
on local markets. Sandalwood presents many value-adding opportunities, such as carving, oil for fine
fragrances, medicines, therapeutic products, attars (fragrant blends of sandalwood and flower oils), chewing
gums, mouth fresheners, and incense sticks. 416
There are several value chain limitations that must be addressed to ensure sandalwood’s continued devel-
opment:
• Limited market access, industry structure, data and coordination. Vanuatu produced roughly 1-2%
of sandalwood globally in 2010. This number will likely increase by 2030 as the replanted stock
matures. 417 The industry would benefit from (better) publicly-available data on local production to
monitor the resource base (both wild and planted), exports, future prospects, value chain players and
market destinations. Market access should be assessed and improved, and a strategic government
plan could be introduced.
• Limited capacity in domestic value addition. Some existing examples demonstrate industry know-how
and capacity to scale up operations. However, pursuing value addition and product differentiation
requires resource aggregation to achieve economies of scale, financial capital to establish the
processing facilities, skilled or semi-skilled workers, and government investment towards industry
standards and certification. There is also a need to evaluate whether returns from processing can
match or exceed the returns from exporting the wood.
• Risky investment. Factors, such as changes at the political and regulatory levels, natural disasters or
pests, may affect long-term investment.
a. Create unique HS codes for sandalwood and sandalwood oil
b. Commission an independent sandalwood value chain study in Vanuatu. The study objectives would be
twofold: 1) review and assess the sandalwood supply chain and its regulatory framework (replanting plans,
quota, licenses, royalties, minimum pricing) vis-à-vis potential improvements (auction pricing, limiting
licenses, resource base aggregation), and 2) assess the economic rationale behind encouraging domestic
cl These months are set each year along with an additional three months for trading and exporting.
cli It is the minimum price payable to landowners for various grades of sandalwood heartwood logs – it is subject to periodic
reviews, although rarely changed. In 2019, the minimum price is VUV 2,000 per kilo of sandalwood.
clii A significant increase with respect to 2016, when only 5-6 of these licensees were reported to be active.
cliii Tanna, Erromango and Aneityum produced 75%, 17% and 3% of the total harvest for 2017, respectively.
186 Ch. 11: Goods
processing of sandalwood
11.7 Cocoa
Cocoa has historically been an export crop for Vanuatu. Over the past ten years, cocoa exports have been
volatile, following the international price for cocoa beans cliv. Cocoa exports peaked in 2016 (VUV 458 million)
and fell significantly in 2017 (VUV 181 million) – Figure 11.8. In 2018, almost the entirety of Vanuatu’s cocoa
was exported to bulk grinding markets in Malaysia (83%), Indonesia (6%), and Italy (6%).
FIGURE 11.8: COCOA EXPORTS, MILLION VATU (LEFT) AND WORLD PRICE, USD/TONNE (RIGHT)
500 3400
450 3200
400 3000
350 2800
300 2600
250 2400
200 2200
150 2000
100 1800
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Cocoa World market price
Source: DCIR; International Cocoa Organization clv
Cocoa’s global value chain is characterised by vertical and horizontal integration in the industry. A few large
transnational corporations control the industry, to the detriment of the smaller economic players (farmers,
small traders and chocolate manufacturers). 418 In 2017, Ivory Coast was the largest exporter of cocoa beans
in the world (40% of global exports), and the Netherlands was the largest importer (25% of global imports). 419
Unlike other agricultural products, cocoa’s primary processing (fermenting and drying) occurs near its place
of harvest, producing a non-perishable product. The features of primary processing, which often involves
women and youth, make cocoa an attractive commodity for employment or income-generation in the remote
outer islands. 420
In Vanuatu, cocoa’s plantations are concentrated in the Sanma, Penama, and Malampa provinces and are
either rented or owned by local farmers. 421 Following primary processing, farmers sell beans to cocoa exporters
or chocolate manufacturers. The main cocoa exporters in Vanuatu are Vanuatu Copra and Cocoa Exporters
Ltd, C-Corp Cocoa Export Ltd, Vanuatu Cocoa Premium Ltd, and Tal Milfirer. The only chocolate manufac-
turers in Vanuatu are the ACTIV Association and Gaston Chocolat, which produce high-quality handcrafted
chocolate bars and other cocoa products. They are small enterprises clvi that produce 400-500 kilos of cocoa
products on average per month.
Manufacturers typically work with a pool of trusted farmers, to whom they provide crop management, primary
processing trainings, and basic equipment (thermometers, driers). Domestically produced cocoa products
perform well in the domestic market and selling to cruise customers. There is also some export to Fiji,
Australia, and New Zealand clvii. While market opportunities exist in New Caledonia, Japan, and the United
States, access to export niche markets remains a challenge to local manufacturers – Table 11.4.
cliv The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) reports cocoa beans’ daily price, which is the average of the quotations of
the nearest three active futures trading months on ICE Futures Europe (London) and ICE Futures US (New York) at the time of
London close.
clv ICCO’s prices have been averaged over the year to make them consistent with yearly cocoa exports.
clvi Their capital investments do not exceed USD 170,000.
clvii Around 5% of Gaston Chocolat’s production is exported to these destinations.
TABLE 11.4 PRODUCERS AND MANUFACTURERS’ CHALLENGES IN VANUATU
Cocoa Producers clviii Chocolate Manufacturers

• Absence of institution and legislative frame- • Cocoa beans’ quality consistency due to
work to govern the cocoa sector limited storage and cold rooms facilities
• Absence of strategic directions for all stake- • Competitiveness due to high transport costs,
holders to effectively coordinate and manage energy costs, export licenses, and costs to
the sector comply with international food standards
• Aging and depleting cocoa plantations • High volumes demanded internationally
• Climate change impacts • Markets access information
• Lack of proper infrastructure, high costs and • Marketing and visibility (establishing Vanuatu
inappropriate means of transportation as a cocoa producer)
• Limited access to finance • Sourcing of ingredients and equipment
• Limited technical expertise
International price volatility and aging plantations call for a transition away from raw cocoa bean exports
clviii
towards value-adding products, such as chocolate bars. Specialisation in single-origin and certified organic
lines should coincide with replanting using genetically productive varieties. 423 To avoid inconsistency in quality,
improved primary processing practices should be accompanied by post-drying facilities, such as storage and
cold rooms at key ports of entry for inter-island trade.
Vanuatu National Cocoa Strategy 2020-2025, the first sectoral vision, is aligned with the Agriculture Sector
Policy objectives. Recognising the main challenges of the sector, the Strategy addresses the need to establish
a nursery and seedling production, undertake replanting with the improved seedling, improve crop manage-
ment, improve cocoa’s primary processing and transportation, and secure niche markets. 424 The Cocoa Act
(2006) is the only existing regulatory framework in Vanuatu, clix and Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board
act as a regulator for the industry, charging an export levy of 6% cocoa’s sale price.
a. Establish a nursery and seedling production and replant cocoa trees using genetically productive varieties
of seedlings
b. Improve quality consistency by providing post-drying facilities such as storage and cold rooms at key ports
of entry
c. Promote and improve Vanuatu’s visibility as a cocoa producer and chocolate manufacturer
11.8 Fisheries
Vanuatu has a maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 680,000 km² and an archipelago coastline of
approximately 2,528 kilometres. 425 About 70% of Vanuatu’s population lives on the coastal lowland making
subsistence fisheries extremely important in the local economy for household income and food security. 426
Fisheries comprise the marine, freshwater, aquaculture, and recreational subsectors. Marine fisheries have
two components: costal and offshore. Coastal fisheries are mostly subsistence fisheries and for sale in local
markets, with the exception of the export-oriented sea cucumbers, clx and aquarium fish. In 2014, 3,906 tonnes
of catch were estimated from coastal waters. 427 Offshore fisheries are undertaken on an industrial scale by
longline and purse seine vessels within Vanuatu EEZ; clxi the largest catch is tuna. From 2008 to 2018, an
clviii Government of Vanuatu (2019c), 8-9

clix This Act provides for the licensing of cocoa fermentaries and dealers, concerns standards and inspection of cocoa intended
for exportation and establishes the Cocoa Industries Fund.
clx Due to extensive over-fishing in the last few decades, the Government imposed a ten-year moratorium on the harvesting of
sea cucumber in 2008 – Chapter 9.
clxi According to official reporting, all foreign vessels licensed to fish in Vanuatu zone in 2018 were tuna long-liners. In 2018,
there were 83 long-liners, while the average for the period 2008 to 2018 has been 105.
188 Ch. 11: Goods
average of 7,484 tonnes of tuna were caught each year from offshore national waters. 428 Freshwater fishing
is not prevalent, with the 2014 catch estimated to be 88 tonnes; while aquaculture is still at its infancy, clxii
with good potential to develop further in the future. The recreational sub-sector’s importance is increasing:
it involves sport fishing and has strong links with tourism. 429
In the past decade, fish products have never been among the top exports for Vanuatu. Export levels were
volatile for the period 2008 to 2013, and in sharp decline thereafter – see Figure 11.9. In particular, fish
exports significantly declined since 2012, and have been negligible from 2014 to 2018 due to Tuna Fishing
Vanuatu Limited relocating their operations in the Solomon Islands.
Aquarium fish also decreased, at an annual growth rate of 55% from 2013 to 2018. Major export destinations in
2018 were Australia (85% of total aquarium fish exported), the United States (13%) and New Caledonia (2%).
FIGURE 11.9: FISHERIES EXPORTS, VATU MILLION

450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Fish Aquarium fish
Source: DCIR
In the 1990s, the only two urban fish markets clxiii ceased their operations leading to fresh fish being sold on
the day at local markets or in a limited group of retailers in urban areas. 430 The lack of adequate refrigerated
fish-storage resulted in inconsistencies of fish supply for consumers, as well as for the catering and hospitality
sector. In 2018 and in 2019 the Supekalapoa and the Tamahu Natai fish markets opened, in Luganville and Port
Vila respectively. These two markets are jointly managed and operated by the Department of Fisheries, the
Office of the Registrar of Cooperatives & Business Development Services (ORCBDS), and the Municipalities.
Vanuatu has not had a fish factory since 2014. As a result, most of Vanuatu’s fish was caught against a fee
and landed in other nations, thus leading to a decline in exports. The launch of the Sino-Van fish processing
plant clxiv near Port Vila in October 2019 may revert this trend and places fisheries among the sectors with
significant export potential. The plant will focus on frozen and fresh tuna processing for both the domestic
and the export markets (mainly China and the United States, but also Europe) and, in a second phase, it may
consider canned tuna, which is currently solely imported. clxv
The Sino-Van processing plant presently owns a fleet of six longline vessels and aims to purchase the catch
of the vessels holding a licence for fishing in Vanuatu EEZ. Should the Sino-Van plant be able to sell over-
seas all the tuna caught in Vanuatu waters, this would result in over USD 60 million of exports per year, clxvi
which is approximately one and a half times Vanuatu’s merchandise exports in 2018. The Sino-Van plant will
need a stable political, institutional, and regulatory environment, quality providers of vessels’ maintenance,
improvement in logistics, enhanced infrastructure for fishing and marketing, and ease of market access to
clxii According to Gillett (2016), aquaculture production was estimated to be 27,300 pieces and 43 tonnes.
clxiii These two government-owned fish markets were established in Port Vila and in Luganville in 1983.
clxiv The plant is a joint venture between the Government and the China National Fisheries Corporation.
clxv Vanuatu imported an average of over VUV 234 million of canned tuna per year from 2008 to 2017.
clxvi This number assumes the following. Total tuna catch in Vanuatu EEZ: 7,484 tonnes (average annual catch 2008-2018);
price: USD 8,139 per tonne of tuna (average prices for Albacore, Yellowfin and Bigeye in 2018).
deliver on its promise of a revitalised fisheries sector in Vanuatu.

Discussions with China on options to reduce their tariffs on relevant codes (now between 5% and 7%) may
be beneficial. Discussion with other development partners should also be undertaken - see Chapter 4.
The Vanuatu National Fisheries Sector Policy 2016-2031, the first sectoral vision, is aligned with the NSDP
and OPSP 2012-2017’s objectives. Recognising the main challenges of the sector, the Policy focuses on
fisheries governance, sustainable and economically viable fisheries and aquaculture, access to finance,
infrastructure, market access, seafood safety and value adding, sustainable growth, employment, and food
security. 431 The Fisheries Act 2014 is the main sector’s regulatory framework for the sector.
The Department of Fisheries acts as the industry regulator; conserving, managing, and developing fisheries
resources. clxvii They issue and renew fishing licenses and permits, and collect fees from catch. The Department
collected an average of VUV 330 million per year in government revenues from 2014 to 2018. 432
a. Continue to monitor annual catch volumes for EEZ fish (e.g. tuna) and ensure they remain below the
sustainable yield limits
b. Monitor fish processing plant and fish markets performances, including financial viability
clxvii To access the Fisheries Act, regulation, policies and plans, visit the following websites: https://malffb.gov.vu/index.
php?id=3 or https://fisheries.gov.vu/.
Ch. 12: Tourism Services

12.1 Export Performance
12.1.1 Export value and volume
The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV) classifies tourism as an export under Travel Related Services. RBV
indicates that the value of tourism exports has increased from VUV 14.0 billion in 2007 (26% of GDP) to VUV
27.1 billion in 2017 (30% of GDP), clxviii equating to an average annual increase of 6.8%.
FIGURE 12.1: EXPORT OF TOURISM SERVICES, VUV MILLION
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Source: Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (2018a)
The tourism sector is the mainstay of the Vanuatu economy and represents the major source of export earn-
ings. In 2017 international tourism was responsible for approximately 75% of total exports from Vanuatu.
Tourism in Vanuatu is underpinned by day visitors who arrive by cruise ships and air visitors arriving primarily
from short haul markets. Whilst both air and cruise arrivals have grown over the last decade, cruise passen-
gers have exhibited the stronger growth (see Figure 13.2).
clxviii Uses the IMF estimated rate of growth for 2017 from the 2018 IMF Article IV
FIGURE 12.2: TOURISM ARRIVALS, AIR AND CRUISE PASSENGERS
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Air Arrivals Cruise Passengers
The level of air arrivals has continued to grow over the last ten years, from 90,657 in 2008 to 109,170 in
2017, 433 but significant shocks impacted the market in 2015 (Tropical Cyclone PAM) and 2016 (inadequate
infrastructure maintenance of Bauerfield Airport – Port Vila). The Vanuatu International Visitor Survey (IVS)
indicates that direct expenditure from air visitors was VUV 18.7 billion in 2017. 434 The same survey indicates
that average daily expenditure from air visitors was VUV 21,031 per day in 2017.
Cruise passenger arrivals to Vanuatu increased from 106,138 in 2008 to 254,489 in 2016 (296 calls) but
declined to 223,551 in 2017 (268 calls). The level of proposed calls was also lower for 2018 at 214, 435
although this is in part due to increased vessel size resulting in reduced frequency, and also to a change in
scheduling by the cruise lines to primarily offer shorter seven- and nine-day cruises. Daily expenditure varies
significantly depending on the port of call. Average passenger expenditure was estimated to be VUV 7,611
per day in Port Vila clxix and significantly lower for Luganville and Mystery Island (VUV 3,568 and VUV 872
per day respectively) in 2013. 436
12.1.2 Types of products exported

The holiday market is the major source of arrivals for Vanuatu and represents the major export. The main
features of the Vanuatu tourism product are the authentic culture and natural attractions which include pristine
reef and marine life, volcanoes, and traditional cultural events.
In 2017 holiday visitors accounted for 76% of all visitor arrivals by air, followed by visitors who arrived for
business, meetings and conferences (8%), and visitors coming to visit friends and relatives (8%). Tourists
coming for education and sports accounted for about 7% of total visitors.
Different destinations within Vanuatu do, to an extent, offer different tourism products. The vast majority of
air visitors only travel to the main island of Efate, although visitors are increasingly travelling to outer islands.
Visits to the outer islands have been growing at a faster rate than the overall level of visits over the last four
years, with an average increase of 19% per annum (see Table 13.1). 437
Espiritu Santo has been the beneficiary of the introduction of direct flights from Brisbane by Air Vanuatu and
has increased its share of international air arrivals from 2.7% in 2010 to 5.2% in 2017, with an annual average
growth rate of 18% over the last four years. Tanna still receives more visitors with 10,301 air arrivals in 2017
and had an annual average growth rate of 18% over the last four years.
clxix Exchange rate of AUD 1 = 79.2859 VUV used for the purposes of conversion of original data
192 Ch. 12: Tourism Services
TABLE 12.1: VANUATU OUTER ISLANDS - TOURIST ARRIVALS BY AIR
Average
Island 2014 2015 2016 2017 Growth
Rate
Tanna 6,343 7,295 7,774 10,301 18%
Espiritu Santo 4,739 5,342 6,861 8,840 23%
Efate offshore Islands 2,144 3,201 4,328 3,333 16%
Malekula 636 945 935 1,071 13%
Ambrym 521 775 863 837 19%
Pentecost Island 379 1,093 820 550 17%
Other Islands 1,349 1,572 1,973 2,416 21%
TOTAL 16,111 20,223 23,554 27,348 19%
The average length of stay in Vanuatu for air visitors is 11.4 nights; 438 length of stay is slightly shorter for Port
Vila at 10.4 nights compared to Espiritu Santo at 12.3 nights. The average length of stay for the country has
increased by approximately 11.5% since 2010.
For cruise ship visitors, the majority of calls are to Port Vila and Mystery Island (Aneityum), with a smaller
number of calls visiting other outer islands including Tanna, Espiritu Santo, and Pentecost. Port Vila received
52% of calls followed by Mystery Island with 38%. 439 The Espiritu Santo market share (including Cham-
pagne Beach) declined from 21% in 2017 to 8% in 2018, due to issues with the new wharf in Luganville and
rescheduling by the cruise operator – see Chapter 6. Pentecost received five calls in 2018 associated with
the traditional land diving or ‘Nangol’. The majority of cruise ships which visitors in Vanuatu are from Australia
on short seven to ten-day trips.
TABLE 12.2: VANUATU CRUISE SHIP CALLS – 2009 -2018
Location 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Port Vila 50 57 73 111 126 123 104 139 117 111
Mystery Island 23 21 57 55 74 67 63 103 95 81
Wala 9 11 15 18 18 5 0 0 0 0
Champagne Bay 6 4 13 17 16 19 29 26 27 4
Pentecost 3 5 5 3 2 5 4 3 1 5
Luganville 2 2 6 15 16 25 26 25 28 13
TOTAL 93 100 169 219 252 244 226 296 268 214
Source: Department of Tourism (DoT)
The Department of Tourism (DoT) has developed additional criteria to classify specific types of tourism prod-
ucts including accommodation type and type of tourism activity (land and water-based). Currently this system
of classification is in the initial implementation stage and there is insufficient data to provide information in
relation to these criteria.
12.1.3 Export destinations

The short haul markets of Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia are the traditional main markets of
Vanuatu and provide the majority of visitors. These three markets combined make up 79% of air arrivals in
2017 and over 90% of cruise passengers. 440
Australia is the largest inbound market, accounting for more than half (53%) of all air arrivals in 2017, followed
by New Caledonia (15%), New Zealand (11%), Other Pacific Countries (7%) and Europe (6%). Air arrivals from
Australia and New Zealand are still to return to pre-cyclone PAM levels. China has been the fastest growing
country during the past decade, but from a low base and still represents only 3.3% of all air arrivals to Vanuatu.
TABLE 12.3: VANUATU AIR ARRIVALS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Other
New New Pacific North Other
Year Australia Zealand Caledonia Countries Europe America Japan China Countries
2008 53,251 13,916 9,648 3,759 4,887 2,578 590 n.a. 2,028
2009 64,909 12,607 9,155 3,708 4,890 2,549 642 573 1,643
2010 58,760 11,927 11,410 4,719 4,888 2,395 517 693 1,871
2011 57,843 11,399 11,376 3,397 5,265 1,922 630 581 1,547
2012 65,405 14,430 13,138 4,313 5,491 2,094 705 623 1,962
2013 65,776 15,068 12,515 4,874 5,544 2,614 659 1,062 1,997
2014 60,808 16,293 12,756 6,630 5,591 2,373 763 1,563 2,031
2015 46,098 13,422 10,567 5,953 5,839 2,962 633 2,186 2,292
2016 49,752 10,931 9,681 5,705 10,067 2,893 903 2,736 2,449
2017 57,387 11,554 15,880 7,147 6,806 3,016 1,076 3,612 2,692
Source: VNSO
12.2 World Market Conditions

12.2.1 World market prospects
Globally tourism arrivals grew by an average of 3.7% per annum between 2007 and 2017, from 920 million 441
to 1.32 billion. 442 The rate of growth for the Oceania region clxx was somewhat lower at 3.3% per annum, from
2005 to 2016. Vanuatu arrivals grew at a slightly lower rate of 3.0% per annum between 2007 and 2017.
Global tourism receipts were USD 1,186 billion in 2017, whist for the Oceania region the total value was USD
50.5 billion (4.2%). Globally, the average expenditure per arrival was USD 900 in 2017, whilst for Oceania
this was significantly higher at USD 3,040.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s long-term growth forecast indicate that tourism
arrivals will grow by an average of 3.3% per annum until 2030, up to 1.8 billion.
The adventure tourism market, 443 which is closely targeted by the Vanuatu Tourism Market Development Plan
(VTMDP), is estimated by the UNWTO to be one of the fastest growing market segments, with an estimated
compound annual growth of 46 percent between 2016 and 2020.
The global cruise market grew at an average of 5.6% per annum over the last nine years. 444 In Vanuatu the
rate of growth was higher, at an average of 8.3% per annum.
Australia and New Zealand are the primary source markets for most Pacific countries. Arrivals to the Pacific
have been consistently growing at approximately 5% per annum since 2007. 445 Starting from a low base, Asia
is becoming an important source of arrivals. Other Asia arrivals (Asian countries less China and Japan), have
grown at a similar rate as Australia and New Zealand, whilst China has a shown stronger growth at 13.2%
over the last 5 years. clxxi Growth from China reflects growth in business traffic, as well as some growth in
holiday traffic, mainly to Fiji.
Total outbound air departures from Australia, the main source of arrivals to the Pacific, were approximately
9.11 million in 2017. 446 Trips by Australians (by air) to all Pacific countries accounted for approximately 9% of
all outbound trips; air arrivals to Vanuatu represented around 7% of Australian arrivals to the Pacific.
For New Zealand, departures by air were 2.9 million in 2017. 447 Departures to all Pacific countries accounted
for 14% of total outbound trips. Air arrivals in Vanuatu represented around 2.9% of New Zealand arrivals to
the Pacific.
clxx Oceania region includes Vanuatu and other Pacific countries, but also includes New Zealand and Australia
clxxi Statistics for China are only available for the last five years
China’s outbound air departures were 129 million in 2017. Total arrivals to the region were 0.11% of all
outbound trips. 448 Arrivals in Vanuatu represented around 2.5% of Chinese air arrivals to the Pacific.
For New Caledonia, an important source market for Vanuatu, total departures were 127,000 in 2015. 449
Departures to Vanuatu accounted for about 8% of total departures by air.
12.2.2 Major competitors

Vanuatu competes mainly with other major Pacific tourism destinations for the short haul markets of Australia,
New Zealand, and New Caledonia. The number of arrivals by air in the Pacific for 2017 was 1.96 million.
Fiji was the leading destination with approximately 843,000 air arrivals (42.9% of the total), whilst French
Polynesia was second with 199,000 arrivals (10.1%). Vanuatu ranks ninth. 450
The average rate of growth in tourism air arrivals for Pacific countries clxxii in the ten years since 2007 has
been 3.2% – broadly the same as Oceania. The more developed tourism destinations achieved higher rates
of growth, with the Cook Islands at an average of 5.22% per annum and Fiji at 4.57%.
In terms of cruise ships, Vanuatu’s main competitor is New Caledonia. The number of cruise passengers in the
Pacific was 982,000 in 2017. New Caledonia is the top destination (493,000 arrivals), followed by Vanuatu. 451
The main cruise companies are based in Australia and earn the majority of cruise revenues from short haul
cruises. Pacific ports inside the short haul cruise range are Port Vila, Luganville, Champagne Beach, Mystery
Island, Noumea (New Caledonia), Lifou (New Caledonia), and Isle De Pines (New Caledonia). The residual
traffic arises from repositioning cruise itineraries, boutique and expeditionary cruise itineraries, round the
world cruise itineraries, and long-haul cruise itineraries. 452
The South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) estimates that international air visitor arrivals to Pacific
Countries will reach approximately 2.25 million in 2019, 453 generating expenditure worth an estimated USD
4.2 billion clxxiii to the regional economy – approximately 8% of the total value for Oceania. With the addition
of cruise passenger expenditure, the total value of the tourism sector for the Pacific region is estimated to
reach 4.4 USD billion by 2019.
12.3 Domestic Supply Conditions

12.3.1. Current producers and production capacity
A very significant data gap still exists with regard to tourism supply in Vanuatu; no data is publicly available
on the total number and distribution of tourism products including accommodation and rooms supply, which
is surprising given the importance of the sector.
Overall there is substantial underutilisation of existing accommodation products, due to an imbalance between
supply and demand in the sector.
The Vanuatu Hotel and Resort Association (VHRA) estimated the total number of hotel rooms for Efate, Espiritu
Santo, and Tanna at 2,307 in 2017. clxxiv There have been some supply additions in recent years, both in larger
resorts and hotels on Efate, and boutique resorts on Espiritu Santo and Tanna.
According to the VHRA, room occupancy rates averaged 52% for their members in 2017, an increase from
44% in 2016 and 42% in 2015. Luxury hotels reported a higher occupancy rate, while accommodation outside
Efate generally reported lower occupancy rates.
VHRA estimates do not include the numerous smaller guesthouses. Official data for guesthouses is unavail-
able, however, anecdotal evidence indicates that there have been significant supply additions to the local
guesthouse sector in the outer islands. Although no formal data is kept, anecdotal evidence also suggests
that many outer island guesthouses are only achieving low occupancy levels.
The VHRA estimates that there are also an additional 282 rooms provided through holiday homes on Efate
and Espiritu Santo.
clxxii Pacific countries in this instance refers to the countries which were member countries of SPTO for the period
clxxiii Broad estimates only (excluding inflation and currency fluctuations)
clxxiv Assuming 2.5 beds/room and an average length of stay of 10 days, existing supply would be able to absorb 210,500
tourists/year. VHRA figures on occupancy rate suggest that these numbers may be broadly correct.
The Vanuatu cruise market is dominated by Carnival Australia (65%) and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
(35%). Fleet expansion plans will see cruise vessels increasing capacity from 1,500 passengers to around
5,000 passengers in the next few years, which is expected to increase volume of passengers but reduce the
number of calls.
The large volume of cruise passengers has stimulated significant investment in land and marine based tour
operators and local attractions catering for this day tour market. As a consequence, Port Vila has a wide
range of day tour activities.
The Vanuatu Strategic Tourism Action Plan (VSTAP) identifies that there are over 200 operators providing
land-based activities in Vanuatu; these activities include cultural products, village tours, and some traditional
handicrafts. In addition, VSTAP identifies that there are more than 50 marine-based tourism operators in
Vanuatu, organising tourism activities such as: kayaking, paddle-boarding, kite-surfing, ocean swimming,
sports fishing, and yachting. 454
12.3.2 Quality of products and services

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has designed a comprehensive Tourism Accreditation Programme which
outlines minimum standards for tourism operators covering both accommodation and activities including
hotels, guesthouses, island bungalow operators and marine and land-based tours. Currently the Programme
is linked to the system of Tourism Permits which are issued by DoT to compliant businesses, with standards
defined for each of the relevant Business License’s sub-sector. 455 Funding and capacity constraints may hinder
the sustainability of the current approach.
Several local industry associations operate under either local or international codes of practice or standards;
the Vanuatu Scuba Operators Association (VSOA) operates under the Professional Association of Diving
Instructors (PADI) international code, whilst the VHRA and the Vanuatu Tour Operators Association (VTOA)
have their own Codes; these Codes are both broad in nature, rather than covering the specific sub-sector
standards developed by the DoT.
12.3.3 Capital and technology

12.3.3.1 Capital
As noted in Chapter 6, capital investment in roads has been transformational for the tourism industry, notably
in Efate and Espiritu Santo. However, there is a clear need to devote additional resources to maintain the
road network.
After a period of inadequate maintenance, substantial capital investment in airports is now taking place to
rehabilitate and improve crucial tourism-related infrastructure in Efate, Tanna, and Espiritu Santo.
The increase in cruise vessel size will place increasing demands on port infrastructure. The recent develop-
ments at Port Vila main wharf (the old wharf) have been designed to accommodate the larger new vessels but
concerns have been expressed by the cruise companies regarding the capacity of the new wharf on Espiritu
Santo to accommodate larger vessels. 456 The capacity of the existing road infrastructure to deal with increased
passengers and associated traffic volumes, particularly in Port Vila, is also a concern.
In addition, increased tourism levels, along with urbanisation, has increased the need to improve waste
management and sewage systems; this is particularly the case in Port Vila, where the Municipality has
recently banned swimming (and associated swim events partly aimed at tourism) due to concerns over water
quality in the harbour.
12.3.3.2 Technology
The internet has had a substantial impact on the distribution of tourism information and bookings; the World
Travel and Tourism Council estimates that in 2017, 80% of travel planning is made through the internet and
33% of travellers use travel blogs for advice.
The tourism sector has been one of the most receptive industry to the developments in Information and
Communicating Technologies. The Vanuatu Tourism Office’s (VTO) website includes up-to-date information
about the Vanuatu’s tourism products, including a comprehensive list of accommodation divided by type and
location. Some advances have also been made through the availability of e-commerce platforms, with on-line
payment technology made available to the industry through BRED Bank. 457
VSTAP highlights the need to further develop on-line technology capacity among local providers and the
critical difference this can make to business sustainability. Some operators in the outer islands are receiving
training and capacity building through the Vanuatu Skills Partnership Programme, but there is a need to further
upskill local tourism businesses to enable global on-line distribution.
12.3.4 Labour force mobility, skills and skill gaps

Tourism is a major source of employment in Vanuatu, but precise workforce figures are not available; VSTAP
estimates the number employed in the sector at approximately 8,000 – equivalent to 37% of formal employees
in 2013.
The Vanuatu Industry Survey 2018 indicated that 52% of tourism businesses find it hard or very hard to recruit
Ni-Vanuatu with the required skills, up to the point that concerns have been expressed over the potential
impact of expanding the Australian Seasonal Workers Program into tourism and hospitality industry.
Certificate level I, II, III, and IV courses in tourism and hospitality are available in Vanuatu through the
Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT), the St. Michel Technical College, the Torgil Rural Training Centre,
and the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC). Moreover, the Vanuatu Skills Partnership, funded by the
Governments of Australia and Vanuatu, has worked broadly with over 130 Ni-Vanuatu tourism businesses to
include product quality and tourism services, in partnership with the DoT.
There is a need to increase the level of tourism and hospitality training at all levels, to meet the increased
demand from the growth of the sector, as well as opportunities for overseas employment of Ni-Vanuatu.
Increased training provision will be particularly important if the growth targets established under the Vanuatu
Tourism Market Development Plan (VTMDP) are to be achieved.
12.3.5 Availability and conditions of support industries

Tourism relies upon a wide range of support sectors including construction, agriculture, and telecommunica-
tions. In Vanuatu the linkages between the tourism sector and local primary producers are poor. A study by
the International Finance Corporation (IFC) 458 indicates that 54% of all food products served by hotels are
imported; this equates to over VUV 1.68 billion a year. Substantial opportunities exist to substitute imported
fresh produce for selected vegetables and fruits, as well as fish and meat and poultry products.
The 2017 Vanuatu Agritourism Plan of Action (VAPA) provides a roadmap for the development of agritourism,
including the strengthening of linkages between tourism, agriculture and handicrafts.
Only limited implementation of VAPA has been undertaken since 2017 including recent efforts to increase
local production of potatoes and strengthen beef production, as well as initiatives to enhance handicraft
production and sales to tourists. Significant opportunities still exist to increase linkages in a number of areas
and substantially increase the economic impact of the sector, through a more coordinated and comprehensive
implementation of the VAPA.
The cost of vital supporting services and infrastructure in Vanuatu is also high, resulting in relatively high
operating costs for the tourism sector. In particular Vanuatu has a high cost of power and relatively high
domestic air transport cost, with only one major domestic airline (Air Vanuatu).
Air Vanuatu is the national carrier and operates as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE). The airline has limited
financial capacity to significantly grow its fleet and services, although it has been instrumental in establishing
direct services to Espiritu Santo and in maintaining access to foreign markets, when other carriers reduced
services due to the impact of Cyclone PAM and inadequate international airport standards. Despite its limited
capacity, in January 2019 Air Vanuatu introduced a scheduled service to Melbourne, Australia, 459 and is
announced addition of eight large aircraft for the international sector by 2030. 460 Expanding air connections
is crucial for the development of the tourism industry.
12.4 Domestic Policy and Regulatory Environment

12.4.1 Specific policies and regulations to promote the sector
The Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce, and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB) has the overall mandate
for tourism sector policy and management. The DoT has specific responsibility for tourism policy, planning,
standards, training coordination and coordination with other sectors. The budget of the DoT was approxi-
mately VUV 64 million in 2018; around two thirds of the annual budget is allocated to payroll costs, leaving
a relatively small amount for operations.
The destination marketing of Vanuatu is coordinated by the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), which is a statutory
authority operating under a government grant. The grant was approximately VUV 185 million in 2018, although
in recent years additional funding of approximately VUV 140 million has been provided by the New Zealand
and Australian governments as part of their assistance towards to Cyclone PAM recovery.
Destination marketing activities are also supported by a number of industry associations including the Vanuatu
Hotels and Resorts Association (VHRA), the Vanuatu Scuba Operators Association (VSOA) and Espiritu
Santo Tourism Association (ESTA), through a voluntary marketing levy on accommodation providers - Tourism
Marketing Development Fund (TMDF); collection rates have varied but a target of VUV 30 million has been
set by the VHRA for this levy. VHRA are seeking government support to improve collection rates, including
through approval of relevant secondary legislation, and to extend the levy to all tourism-related businesses.
These options should be supported - the VHRA estimates that additional collection could worth be approx-
imately VUV 80 million per annum.
There are a number of private sector associations in the tourism sector, such as the VHRA, the Vanuatu
Tour Operators Association (VTOA), the VSOA and the Vanuatu Island Bungalows and Tourism Association
(VIBTA). A number of these associations’ representatives participate at Board level to the VTO and/or the
National Trade Development Committee.
The overarching national development policy is set out in the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP).
Tourism is mentioned in three policy objectives, mostly in terms of linkages with agriculture (NSDP ECO
3.1), need to promote tourism to outer islands (NSDP ECO 3.2) and the need to promote sustainable tourism
products (NSDP ECO 4.4). Whilst tourism is not explicitly mentioned as an NSDP Goal, it is implicitly included
in Goal ECO 1: “A stable and prosperous economy, encouraging trade, investment and providing economic
opportunities for all members of society throughout Vanuatu”. 461
This VSTAP 2014-2018 provides a roadmap for tourism sector. The VSTAP is framed around six objectives as
follows: Governance, Marketing, Infrastructure and Transport, Investment, Product Development and Human
Resource Development. A review of VSTAP is programmed for the last quarter of 2018.
Several other subsector strategies and reviews have been undertaken or are in the process of formulation,
including the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Policy and the Vanuatu Cruise Ship Strategy. As the VSTAP’s
final year of implementation was 2018, the DoT has commenced discussions with donor partners regarding
the preparation of a new overarching tourism sector plan. It will be important for public and private sector
stakeholders, as well as donor partners, to work together on this plan.
Specific legislation governing the tourism industry in Vanuatu includes the Foreshore Development Act
(Chapter 90), requiring written consent of the Minister for any foreshore development project, and the Tourism
Council Act no.23 of 2012. Under the latter, a National Tourism Council, and six Provincial Tourism Councils,
were established. This Act also contains provisions on compulsory tourism accreditation. 462
The Foreign Investment Promotion Act (Chapter 248) reserves certain types of tourism services for Ni-Vanuatu
including local tour agents and small guest houses. The Act provides for minimum foreign investment levels in
prescribed sub-sectors thus supporting Ni-Vanuatu participation in activities with a low capital entry barrier. 463
Under the Import Duty Act, the Director of DoT can recommend the Director of Customs to apply duty exemp-
tion for goods imported for tourism development projects. 464
12.5 Future Directions

12.5.1 Export products
The VTMDP developed by the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), which is strongly supported through a shared
aviation and tourism vision with Air Vanuatu Operations Limited (AVOL) and Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL),
establishes a target of 300,000 air visitors by 2030.
It identifies the need for new accommodation and new attractions. The VTMDP identifies the need to support
private sector investment in two major brand name hotels, two upmarket boutique resort, a new world class
attraction on Efate and development of liveaboard clxxv options.
It also indicates the need to increase dispersal of visitors to outer islands through new route development,
including through increased use of Espiritu Santo as a hub to the outer islands, and expansion into more
adventurous market segments. Specific activity segments mentioned in the VTMDP include nature-based,
adventure, diving, sports tourism, fishing, conferences and weddings.
To achieve the above objective, the VTMDP identifies the need to enhance infrastructure through public
investment in completion of the works at Bauerfield, Tanna and Espiritu Santo airports, upgrading of domestic
airports at Gaua (Banks), Ambrym, and Norsup (Malekula), road maintenance and the beautification of Port
Vila and Luganville and expansion of Air Vanuatu’s current fleet.
Priorities for Cruise Shipping under the VTMDP include the upgrading of hydrographic navigational charts
for Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna, targeting expedition cruises in the outer islands and improvements
to the arrival/departure and visitor experience.
12.5.2 Export destinations

Route development priorities identified under the VTMDP include improved access from New Zealand, main-
taining year-round peak-season schedules, new direct services from Melbourne, improved connections from
long haul markets and limited charter services from China during peak holiday periods.
The VTMDP also identifies the need to provide additional marketing funds to support the targeted market
growth. Given the increased growth levels targeted and the increasingly competitive international environment,
additional public and private sector marketing funding will need to be a priority.
clxxv Journey or holiday (especially a cruise or diving trip) which involves living aboard a ship or boat for a time
12.6 SWOT analysis tourism

• Growing diversification of products – Espiritu • Underutilised accommodation
Santo and other outer islands, cruise • Low industry profitability
• Diverse suppliers – accommodation, restau- • Weak linkages to productive sectors
rants, tour operators
• Lack of adequate budget and consistent
• Emerging market segments - adventure, funding mechanism for destination marketing
experiential, culture
• Limited dialogue with government
• High level of visitor satisfaction
• Low Ni-Vanuatu participation in the sector –
directly and indirectly
• Strong donor support for the sector • Inadequate infrastructure maintenance and
• Growth of cruise market – globally and region- delays in works (Infrastructure asset decline)
ally • Traditional land system inhibits investment
• Growing demand from core and emerging • High cost of tourism operations including
markets domestic air transport
• Growing demand for nature-based and adven- • High cost of utilities
ture tourism segments • Bauerfield airport capacity limitations
• Presence of national airline (Air Vanuatu) with • Lack of clarity on sector planning after VSTAP
route development role
• Air Vanuatu undercapitalised
• Enhanced VTO capacity • Poor enforcement of regulations including
• Improved infrastructure and access – wharfs, environmental and building codes
roads, airports
• Low workforce skills base and small labour
• Sector plan (VSTAP) under review market
• Damaging environmental impacts – poor
developments, lack of regulation enforce-
ments, poor infrastructure
• Natural disasters
• Loss of traditional culture
12.7 Recommendations
a. Increase tourism arrivals by air and sea and ensure the sustainable development of the sector through
enhanced sector management and planning
b. Increase the value of the VTO marketing funds through a combination of levy and government grant to
fully implement the Vanuatu Tourism Market Development Plan (VTMDP)
c. Provide the necessary support and develop mechanisms to broaden the application of the Tourism Marketing
Development Fund (TMDF) to all businesses who are direct or indirect beneficiaries of tourism
d. Expand training provision to meet increased demand for skilled tourism and hospitality workers domestically
and internationally
e. Continue to invest in infrastructure maintenance and upgrading to facilitate tourism growth including wharfs,
airports, roads, waste management and sewage systems
f. Continue to facilitate dispersal of tourists away from Port Vila by marketing the outer island attractions and
dispersing cruise visitors around Efate and to Espiritu Santo
g. Implement the Vanuatu Agritourism Plan of Action (VAPA) including building stronger linkages between
tourism and the productive sectors including agriculture, livestock, poultry and fisheries through increased
local production
h. Review the Vanuatu Strategic Action Plan (VSTAP) and facilitate enhanced public/private sector dialogue,
to formulate a new overarching tourism sector plan (VSTAP II) to provide an updated roadmap for sector
development beyond 2018
Ch. 13: OTHER SERVICES (OFFSHORE AND ICT)

13.1 Offshore services
The Vanuatu Offshore Financial Centre (OFC) is a small, natural tax haven that provides services to non-res-
idents in the form of offshore companies and the investment of offshore funds.
13.1.1.1 Export value and volume
By definition, all services provided “offshore” are directed towards international companies and individuals not
residing in Vanuatu and are classified as services export. Offshore services include financial and insurance
services provided to non-residents by offshore banks and insurance companies as well as auxiliary services
(such as legal and accounting services).
Back in 2007 the OFC was a relatively significant contributor to Vanuatu’s economy, with clients attracted
by Vanuatu’s absence of personal or corporate income taxes, estate or death duties, capital gains taxes,
exchange controls, withholding taxes, and (up until 2018) tax treaties. The contribution to Vanuatu’s economy
has rapidly decreased over the years, especially as a consequence of the global fight against money laun-
dering, terrorism financing, and tax evasion – see Figure 13.1.
FIGURE 13.1: EXPORT OF FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE SERVICES, PERCENTAGE OF SERVICES

EXPORT
9.00
8.00
7.00
6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Source: Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV)
13.1.1.2 Type of services exported

The services offered by Vanuatu firms supporting international companies, and the type of businesses interna-
tional companies are involved in, is illustrated in Table 13.1. The table reveals the predominance of services
relating to the establishment and management of international companies, and the award of licenses to
securities dealers.
The primary reason for choosing Vanuatu is establishing a company in a jurisdiction which does not charge
tax on income, profits, and capital gains and where (at least until recently) beneficial ownership is not
disclosed. A growing interest in Vanuatu is coming from Asian countries whose political uncertainty incentiv-
izes investors to hold some assets outside their country of residence. Vanuatu is also used for establishing
investment companies whose beneficial owners live in countries with strict foreign exchange controls making
it difficult to move capital for investment purposes. Last, Vanuatu is becoming an attractive location for setting
up a corporate structure requiring a special license (securities dealer) that is generally difficult to obtain in the
country of residence. clxxvi
TABLE 13.1: SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE VANUATU OFC, 2017
Type of services provided Type of business

• International companies 64.60% • Investment company (forex, securities, hedge
• Securities dealer’s license 11.73% fund, mutual fund, private equity)
• Trust services 4.27% • Trading companies (export, import, retail,
wholesale)
• International bank formation 1.60%
• Fund management and investment 1.33% • Manufacturing companies
• Nominee director 1.00% • Holding company
• Captive insurance 0.67% • Services industries
• Nominee shareholder 0.40% • Non-profit organisation
• Offshore foundation 0.07% • Transport (air, sea)
• Others: 14.33% • Technologies (high tech)
• Education and R&D
• Primary (resource extraction, agriculture, etc.)
Source: Financial Action Task Force
13.1.1.3 Current export destinations

For several decades, the origin of international companies could be traced to Australia, New Caledonia and
New Zealand, as well as a few EU nations. In the last 10 years, however, most of the international companies
registered in Vanuatu originated from China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), including
thanks to the permanent residence visa program introduced by the Government in 2011. clxxvii As of October
2018, the Vanuatu Financial Service Commission (VFSC) recorded 3,674 international companies, of which
2,139 originated from Hong Kong SAR.

Traditionally, OFCs were assumed to be small, low-tax jurisdictions in remote locations. In practice, determining
which countries are in fact OFCs is difficult. Initiatives spearheaded by Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development (OECD), the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) and the Interna-
tional Monetary Fund (IMF) have been effective in curbing some excesses of OFCs, especially on the issue
of taxation. Nevertheless, countries have been able to adjust and rendered some mechanisms even more
complex, through the use of conduits, leading to specialisation. For example, the United Kingdom is main the
conduit between European countries and former members of the British Empire, such as Hong Kong SAR,
Jersey, Guernsey, or Bermuda. Hong Kong SAR and Luxembourg also serve as key conduits in the route
to typical tax havens - British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Bermuda. The specialisation is not only
geographical, but also sectoral, with countries such as United Kingdom, Ireland, Luxembourg, Hong Kong
SAR, and Switzerland exercising specific sectoral leaderships.
clxxvi Against this, many international entities will not deal with a licensed Vanuatu entity for the very same reason.
clxxvii There is a pre-requisite for acquiring a Vanuatu residency under the permanent residence visa program in Hong Kong
SAR, and that is having prior incorporation of a Vanuatu international company. The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission
has established itself in Hong Kong for this purpose. This is legislated in the Immigration Visa Regulation No. 180 of 2011. For
further information see: http://www.hkprg.com/PublishWebSite/hkprg/gallery/getCMSPage.asp?url=/PublishWebSite/hkprg/en/
contentPage41466.htm
202 Ch. 13: OTHER SERVICES (OFFSHORE AND ICT)
Tying the Vanuatu OFC with residency programs, including having a representative office in Hong Kong SAR,
has proven a smart move when it comes to ensuring a steady flow of international companies into Vanuatu.
Looking ahead, however, tax-minimisation schemes may become increasingly problematic as international
pressure increases on eliminating tax havens. Over time, some of Vanuatu’s neighbours such as Cook Islands
and Samoa have rethought the benefits and costs of focusing on tax-minimisation and have increased their
efforts to promote trusts designed for asset protection. clxxviii

13.1.3.1 Producers and production capacity
The OFC is servicing 3,674 international companies and 131 licensed dealers. clxxix It comprises of seven
international banks, a range of insurance companies, and legal and accounting firms licensed by the Vanuatu
Financial Service Commission (VFSC) under the Companies and Trust Services Providers Act. As of October
2018, the latter category includes:
• 14 Company and Trust Service Providers (CTSP) - engage in company services (including incorpora-
tion, filing of documents at the VFSC, serving as the registered agents), as well as in formation of trusts;
• 16 General Company Service Providers (GCSP) - engage only in company services;
• 10 Limited CSP (LCSP) - can only serve as a registered agent for an international company;
• 3 Special Trust Service Providers (STSP) - manage customary land on behalf of custom owners
• 42 Director Service Providers (DSP) - act as a director of an international company
Commercial banks are also doing part of their business with offshore clients.
Other service providers linked to the offshore industry include 35 designated agents for the Development
Support Program (DSP), which grants citizenships to foreign investors.
There is uncertainty about the economic contribution of the Vanuatu OFC, but a common number entertained
in the sector is that it represents between 3-5% of annual GDP. Employment figures confirm that the sector
is still relevant. According to the RBV, in 2017 the OFC employed about 900 people (3.5% of formal employ-
ment), of which 90% are Ni-Vanuatu. The average salary paid in 2016 was about VUV 5 million, which is way
above the prevalent rate in Port Vila. 465 The small base of highly skilled individuals is a part of Vanuatu’s
economic growth and diversification, and to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). The OFC professionals
also serve the needs of local businesses, and investments in the local economy are sometimes triggered by
wealthy clients attracted first by the OFC and then moving onshore to invest in Vanuatu.
13.1.3.2 Quality of services, labour force availability, skills, and skill gaps
The quality of services provided by OFC firms is usually credited as professional. On the job learning plays
a critical part in the sector. An expert in offshore services is someone who has many years of experience as
an accountant or lawyer and in dealing with offshore clients.

The RBV is the regulator and supervisor of the banking system, with the task of ensuring its financial stability.
The RBV’s responsibility is not limited to supervision of commercial banks and international (offshore) banks
but has widened to also supervise other financial institutions including insurance companies and intermedi-
aries. clxxx
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) acts as the monitoring agency for transactions potentially involving
money laundering and terrorism financing. It is also tasked to ensure compliance with the provisions of the
clxxviii Attempts by Pacific countries to refocus their offshore sector have not eliminated international pressure. For example,
on March 12, 2019, the Council of the European Union updated its list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. Samoa remained on
the black list, as a product of “having no commitments to address EU’s concerns” (European Commission, 2019).
clxxix Down from 600 in 2016 due to recent changes to the International Companies Act and the Financial Dealers Licensing
Act
clxxx Offshore banks were previously supervised by the VFSC.
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) Act 2014, 466 and
as such it issues guidelines to the reporting entities clxxxi on how to prevent or detect instances of money
laundering and terrorism financing.
The VFSC is the registrar of international companies and offshore financial dealers. It is the supervisor of
legal and accounting firms operating in the OFC and determines issuance and revocation of licenses. Relevant
laws administered by the VFSC include: Company and Trust Services Providers Act No. 8 of 2010; Dealers
in Securities (Licensing) Act [CAP 70] and amendments; International Companies Act [CAP 222] and amend-
ments; and Offshore Limited Partnerships Act No. 39 of 2009. The VFSC also plays a role in administering
the AMF/CFT Act 2014 and Amendments. 467
Vanuatu committed to the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing by becoming a
founding member of the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), an international body committed
to enforce international standards against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, in particular the
Forty Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). clxxxii
Since 2015 the regulatory framework of the offshore financial industry has undergone substantial reform to
comply with recommendations of the APG, which identified Vanuatu as a country with serious deficiencies
on AML/CFT. 468 The ‘black listing’ of Vanuatu triggered a series of legal and institutional reforms. A total of 30
bills were approved by Parliament in June and November 2017 and brought into force. Reforms introduced a
statutory scheme to include foreign tax offences as money laundering predicate offences; clxxxiii and removed
secrecy provisions and impediments to international cooperation. Extension of AML powers and international
cooperation provisions to cover foreign tax offences removed previous significant impediments to lifting the
veil of secrecy on Vanuatu legal persons and financial services. 469 Vanuatu was moved to the ‘grey list’ in
2017 and finally ‘white listed’ in 2018.
13.1.5 Future directions

Even after being whitelisted by the FATF, Vanuatu remains engaged in the reform process to sustain its FATF
status, as well as to meet additional requirements set by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU).
Vanuatu has made significant progress on meeting OECD and EU requirements, however, there is still
significant work to be done. Vanuatu has in particular: (i) signed the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Tax
Matters; (ii) committed to the Common Reporting Standard on Automatic Exchange Of Information; and (iii)
provisionally been assessed as ‘largely compliant’ with the standards set by the Global Forum on Transpar-
ency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes.
Additional requirements by the EU include the request to remove tax concessions that only apply to interna-
tional companies, to meet minimum Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) standards, and to ensure that
all relevant businesses in Vanuatu have a substantial economic presence in the country. The substantive
economic presence requirement will have a significant impact on international companies which will be
required to have physical presence, employees and management meetings in Vanuatu. This will increase
costs of establishment and will effectively eliminate the so-called ‘shelf companies.
Failing to meet OECD standards and EU requirements is likely to result in black listing, sanctions from the
G20 and defensive measures from the EU in tax and non-tax areas. clxxxiv
Thanks to the reforms undertaken, Vanuatu has now a more efficient FIU, a more effective Reserve Bank and
clxxxi Reporting entities under the Act include those operating in the offshore financial industry- see AML-CFT Act, part 1,
article 2
clxxxii The FATF is an international policy-making body that sets international anti-money laundering standards and count-
er-terrorist financing measures.
clxxxiii A predicate offence is a crime that is a component of a more serious crime
clxxxiv In June, 2019, the Council of the European Union updated its list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. Vanuatu
was moved from the grey list to the black list, as a product of facilitating “offshore structures and arrangements aimed at
attracting profits without real economic substance”. See: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX-
:52019XG0621(01).
Financial Service Authority, and a set of laws and regulations aligned with international standards.
To collect the benefits from these investments Vanuatu must find new services to export, including by exploiting
the interaction with new technologies. For example, new types of financial assets such as cryptocurrencies
(virtual assets) are emerging, for which FAFT standards are already in place, 470 and which may offer export
opportunities.
13.1.6 SWOT analysis offshore
Strength Weaknesses
• Unique capacity and experience in the South • Delayed compliance with some international
Pacific requirements
• Competitive prices • International image as a non-compliant juris-
• Modern regulatory framework and strength- diction - EU blacklisting as of June 2019
ened institution to oversee the industry - RBV, • Offshore activities not centralised in a single
FIU and VFSC registry, thus leading to reduced efficiency
• Growing demand from Asian markets • EU and OECD pressures may lead to exces-
• Global demand for new offshore products - sive regulation
blockchain for payments, cryptocurrency, • Defensive tax and non-tax areas measures by
e-residency schemes, etc. EU for failure to comply
• Brain drain, as companies cannot sustain the
presence of foreign expertise - with negative
effects on local employment, and Port Vila
economy
• Set-up an Offshore Financial Centre Working Group (OFCWG) under the National Trade Development
Committee (NTDC) to spearhead innovation in the sector and structure dialogue with the industry
• OFCWG to commission a study on new services that can be realistically exported and technologies
that can realistically be adopted within a regulatory framework which meets international standards
• OFCWG representatives to undertake study trip in leading OFC to better assess options for innovation
• Review resourcing of VFSC to ensure it has adequate financial ability and autonomy to promote the
OFC
• Move registration functions for online gaming to VFSC to better promote a sector which shares features
with the offshore industry
13.2 ICT services

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play an important role as a backbone of and driver for
other sectors in the Vanuatu’s economy. The introduction and uptake of new ICTs has been rapid in Vanuatu
and has increased the competitive edge of businesses while empowering citizens, although from a low
basis. The backbone of any digital economy is dictated by the strength of its ICT infrastructure, which has
developed substantially over the past decade (see Chapter 5). Vanuatu’s complex geography makes mobile
phones and related services (telephony, internet and mobile banking/money) a key driver of connectivity and
financial inclusion.

Exports of services are sales of services provided to non-resident importers. Exports of ICT services follow
three modes of delivery: remotely, when the service is supplied to a customer abroad via the internet (mode
1); in-person, to foreign entities/persons temporarily in Vanuatu (mode 2); in person, by a representative
of a Ni-Vanuatu firm temporarily travelling abroad to provide services to non-resident customers (mode 4).
For ICT services, mode 1 is clearly the most important form of delivery, whilst mode 2 is mainly related to
international tourism.
13.2.1.1 Export value and volume
Exports of ICT services in the Vanuatu’s Balance of Payments (BOP) are listed under the heading ‘Telecom-
munications, computer, and information services. ICT service exports include telecommunications services
(transmission of data via telecommunication means), computer services (sale of software, data processing,
etc.), and information services (news agency services, etc.). 471
The RBV does not provide detailed export data for each of the services listed above, however, it is safe to
say that telecommunication services make the bulk of exports. As shown in Figure 13.2, the contribution of
ICT services exports to total services exports increased from 1.8% in 2007 to about 3% in 2017. The fact
that share and value of ICT exports increased so much from 2014 is clearly related to the higher amount of
data transmitted through the Interchange Cable Network 1 (ICN1), the new submarine internet cable which
was completed in the same year. Trends for Vanuatu are broadly in line with those observed in the Pacific
Islands Small States, as shown in Figure 13.3.
FIGURE 13.2: EXPORT OF ICT SERVICES, VANUATU
1,200 3.50
1,000 3.00
2.50
800
2.00
600
1.50
400
1.00
200 0.50
- -
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
VUV million (left) Percentage of services export (right)
Source: RBV
FIGURE 13.3: EXPORT OF ICT SERVICES, PERCENTAGE OF SERVICES EXPORT, PACIFIC ISLAND
SMALL STATES
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Source: World Bank Group (WBG)

Enhanced ICT infrastructure influenced the behaviour of international travellers. Stakeholder consultations reveal
that during the observed period traffic and revenues from international outbound calls declined, whilst inbound
roaming traffic increased - but revenues remained stable due to the decline in unit prices.
13.2.1.2 Type of services exported
Disaggregated import and export data for Vanuatu’s ICT services are not compiled. However, discussions with
leading ICT services providers (see Table 13.2) confirm that ICT services exported by Vanuatu are mainly interna-
tional calls and internet traffic, plus limited computer software information services developed in Vanuatu. Other
ICT-enabled services are exported, but these are not categories as ICT exports.clxxxv These include insurance and
financial services. Other services listed by the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
as ICT-enabled services (e.g. management, administration and back office services, licensing services, engi-
neering, related technical services, and R&D, education and training services) are not exported by Vanuatu. 472
13.2.1.3 Current export destinations
In Vanuatu’s BOP the information on ICT services exports is available at aggregate level without any break down
by partner country and by mode of delivery, making it difficult to assess current export destinations. However,
evidence for other countries shows that trade in ICT services tend to follow paths which are similar to those
of trade in goods, 473 and to be influenced by variables such as distance, geographical and cultural vicinity,
language similarity and country economic size. 474

Globally, technological advances have translated into escalating global exports of ICT services, in particular
computer services. These represented around 72% of ICT services exports in 2016, followed by telecommu-
nications services (23%) and information services (5%). 475
Exports of ICT services remains concentrated in certain areas, leaving Africa and the Pacific (excluding
Australia and New Zealand) at less than 1%. In 2016, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO),
Europe made up 62.6% of global computer services exports, followed by Asia (23.5%, including India at 11%)
and the USA (6%). 476
Improved ICT connectivity has opened new opportunities, including for local development and export of ICT
and ICT-enabled services. Global Outsourcing Services (GOS) range from relatively low- to mid-skill activi-
ties, such as business process outsourcing (BPO, for example, data entry, call centres, software and mobile
apps programming) to skill-intensive knowledge process outsourcing. While large players, such as India
and the Philippines, have traditionally dominated the global outsourcing market, some small island econo-
mies are also competitive and benefitting from this global industry. Mauritius and Jamaica are recognised
among the offshoring leaders in their respective regions. Fiji already hosts major offshoring operations that
employed about 3,000 persons in 2017, including ANZ Bank’s Pacific Operations Centre, Mindpearl, and
Centrecom. 477
Equally interesting is the Online Outsourcing (OO) approach, which refers to the performance of tasks
conducted over the Internet by workers from anywhere in the world, using online marketplaces or exchanges.
This is a particularly promising channel for job creation in the Pacific Islands including in Vanuatu. Online
Outsourcing provides individuals and firms the opportunity to contribute to overseas projects and global
value chains without having to relocate. Aside from the convenience of being able to work from one’s home,
it also helps to overcome the typical hurdles to overseas employment, including the need for visas and work
permits. The global OO industry already has over 48 million registered workers, of which an estimated 10
percent (4.8 million) are active. The OO industry is projected to grow rapidly, from an estimated market size
of USD 2.2 billion in 2013 to USD 4.8 billion in 2016 and USD 15 to 25 billion by 2020. 478
clxxxv For instance, e-commerce is a method of ordering or delivering products at least partly by electronic means, such as
through the internet or other computer-mediated networks. Charges for electronically delivered products are usually included
in other business services, whereas products supplied across the border are usually classified as goods. Shipping charges
associated with e-commerce are allocated to transport services. Financial services associated with e-commerce are included in
financial services.

The Vanuatu ICT sector continues to grow at an unprecedented rate since 2008, when the Government
decided to liberalise the telecommunication industry and introduce competition. The entry of new players into
the market has contributed significantly to the expansion of mobile coverage and broadband internet from
20% in 2008 to around 98% of 2018. 479 The reduction in prices, upgrade of mobile network up to 4G, and
introduction of value-added services clxxxvi stimulated by competition, have generated a significant uptake of
ICT services especially mobile voice and data services.
From its side, the government established its own broadband network in 2011 to ensure fast and reliable
connection between all provinces. The network, badly damaged by Cyclone Pam, was rebuilt in November
2017.
Deployment of the Interchange Cable Network 1 (ICN1) submarine cable in 2014 led to significant reduction
of internet pricing and offered faster internet connection that led to an unprecedented growth in internet usage
by consumers and businesses - see Chapter 5.
All sectors benefited from ICT developments since liberalisation, starting from the possibility of making and
receiving voice calls and sending SMS to/from areas previously unserved by the telecommunication network. 480
Deployment of the ICN1 led to the progressive reduction in the use of voice calls and SMS and text and to
the increasing uptake of broadband data services. 481
Quantifying the impact of ICT on Vanuatu’s economic growth is challenging. Like energy or transport, the
internet has become an essential part of the country’s infrastructure, and thus a factor of production in almost
any economic activity.
What is apparent, is that the potential of the ICT sector to serve the cause of economic development is still
largely untapped, noting the limited development of meaningful online services for consumers and businesses.
Tourism is the sector that has most effectively utilised the possibilities offered by the ICT infrastructure
through the development of online marketing and booking services. Other sectors including agriculture and
manufacturing are still lagging behind. In the public sector, with the exception of some agencies such as
the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR, see Chapter 6), the development of e-government
services is still in its infancy.
13.2.3.1 Producers and production capacity
ICT service providers in in Vanuatu can be divided in two segments: the ICT sector itself, and the providers
of ICT-enabled services.
The ICT sector comprises of ICT infrastructure and telecommunication service providers, as well as ICT
service providers. ICT Education and training providers lie at the intersection between this category and
ICT-enabled services – see Table 13.3.
ICT-enabled services comprise a broad category of economic activities that are either made possible or
otherwise enhanced by ICT technologies, particularly the internet. These include, for example: business
services such as e-commerce, e-marketing, online back-office services; online financial services (fintech); online
entertainment; online government services; etc. clxxxvii
clxxxvi Examples of value-added services include: (1) Live streaming; (2) Location based services; (3) Miss call alerts and
voice mail boxes; (4) Mobile advertising; (5) Mobile money (ANZ, NBV); (6) Mobile TV (Digicel Play Go) and OTT services; (7)
Ring tones; (8) Online gaming (although not regulated); (9) Ring back tone; (10) Infotainment services; (12) Stickering; (13)
Wireless application protocol content download.
clxxxvii Inspired by UNCTAD classification: https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/tn_unctad_ict4d03_en.pdf
TABLE 13.3: THE ICT SECTOR IN VANUATU, A SNAPSHOT
Telecoms & Internet Carrier ICT Professional Services ICT Education and Training
• Telecom Vanuatu Ltd (TVL) • vSolutions • CNS / Edwards
• Digicel • Incite Computer Foundation,
• Telsat Broadband • ODC • Vanuatu Skills
Partnership
• Interchange • eTech
• FCC • Pacific Networks • Vanuatu National
Institute of Technology
• Wantok • Garden Code (INTV)
• GPT • Computer World • University of the South
• SPIM • Computer Network Services Pacific
• Pacific Group Ltd • Vanuatu Women and
Girls in ICT
• Smart Sistas
Programme
Source: country consultations
As the digital economy in Vanuatu is still at an early stage, not many of these services are provided by local
suppliers. When they do, these are mostly sold to foreign consumers and businesses. An e-commerce platform
for booking tour services (BookMeVanuatu.com) has also been developed which can serve foreign clients.
Foreign e-commerce platforms that are accepting online payments (e.g. PayPal) are being used by local
companies such as The Summit Vanuatu, Tanna Farms, Tanna Coffee, and some tourism services providers.
In the public sphere, an integrated Government (iGov) initiative is ongoing, which is led by the Office of the
Chief Government Information Officer (OCGIO) promoting use of ICT-based solutions in public administration.
13.2.3.2 Quality of services, labour force availability, skills, and skill gaps
Reliable data on available ICT labour force, including skill levels, is unavailable. What is apparent (see
also Chapter 8) is Vanuatu lacks qualified and experienced local workers, forcing ICT service providers to
import foreign expertise. Interviews conducted for the purpose of this chapter suggest that lack of workers
with post-secondary ICT education is particularly acute, including compared to neighbours Fiji and Solomon
Islands. Scholarships offered to Ni-Vanuatu have focused on other areas including education, health, and
legal professions with only very limited and low number of graduates in ICTs.

Policies related to telecommunication services and ICTs are developed by the National ICT Development
Committee, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), and the Telecommunications,
Radiocommunications, and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR). The National ICT Policy 2013 provides a roadmap
for the development of the ICT sector around eight core priorities, i.e. (i) access to ICT in education; (ii)
access to ICT infrastructure and devices; (iii) e-government; (iv) integration of ICT into sectoral policies (e.g.
agriculture, trade, finance, forestry, health); (v) building trust, and mitigating risks related to ICT development;
(vi) developing locally relevant content; (vii) building capacity, including literacy; and (viii) establishing a
platform for multi-sector coordination and collaboration.
In the past few years, the Government has passed a number of ICT-related acts and regulations in line with
international commitments, and in order to keep up with ICT development in the most advanced countries
in the Pacific region (Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea) (UNCTAD, 2018). The long-established E-transaction
Act and E-business Act have provided a conducive legal framework for the initial uptake of ICT activities in
Vanuatu. However, as ICT has reached almost all sectors of the economy there is a need to develop an equally
robust legal and regulatory regime for data protection clxxxviii, online consumer protection and cybersecurity
to support an uptake of ICT-based activities, such as Business to Business (B2B), Business to Consumers
(B2C) and Government to Consumer (G2C) services.
Currently, the ICT-related legal framework includes:
• The Telecommunication and Radiocommunications Regulation Act No. 30 of 2009;
• The Telecommunications Act [CAP 206];
• The Wireless Telegraph (Ships) Act [CAP 5];
• The Electronic Transactions Act No. 24 of 2000 as amended by the Statute Law (Miscellaneous)
Provisions Act No. 2 of 2010; clxxxix
• The E-Business Act No. 25 of 2000 as amended by the E-Business (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2007);
• The Broadcasting and Television Act [CAP 214].
The Vanuatu National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2016-2030 and the National Financial Inclusion
Strategy 2018-2023 acknowledge and promote the use of ICT to achieve the country’s development objectives.
13.2.5 Future directions

There does not appear to be immediate export potential for ‘pure’ ICT services in the short run – but great
potential lies ahead in the form of ICT services embedded in other goods and services.
ICT-related opportunities could generate a significant number of jobs and income, in particular in Global
Outsourcing services (GOS) and the participation of individuals in Online Outsourcing (OO) activities. Vanuatu
could learn from countries that have been able to develop a significant ICT industry, notably Mauritius and
Jamaica (for outsourcing services). Mauritius is the most relevant country for Vanuatu as it shares the char-
acteristics of being a bilingual small island developing state and remote from most major markets. Mauritius
has proactively invested into the development of its ICT sector for more than 20 years, including investments
into fibre optic cables to establish the necessary bandwidth, a supportive regulatory regime, and industry
specific incentives. By 2016, the global outsourcing sector in Mauritius comprised 750 companies employing
23,000 professionals and generating about 5 percent of GDP.
In addition to outsourcing, the following areas should be considered as potentially supporting diversification
of services going forward:
• Digital businesses operations established by companies to sell goods and services online (e-com-
merce);
• Social media - development and use of social media platforms to provide services that enhance
communications and facilitate buyer-seller interactions;
• Application of ICTs within value chains to digitise operations and enhance productivity. Here the
extent to which ict technologies can used within a value chain such as agriculture is considerable;482
Government-led services: e-government to improve service delivery for citizens and businesses in
a geographically challenging environment, and building consumer confidence in conducting online
transactions. An e-government platform should be led by a clear “digital governance roadmap” and
cover both digitalisation of data collection and service provision. The experience of Estonia may
present a source of inspiration and emulation for Vanuatu. E-estonia refers to an initiative by the
government of Estonia to facilitate citizen interactions with the state through the use of electronic
solutions. E-services created under this initiative include e-voting, e-tax board, e-business, e-banking,
e-ticket, e-school, university via internet, the e-governance academy, as well as the release of several
clxxxviii There is no National Consumer Protection legislation. However, the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications
(Consumer Protection) Regulations Order n°157 of 2015 details provisions for consumer protection in the telecommunication
sector.
clxxxix The law deals with the legal requirements for electronic records; communication of electronic records; electronic
signatures; encryption and data protection; and intermediaries and e-commerce service providers. It is based on the UNCITRAL
Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
government-to-consumers (g2c) mobile applications;

• Provision of digital financial services (mobile banking and mobile money, credit card and debit card
usage etc.). This is relevant in the case of vanuatu as there is a government-led push (through the
national iCT policy and the national financial inclusion strategy) to incorporate these as the normal
way of doing businesses.
Harnessing ICT for economic growth will require sustained investment, by the private and – where additional
stimulus is needed – public sectors, in the following elements:
• Enhanced skills – starting at the primary level, continuing at secondary and post-secondary level
(including more certificate and diplomas in needed disciplines) through the provision of high-quality
and relevant teaching and learning materials to develop the capacity of students to meet the demands
of the changing workplace Vanuatu, and to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship locally;
• Enabling environment for the digital economy – including legal and regulatory frameworks supporting
online transactions and facilitating secure e-commerce; payments and transactional systems;
• Inter-connected government offices – as a precondition for the provision of e-government services (such
as those provided in the e-National Single Window) and for increasing the ease of doing business.
On ‘pure’ ICT services, Vanuatu and the South Pacific region are missing world class data-centre facilities
despite the increasing needs of governments, corporations operating in the region such as banks and tele-
communication, and potential international clients with an interest to have their transactions taking place in
the region. At national level, the trend towards digitisation in the government and private sector spheres will
drive broadband demand and high data usage across the country. While various infrastructure projects are
ongoing in the region, the importance of reliable computing environment to provide the backbone of indus-
trialisation and to act as a stimulator for the economic growth is often overlooked.
13.2.6 SWOT Analysis ICT
• ICT infrastructure widely in place across Vanuatu, • No vision for transition to a digital
98% of population covered economy, e.g. on e-commerce (e-com-
• Strong regulatory framework merce strategy), and to encourage more
productive use of connectivity (digital
• Healthy competition among providers of network financial Inclusion strategy)
and other ICT-related services
• Continued reduction of price, increased latency and •
Lack of ICT graduates
reliability • Lack of local content and app develop-
ment, including in local language
• Remaining cable capacity for additional traffic
• Presence of the Offshore Financial Centre attracting •
Weak linkages to productive sectors
ICT talents to Vanuatu • Lack of local mobile payment solutions,
and bank interoperability for e-com-
merce
• Fragmented government-industry
dialogue on ICT issues
• Lack of progress on a 2 nd undersea
cable
• Interoperability platform promoted by OGCIO to • Cash-based economy
interconnect all Government agencies • High cost of utilities
• Unmet demand for better government services • Fiji increasing GOS
which can be satisfied by use of ICTs – e.g. e-Gov-
ernment platform
• Emerging overseas opportunities and
easier labour mobility trigger brain-
• Data and ICT-services hungry tourism sector drain of ICT graduates
• GMT+12 and bilingual population (for Global • Low level of ICT literacy amongst
Outsourcing Services, GOS) general population, resulting in unpro-
ductive, Facebook-only, use of band-
width
a. Study relevant overseas country experiences on e-Government services and present recommendations to
emulate good practices
b. Approve a Privacy and Data Protection Act
c. Approve a Consumer Protection Act, including online and offline protection (or update existing regulations
to include online consumer protection and redress mechanisms for online consumers)
d. Update the 2013 National Cybersecurity Policy and develop corresponding Cybersecurity Act
e. Establish a “digital governance roadmap” to drive development of a digital government platform in Vanuatu
f. Establish a digital government (e-Government) platform to:
i. Provide better government services
ii. Support the move away from paper-based data collection to electronic data
iii. Digitise and automate payments
iv. Generate opportunities for content, application, and website development
g. As part of the establishment of the e-Government platform:
i. Identify government agencies directly involved with trade in ICT and ITC-enabled services, secure
funding, and kick start the process leading to the online provision of their services to citizens and
businesses
ii. Prioritise digitalisation of Financial Intelligence Unit, Reserve Bank of Vanuatu, Vanuatu Financial
Service Commission and Lands Department in term of data information collection and payment
h. Incentivise the use of mobile payments (e-wallet, mobile wallet) for business and citizens through studying
the costs of handling cash and promoting e-payment campaign, in line with National Financial Inclusion
Strategy 2018-2023
Work towards accreditation of more certificates and graduate diplomas in ICT related matters, with more
focus on coding, programming, and content development, in line with industry needs
i. Develop and implement e-Trade Strategy
j. Assess costs and benefits of supporting the establishment of a private data centre
212 Endnotes
ENDNOTES
1 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2002) 30 Gay, D. (2019)
2 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2017) 31 United Nations Department of Economic and
Social Affairs (2011)
3 World Bank Group (2000)
32 Australia Broadcasting Corporation (2018)
4 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2017)
33 Global Environment Facility (2018)
5 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2017) and
United Nations (2019) 34 Lowy Institute (2018)
6 United Nations (2019) 35 Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (2018b)
7 World Trade Organization (2011a)
36 United Nations Committee for Development
Policy and United Nations Department of
9 International Monetary Fund (2019) Economic and Social Affairs (2015)
10 Wikipedia (2019) 37 United Nations Committee for Development
11 Government of Vanuatu (2016a) Policy (2018)
12 World Trade and Tourism Centre (2019) and 38 Vanuatu National Statistics Office, and United
Vanuatu National Provident Fund (2019) Nations Development Programme Pacific Centre
(2013)
13 Ministry of Finance and Economic Management
(2019) 39 Government of Vanuatu and Asian Development
Bank (2018)
14 World Bank Group (2018a)
15 International Monetary Fund (2018a)
41 Asian Development Bank (2017)
16 International Monetary Fund (2018a)
42 World Trade Organization (2018b)
17 Chowdhury, A., Islam, I. (2011) and Shanthi, N.,
Perez-Arce, F., Srinivasan, S.V., Kumar. K.B. 43 United Nations Economic and Social Commission
(2012) for Asia and the Pacific (2017)
18 World Bank Group (2018a) 44 Melanesian Spearhead Group (2005)
19 Ministry of Education and Training (2012) 45 Pacific Island Countries (2001)
20 Ministry of Education and Training (2019) 46 Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (2018a)
21 United Nations Economic and Social Commission
for Asia and the Pacific (2018) 47 World Bank Group (2018a)
22 Government of Vanuatu (2015a) 48 Melanesian Spearhead Group (2005)
23 World Trade Organization (2019a) 49 Parliament of Vanuatu (2014a)
24 World Trade Organization (2011b), (2013), and 50 Parliament of Vanuatu (2009a), (2011), (2012),
(2015) (2014b)
25 World Trade Organization (2018c) 51 Ministry of Finance and Economic Management

(2014a)
52 Parliament of Vanuatu (2013a)
27 United Nations Committee for Development
Policy and United Nations Department of 53 Ministry of Finance and Economic Management
Economic and Social Affairs (2015) (2014b)
28 Organization for Economic Cooperation and 54 Parliament of Vanuatu (2006a)

Development (2018a) 55 World Trade Organization (2011c)
29 United Nations Committee for Development 56 Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (2018)
Policy and United Nations Department of
57 Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (2018a)
Economic and Social Affairs (2015)
59 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2018b) 88 Ministry of Climate Change and Energy (2016b)
60 Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and 89 Ministry of Finance and Economic Management
Trade (2019a) (2018)
61 United Nations, Department of Economic and 90 Utility Regulatory Authority (2018)
Social Affairs (2019)
91 Global Green Growth Institute (2016)
62 New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation &
92 Utility Regulatory Authority (2014)
Employment (2018)
63 Howes (2018)
94 Utility Regulatory Authority (2019b)
64 United Nations, Department of Economic and
Social Affairs (2019) 95 World Bank Group (2019a)
65 Melanesian Spearhead Group (2005) 96 Ministry of Climate Change and Energy (2016b)
66 Government of Fiji (2012) 97 Ministry of Climate Change and Energy (2016b)
67 Marawa, S. (2015) and Melanesia Spearhead 98 World Bank Group (2019b)

Group Secretariat (2012) 99 Pacific Power Association (2017)
68 Pacific Island Countries (2001) 100 Pacific Power Association (2016)
69 Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (2018b) 101 Utility Regulatory Authority (2019a)
70 Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (2018a) 102 Pacific Power Association (2017)
71 Pacific Island Countries (2012) 103 Alliance for Financial Inclusion and Reserve
72 United Nations Development Programme (2019) Bank of Vanuatu (2016)
73 European Commission (2019a) 104 Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and

Broadcasting Regulator (2018a)
74 United Nations Department of Economic and
Social Affairs (2019a) 105 Vanuatu Daily Post (2018b)
75 European Council (2009) 106 Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and

Broadcasting Regulator (2019)
76 New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (2019) 107 Computer Emergency Response Team Vanuatu
(2019)
108 International Telecommunication Union (2019)
78 Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (2019b) 109 International Telecommunication Union (2017a) p
97
79 United Nations Conference for Trade and Devel-
opment (2019a) 110 Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and
Trade (2019c) 111 Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and
81 Luff (2013)
112 Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and
82 Government of the Republic of Vanuatu and
Government of the Republic of China (2018)
113 World Bank Group (2018b)
83 Association of South East Asian Nations (2017)
114 Government of Vanuatu and Asian Development
84 United Nations Economic and Social Commission
Bank (2018)
for Asia and the Pacific (2018)
115 Government of Vanuatu, Ifira Port development
and Services (2007)
86 International Monetary Fund (2019)
116 Ifira Port Development and Services (2018)
87 United Nations Development Programme (2018)
117 Government of Vanuatu, Northern Islands Steve-
doring Company Limited (2015)
214 Endnotes
118 Government of Vanuatu and Asian Development 147 Vanuatu Daily Post (2017b)
Bank (2018)
148 Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (2014)
119 Government of Vanuatu, Ifira Port development
and Services (2018)
120 World Trade Organisation (2018d)
152 Biosecurity Vanuatu (2016)
122 World Bank Group (2018c)
153 International Plant Protection Convention
(2019a)
154 Codex Alimentarius (1999)
125 Enhanced Integrated Framework, and United
155 Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market
Nations United Nations Office for Project
Access Program (2018c)
Services (2017)
127 World Customs Organization (2008)
Access Program (2018c)
128 Government of Vanuatu (2015b)
157 Food and Agriculture Organization (2017c)
158 Department of Agriculture and Rural Develop-
Bank (2018)
ment (2016b)
131 World Trade Organization (2018a) Access Program (2016a)
132 Airbiz (2017) 160 Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market
Access Program (2016b)
Bank (2018) 161 Cole, Waldron, and Quigley (2019)
134 World Trade Organization (2018a) 162 Cole, Waldron, and Quigley (2019); Vanuatu
National Statistics Office and Stats NZ (2018)
(2013) 163 World Organization for Animal Heath (2017)
136 Vanuatu Daily Post (2017a) 164 World Organization for Animal Heath (2017)
137 The Australian (2018) 165 World Organization for Animal Heath (2017)
138 Government of Vanuatu and Asian Development 166 World Organization for Animal Heath (2017)
Bank (2018)
167 New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
139 Government of Vanuatu and Asian Development (2006)
Bank (2018)
168 International Plant Protection Convention
140 United Nations Conference for Trade and Devel- (2019b)
opment (2018)
169 United Nations Industrial Development Organiza-
141 World Food Program (2017) tion (2017)
142 Parliament of Vanuatu (2006b) 170 Parliament of Vanuatu (2016a)
143 Government of Vanuatu and Asian Development 171 World Trade Organization (2016b)
Bank (2018)
172 United Nations Industrial Development Organiza-
144 Government of Vanuatu and Asian Development tion (2018)
Bank (2018)
173 Tomilson, D. (2016)
174 Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt and
Bank (2018)
World Bank Group (2019)
175 CaSServ (2005)
Trade (2017)
176 Asian development Bank (2015a) 210 Westpac (2019)

177 Parliament of Vanuatu (2009b) 211 Parliament of Vanuatu (1980b) s 3
178 Government of Vanuatu (2009) 212 Alliance for Financial Inclusion and Reserve
Bank of Vanuatu (2016) Chart 29
179 Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (2019)
213 Alliance for Financial Inclusion and Reserve
180 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995)
Bank of Vanuatu (2016) Chart 38
181 Asian development Bank (2018)
182 Parliament of Vanuatu (2014c)
215 Cambridge University Press (2019)
183 Parliament of Vanuatu (2014c) s 12
216 Data Bureau (Vanuatu) Limited (2019)
184 Government of Vanuatu (2019a)
217 World Bank Group (2019d)
185 Burns, T. (1996); Lambiris, M. (1996)
218 Data Bureau (Vanuatu) Limited (2019)
219 Government of Vanuatu (2018b) p 2
opment (2019b)
188 Transparency Vanuatu (2013)
222 Pacific Financial Inclusion Program (2018)
189 Transparency Vanuatu (2013)
opment (2018)
Trade (2018b)
224 Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (2017) p 2
225 Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (2014)
226 Parliament of Vanuatu (2012a)
193 Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(2012) 227 Parliament of Vanuatu (2012b)
194 Parliament of Vanuatu (2018a); AJC (2019) 228 Government of Vanuatu (2017c)
195 Alliance for Financial Inclusion and Reserve 229 Vanuatu Daily Post (2017c)
Bank of Vanuatu (2016)
230 World Intellectual Property Office (2019) p 6
196 Parliament of Vanuatu (1985) s 7
197 Ministry of Internal Affairs (2017)
232 Vanuatu Daily Post (2018c)
198 Parliament of Vanuatu (1980a) s 9
233 Parliament of Vanuatu (2016b) s 7
200 Parliament of Vanuatu (1983) ss 32A, 32B and
32C
203 Regenvanu, R. (2008) p 63
204 Parliament of Vanuatu (2013b) part 6B
205 Parliament of Vanuatu (2013) s 6I
206 Parliament of Vanuatu (2013b) s 6J
207 Parliament of Vanuatu (2013b) s 6D
208 Parliament of Vanuatu (2013b) ss 6J (4), (6)
209 Parliament of Vanuatu (2013b) s 6J (9)
245 Asian Development Bank (2015b)
216 Endnotes
246 Asian Development Bank (2016) 281 Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (2018c)
247 Asian Development Bank (2018a)
282 Ministry of Education and Training (2017a)
283 Ministry of Education and Training (2017a)
250 Parliament of Vanuatu (1998) s 2A
286 Parliament of Vanuatu (2014d)
(1999) s 3(3) 287 Ministry of Education and Training (2016a)
253 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 3(1) 288 World Bank Group (2013a)
254 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 2(1) 289 Government of Vanuatu (2018c)
255 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 3(3) 290 Vanuatu Skills Partnership (2016)
256 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 4 291 Government of Vanuatu (2017b)
257 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 5 292 Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (2016)
258 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 12(2) 293 Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (2017)
259 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) 13(1) 294 Ministry of Education and Training, (2017b)
260 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 14 295 Ministry of Education and Training (2018b)
261 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 18(1) 296 Ministry of Climate Change and Energy (2016a)
262 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 19(1) 297 Ministry of Climate Change and Energy (2016a)
263 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) s 19(2) 298 King (2007); and World Bank Group (2013b)
264 Parliament of Vanuatu (1995) ss 13, 19 299 Department of Fisheries (2014)
265 Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry 300 World Wildlife Fund UK (2017)
(2019)
301 Vanuatu Daily Post (2018d)
266 Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
302 Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation (2016b)
(2019)
305 World Trade Organisation (2019b)
306 McKinsey Global Institute (2015)
270 International Labour Organization (2018)
307 Molony, T. (2013)
308 Bowman et al (2009)
272 Hind, I. (2011)
310 Thomas, A.K.L. (2018)
274 Australia-Pacific Technical College (2018a)
311 Thomas, A.K.L. (2013)
275 Australia-Pacific Technical College (2018b)
312 Morgan, W. (2013)
276 Curtain, R. (2014)
313 Thomas, A.K.L. (2013)
277 Ministry of Education and Training (2017b)
314 Vanuatu Women’s Centre (2011)
315 Vanuatu Women’s Centre (2011)
279 Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and
Adult Education (2011) 316 Vanuatu Daily Post (2017d)
280 Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and 317 Ministry of Education and Training (2019)
Trade (2018c)
318 Ministry of Education and Training (2019) 349 Government of Vanuatu (2018d)
319 Ministry of Education and Training (2019) 350 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2008)
320 Ministry of Education and Training (2019) 351 Food and Agriculture Organization (2019b)
321 Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (2016) 352 Government of Vanuatu (2016b)
322 Regenvanu, R. (2010) 353 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2017)
323 Haushofer et al (2015) 354 Government of Vanuatu (2016b)
324 Silva (2016) and World Trade Organization 355 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2019a)
(2018e)
356 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2019a)
357 Lees, N.J. and Greenhalgh, I.J. (2018)
326 Government of Vanuatu (2012c); Government of
358 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2019a)
Vanuatu and Asian Development Bank (2018)
359 Department of Industry (2015)
327 Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (2019a) 360 Lees, N.J. and Greenhalgh, I.J. (2018)
328 Lowy Institute (2019) 361 Lees, N.J. and Greenhalgh, I.J. (2018)
329 Organization for Economic Cooperation and 362 Lees, N.J. and Greenhalgh, I.J. (2018)
Development (2019b) 363 Lees, N.J. and Greenhalgh, I.J. (2018)
330 Lin, J., Flachsbarth, I. and Von Cramon-Tau- 364 Lees, N.J. and Greenhalgh, I.J. (2018)
badel, S. (2018), p 13-14
365 Lees, N.J. and Greenhalgh, I.J. (2018)
ment (2016a), p 8
367 Vanuatu Daily Post (2017e)
332 Pham, Laura J. (2016), p 231-242
368 Department of Livestock (2018)
ment (2016a), p 8 369 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2010)
334 Food and Agriculture Organization (2019a) 370 International Finance Corporation (2015), p 2
335 Observatory of Economic Complexity (2019a) 371 Parliament of New Zealand (1993)
336 Observatory of Economic Complexity (2019b) 372 New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
(2007)
337 Salum, N.U. (2016)
373 Grandison, G. (2000)
338 Bawalam and Capman (2006), p 20
374 Australian Department of Agriculture (2019)
339 Bawalam and Capman (2006), p 17
375 New Caledonia Direction des Affaires Vétéri-
340 McGregor, A., Sheehy, M. (2017)
naires, Alimentaires et Rurales (2019)
341 McGregor, A., Sheehy, M. (2017)
376 Food and Agriculture Organization (2017a), p 69
342 Reuters (2018)
377 Altendorf, S. (2019), p 7
343 Grand Views Research (2015)
378 Food and Agriculture Organization (2017a), p 73
344 Prades, A., Salum, N.U., and Pioch, D.
379 Food and Agriculture Organization (2015), p 13
(2016), p 3
345 Prades, A., Salum, N.U., and Pioch, D.
ment (2015), 30
(2016), p 3
381 International Finance Corporation (2015)
346 Department of Strategic Policy, Planning and Aid
Coordination (2017) 382 Food and Agriculture Organization (2015), p 53
347 Prime Minister’s Office (2012) 383 Food and Agriculture Organization (2014)
348 Department of Agriculture and Rural Develop- 384 Food and Agriculture Organization (2015), p 52
ment (2015)
218 Endnotes
385 Department of Agriculture and Rural Develop- 414 Page, T., Tate, H., Bunt, C., Potrawiak, A. and
ment (2017), p 19 Berry, A. (2012), p13
386 Department of Agriculture and Rural Develop- 415 United Nations Conference on Trade and Devel-
ment (2017), p 14-16 opment (2016a), p 22
387 Asian Development Bank (2019), p 21 416 Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market
Access Program (2017), p 20
Access Program (2012), p 11 417 Page, T., Tate, H., Bunt, C., Potrawiak, A. and
Berry, A. (2012), p 21
389 Food and Agriculture Organization (2015), p 68
418 United Nations Conference on Trade and Devel-
opment (2016b), p 18
391 International Finance Corporation (2015), p 2
419 Observatory of Economic Complexity (2019c)
392 Food and Agriculture Organization (2015), p 77-9
420 Asian Development Bank (2019), p23
421 Government of Vanuatu (2019c), p 3
423 Asian Development Bank (2019), p 20
395 Department of Strategic Policy, Planning and Aid
424 Government of Vanuatu (2019c), 15-24
Coordination (2017)
425 Government of Vanuatu (2010), p 7
396 Prime Minister’s Office (2012)
426 Government of Vanuatu (2010), p 8
ment (2015) 427 Gillett (2016), p 306
398 Department of Agriculture and Rural Develop- 428 Forum Fisheries Agency (2019)
ment (2017)
429 Food and Agriculture Organization (2017b), p 12
399 Department of Industry (2018)
430 Food and Agriculture Organization (2017b), p 13
400 Australia Broadcasting Corporation (2019)
431 Department of Fisheries (2016), p 7
432 Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fish-
Access Program (2018a)
eries, and Biosecurity (2019), p 111
433 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2018b)
ment (2016b)
434 New Zealand Tourism Research Institute (2017)
Access Program (2018b) 435 Department of Tourism (2018b)
404 Reuters (2015) 436 International Finance Corporation (2015)
405 Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market 437 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2018b)
Access Program (2018b) 438 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2018b)
406 Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market 439 Department of Tourism (2018b)
Access Program (2018b)
440 Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2018b)
441 United Nations World Tourism Organization
408 Food and Agriculture Organization and World (2008)
Health Organization (2016)
442 United Nations World Tourism Organization
409 The Kava Society New Zealand (2019) (2018)
410 Food and Agriculture Organization and World 443 United Nations World Tourism Organisation
Health Organization (2017) (2018)
411 Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market 444 Cruise Lines Industry Association (2018)
Access Program (2017), p 20
445 South Pacific Tourism Organization (2018)
412 TFS (2016), p 6
446 Tourism Research Australia (2018)
413 United Nations Conference on Trade and Devel-
opment (2016a), p23
447 Stats NZ (2018) 480 Pacific Institute for Public Policy (2012)
448 Ctrip, China Tourism Academy (2018) 481 Vanuatu Daily Post (2018e)
449 Indexmundi (2018) 482 Food and Agriculture Organization (2019d)
Bank (2018)
454 Ministry of Tourism, Industry, Commerce and
Ni-Vanuatu Business (2014)
455 Department of Customs and Inland Revenue
(2018b)
Bank (2018)
457 Bookme Vanuatu.com (2018)
458 International Finance Corporation (2015)
459 Vanuatu Daily Post (2019a)
460 Vanuatu Daily Post (2019b)
462 Ministry of Tourism, Industry, Commerce and
Ni-Vanuatu Business (2014)
463 Parliament of Vanuatu (2006b)
465 Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (2018a)
467 Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (2019)
468 Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (2015)
469 Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (2019)
470 Financial Action Task Force (2019)
471 International Monetary Fund (2009)
opment (2015)
473 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development (2017)
474 Doty, Justin C. (2015)
475 Verdict (2018)
476 World Trade Organization (2017)
477 World Bank Group (2015b)
478 World Bank Group (2015b).
479 Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and
Broadcasting Regulator (2018b)
220 Endnotes
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240
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Note: * TEI refers to the potential impact of the recommendation on the traditional economy: negative (-), positive (-), or with the potential to generate both positive and
negative effects (+/-). When no sign is included in the TEI column, the impact is expected to be neutral. TEC refers to the type of impact generated by the recommen-
dation, with direct reference to the seven criteria identified in section 9.6
Responsible
TPFU Recommendation Implementing Indicator Baseline Target TEI* TEC*
Agency
Increase the growth rate agriculture MFEM GDP at 2006 prices, Agriculture, 1.6% (2006-2016) Higher than 1.6% (2019
and agro-processing (manufacturing), Fishing and Forestry, ISIC, Rev.4, onwards)
including by capturing an increased Section A, average growth rate
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 2: The Macroeconomic Environment
share of domestic demand and MFEM GDP at 2006 prices, Manufacturing, [to be confirmed] Higher than [to be
increasing exports in areas of compara- ISIC, Rev.4, Division 10, average (2006-2016) confirmed] (2019
tive advantage growth rate onwards)
MTTCNVB Merchandise exports, annual rate 3.8% (average Higher than 3.8% (2019
of growth 2008-2017) onwards)
Increase the growth rate of the of the MTTCNVB Export of travel services, current 5.1% (2008-2017) Higher than 5.1% (2019 1,2,
+/-
tourism industry, including by segmenting prices, average growth rate onwards) 5,6
supply strategically across locations MTTCNVB Visitors to outer islands, 25.1% (2017) Higher than 25.1% 1,2,
throughout Vanuatu percentage of total visitors (2019 onwards) +/- 5,6
Support services suitable to boost MFEM GDP at 2006 prices, Information 7.0% (2006-2016) Higher than 7.0% (from
productivity in the other sectors – e.g. and Communication and Profes- 2019)
Information and Communication and sional/Technical/Scientific services,
Professional/Technical/Scientific services ISIC, Rev.4, Sections J, M, N,
average growth rate
Make a final determination on the MFEM Whether a final determination on No (2019) Yes (2020)
proposed tax reform (income tax) income tax is made and communi-
cated to the public
Development of a national labour policy See Chapter 7

Target an expenditure in primary and MFEM, MoET Expenditure in primary and 3.6% (2016) 4% (from 2020 onwards)
secondary education of 4% of GDP secondary education, percentage
of GDP
Increase fixed capital formation as a MFEM Fixed capital formation as a 30% (average Higher than 30%
percentage of GDP compared to the percentage of GDP 2006-2017) percent (2019 onwards)
2006-2017 average (30%)
Improve the business enabling environ- MTTCNVB Doing Business, distance to Fron- 62.87 (2018) Higher than 62.87 (2019
ment to facilitate technological innova- tier onwards)
tion
Promote skills development to make a See Chapters 8
productive use of technological innova- and 14
tion
Control net borrowing as a percentage of MFEM Net borrowing, percentage of GDP -4.8%, i.e. lending Lower than 2% (2019
GDP by (2018) onwards)
· increasing sustainable government
revenues
· reducing recurrent government
expenditure, and prioritising future
infrastructure projects
Target a positive recurrent balance MFEM Whether the government is Yes (2019) Yes (2020 onwards)
(recurrent revenues minus recurrent targeting a positive recurrent
expenditures) over the medium term balance
Set a debt ceiling, including both MFEM Debt as percentage of GDP 53% (2017) Below 60% (2019
external and internal public and publicly onwards)
guaranteed (PPG) debt, 60% of GDP
Trade Policy Framework Update 2019-2025
241
242
Update the debt management strategy MFEM Debt Management Strategy, annual 1 (2015-2018) 5 (2019-2024)
on an annual basis updates
Initiate formal discussions with Japan to MoFAICET Formal discussions with Japan Not commenced Commenced (2019)
seek zero duty transition period for beef (2018) and transition obtained
(2021)
Secure a Trade and Investment Frame- See Chapter 4
work Agreement with Japan (bilaterally
or regionally)
Secure regional consensus on the option See Chapter 4
to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement
between China and Forum Islands Coun-
tries
Confirm critical post-graduation obliga- MoFAICET Formal discussions at WTO Not commenced Commenced (2019) and
tions, and initiate formal discussions in (2018) transition arrangements/
relevant WTO bodies, including jointly waivers obtained (2021)
with the LDC group, to seek transition
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 2: The Macroeconomic Environment
periods for and specific waivers from

those obligations
Strengthen capacity of VanIPO – see See Chapter 7 + 2

Chapter 7
Strengthen capacity of the Department of MoFAICET Number of vacant positions in 2 (2019)* None (2021)
External Trade, including filling all vacant DoET
positions
* a submission
to PSC has been
made for restruc-
turing
Seek a 5-year transition period from the MoFAICET Formal discussions with EIF Not commenced Commenced (2019) and
EIF (2018) transition arrangement
obtained (2021)
Develop and distribute briefs including PMO Fundraising briefs for government Not in place Drafted and distributed
consistent messages to support fund- agencies (2018) (2019)
raising by all government agencies,
and based on the critical challenges of
Vanuatu – graduation, SIDS status, and
environmental vulnerability
Determine the increase in membership MoFAICET Outstanding fees to international VUV 105,4m none (2020 onwards)
fees for international organisations after organisations (2018)
graduation, and set aside adequate
budget to face the increase
Formally engage with all international MoFAICET Formal discussions with all interna- Not commenced Commenced (2019) and
organisations providing general support tional organisations (2018) transition arrangements
measures to Vanuatu to seek transition in place (2021)
periods after graduation, based on UNGA
resolution 67/221.
Prioritise budget allocation for interna- MoFAICET Prioritised list of international Not in place Drafted and approved
tional travel to/engagement with interna- organisations (2018) by CoM (2019)
tional organisations
Promote skills development to increase See Chapter 8

productivity and salaries
Support positive gender discrimination See Chapter 9
Produce new estimates for poverty in VNSO New estimates for poverty in Not produced Produced (2019) and
Vanuatu Vanuatu (2018) repeated by 2024
243
244
Responsible
Agency
CHAPTER 3: TRADE COMPOSITION AND TRENDS
Reduce merchandise trade deficit MTTCNVB Merchandise trade deficit 33.6% (2016) Lower than 25% (2025)
to pre–2015 levels (25% of GDP) by percentage of GDP
increasing exports and boosting local
production in areas where imports can
be competitively replaced
Increase services trade surplus MTTCNVB Services trade surplus, percentage 22.4% (2016) Higher than 23% (2025)
compared to pre-2015 levels (23% of of GDP
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 3: Trade Composition and Trends
GDP)
Increase export of agriculture and MTTCNVB Merchandise exports, annual rate 3.8% (average Higher than 3.8% (2019
agro-processed goods by more than of growth 2008-2017) onwards)
3.8% a year
Conduct a NFI by 2020 (see Chapter 9) See Chapter 9 + 2,5
Ratify PACER Plus (see Chapter 4) See Chapter 4
Pursue trade arrangements with key See Chapter 4
Asian destinations– ASEAN, China,
Japan – and possibly the US (see
Chapter 4)
Increase export of travel services by MTTCNVB Export of travel services, current 5.1% (2008-2017) Higher than 5.1% (2019
more than 5% a year prices, average growth rate onwards)
Increase export of transport services by Air Vanuatu Export of transport services, annual 6% (average As much as travel
strengthening the national airline rate of growth 2008-2017) services (2019 onwards)
MFEM
Improve Post-School Education and See Chapter 8
Training (PSET) to increase export of
education services (see Chapter 8)
Assess options to reinvent the offshore See Chapter 13
industry on sustainable grounds (see
Chapter 13)
Replace imports by promoting local MALFFB Imports of fruits and vegetables 0.4% (2016) Decrease (2019 + 3
production of: Fruits and vegetables (HS Chapter 7 and 8), percentage onwards)
(including food crops); Timber and of GDP
wooden furniture; MALFFB Imports of cereals (HS chapter 10), 1.7% (2016) Decrease (2019
percentage of GDP onwards)
MALFFB Import of wood and wooden prod- 0.8% (2016) Decrease (2019
ucts (HS Chapter 44), percentage onwards)
of GDP
Reduce imports by increasing taxes MoH Excise taxes on unhealthy food [to be estimated] Increase (2020
(domestic excises) and promoting preparations, average (2018) onwards)
MFEM
awareness campaigns with regard to:
MoH Imports of unhealthy food prepara- [to be estimated] Decreases (2020
Unhealthy food preparations; Cigarettes
tions, percentage of GDP onwards)
and tobacco; MFEM (2018)
MoH Excise taxes on cigars, cigarettes VUV 18,000/kg, Increase (2019
and tobacco VUV 16/stick, and onwards)
MFEM
VUV 4,000/kg
(2018)
MoH Imports of cigars, cigarettes 0.7% (2016) Decreases (2020
and tobacco (HS Chapter 24), onwards)
MFEM
percentage of GDP
Promote off-grid uptake renewable See Chapter 9
energy (see Chapter 9)
Promote on-grid uptake of renewable See Chapter 9
energy only when donor subsidies make
it a cost-effective option compared to
non-renewable sources (see Chapter 9)
245
246
Ratify PACER Plus (see Chapter 4) See Chapter 4

Pursue trade arrangements with key See Chapter 4
Asian destinations– ASEAN, China,
Japan – and possibly the US (see
Chapter 4)
In new trade agreements maintain policy MoFAICET Average bound tariff in new trade n.a. – note: At least 0.5 (for new
space for rice, fruits and vegetables agreements for fruits & vegetables average applied FTAs)
(including root crops), timber, wooden (HS Chapter 7 and 8), over average rate is 26.6% in
furniture, chicken, and processed fish applied rate 2018
(see Chapter 4) MoFAICET Average bound tariff in new trade n.a. – note: At least 0.5 (for new
agreements for wood and wooden average applied FTAs)
products (HS Chapter 44), over rate is 15.1% in
average applied rate 2018
MoFAICET Average bound tariff in new trade n.a. – note: At least 0.5 (for new
agreements for wooden furni- average applied FTAs)
ture (HS Codes 940161, 940169, rate is 30.0% in
940330, 940340, 940350, 940360), 2018
over average applied rate
MoFAICET Average bound tariff in new trade n.a. – note: At least 0.5 (for new
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 4: External Trade Policies and Trade Agreements
agreements for processed fish (HS average applied FTAs)

codes 0304, 0305, 0306, 0307, rate is 17.2% in
1604, 1605), over average applied 2018
rate
Promote provision of competitive local MTTCNVB Import of business services, 1.7% (2016) Decreases (2020
business services by strengthening the percentage of GDP onwards)
education and PSET system (Chapter 8),
with the view of replacing some imports
Responsible
Agency
CHAPTER 4: EXTERNAL TRADE POLICIES AND TRADE AGREEMENTS
Establish non-preferential rules of origin DCIR Legislation on non-preferential Not in place Approved and gazette
ROO (2019) (2020)
Reduce tariff rate for chicken wings (HS DCIR Tariff rate on chicken wings 30% (2019) 20% (2020)
code 0207.1410) to 20% or renegotiate
higher rates
Reduce tariff rates for alkaloids (HS DCIR Tariff rate on alkaloids 5% (2019) 0% (2020)
codes 2939.7100 and 2939.7900) to 0%
Repeal the Prohibition of Beef from MALFFB Status of Beef from Europe Order In place (2019) Repealed (2020)
Europe Order No. 53 of 2001 No. 53 of 2001
Fulfil WTO notification obligations in DoET Number of missing notifications 0 (2019) 8 (2021)
areas such as agriculture, SPS, TBT, (agriculture, SPS, TBT, customs
customs valuation, import licensing, valuation, import licensing, contin-
contingency measures, and state trading gency measures, and state trading
enterprises enterprises) submitted to the WTO
Complete the legal and regulatory frame- DoET Comprehensive legal and regu- Not in place In place (2021)
work for anti-dumping, countervailing, latory framework on contingency (2019)
and safeguard measures measures
Consider reducing or eliminating reser- VIPA Status of investment reservations In place (2019) Reduced or eliminated
vation on investment in the construction, in the construction, road transport, (2020)
road transport, and coastal shipping and shipping sector
sectors
247
248
Consider introducing a clear criterion VIPA Legal provisions defining a clear Not included in the Included in the Invest-
to guide decision by policy-makers on and transparent criterion to reserve Foreign Invest- ment Promotion and
reserved investments in the Bill for the and restrict foreign investments ment Promotion Facilitation Act (2020)
Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act (2019)
Act
Sign and ratify the Melanesian Free MoFAICET Status of MFTA Not signed nor Signed and ratified
trade Agreement ratified (2019) (2019)
Ratify the Pacific Agreement on Closer MoFAICET Status of PACER Plus Signed but not Signed and ratified
Economic Relations Plus ratified (2019) (2019)
Deepen trade integration with New DoET Status of Agreement between the To be completed Rules of Origin protocol
Caledonia towards a World Trade Orga- Government of New Caledonia and (2019) completed and Agree-
nization compliant Free Trade Agreement the Government of the Republic ment ratified by Parlia-
– unless New Caledonia joins Free Trade of Vanuatu Regarding the Devel- ment (2020)
Agreements that Vanuatu is party to opment of Trade and Economic
Exchanges
Ratify the conventions so as to gain DoET Status of access to the EU’s GSP+ Unable to access Full access to GSP+
access to the EU’s Generalised Scheme GSP+ (2019) (2023)
of Preferences Plus post-LDC Gradua-
tion
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 4: External Trade Policies and Trade Agreements
Monitor developments of the Economic DoET Regular written updates on EPA Submitted by Submitted by DoET to
Partnership Agreement with the EU DoET to NTDC at NTDC at least annually
least annually (2019)
(2019)
Monitor developments of the Pacific DoET Regular written updates on PICTA Submitted by Submitted by DoET to
Island Countries Trade Agreement (goods and services) DoET to NTDC at NTDC at least annually
(goods and services) least annually (2019)
(2019)
Support re-opening of negotiations to DoET Status of a labour mobility scheme Not being negoti- Being formally negoti- - 7
establish a Pacific Island Countries between PICTA country ated (2019) ated (2020)
Trade Agreement labour mobility scheme
Secure regional consensus on the option DoET Negotiations on a Pacific FTA with Not taking place Started (2023)
to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement China (2019)
between China and Forum Islands
Countries
Secure regional consensus on the option DoET Negotiations on a Pacific FTA with Not taking place Started (2023)
to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement ASEAN (2019)
between members of the Association of
South East Asian Nations and Forum
Islands Countries
Monitor developments on Brexit DoET Regular written updates on BREXIT Submitted by Submitted by DoET to
(goods and services) DoET to NTDC at NTDC at least annually
least annually (2019)
(2019)
Secure a Trade and Investment Frame- DoET TIFA with Japan Not in place In place (2023)
work Agreement with Japan (bilaterally (2019)
or regionally)
Secure a Trade and Investment Frame- DoET TIFA with US Not in place In place (2023)
work Agreement with the United States (2019)
(bilaterally or regionally)
249
250
Responsible
Agency
CHAPTER 5: BACKBONE SERVICES AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE
Develop electricity generation capacity MCC Electricity generated from renew- 18% (2017) 65% (2020)
from non-fossil fuel resources able sources 100%
(2030)
Undertake a study looking at the prices MFEM Status of the study To be undertaken Study finished (2020)
in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (2019)
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 5: Backbone Services and Related Infrastructure
Increase access to electricity, especially MCC Electricity access in and near 62% (2016) 75% (2020)
for those in rural areas concession areas 100% (2030)
MCC Electricity access in off-grid areas 9% (2016) 65% (2020)

100%
(2030)
Improve the institutional setting for elec- MCC Status of handbook on concession To be developed Developed (2020)
tricity sector development, including: contracts (2019)
• develop a handbook on concession MFEM Whether URA and competition n.a. Yes (2020 onwards)
contracts to outline the procedure agency is involved in development
for awarding such contracts, and MCC of new concession contracts for
define clearly the roles and rights Malekula (2020) and Tanna (2020)
of the government and the conces- MFEM Percentage of electricity supplied 1.4% (2017) Increase compared to
sioners through Power Purchase Agree- baseline (2020 onward)
MCC
• involve both URA and the agency ments
responsible for competition in
designing concession contracts to
ensure regulation and competition
policies or principles are integrated
into the contracts
• ensure that future contracts facili-
tate Independent Power Producers
and Power Purchase Agreements
Improve the policy and regulatory frame- See chapter 7 on

work for electricity sector development, competition policy
including: and legislation
• Formulate and implement compe- MCC % of BRANTV annual targets which n.a. 50%
tition and consumer protection are on track
legislation
• Ensure the enforcement of existing
energy policies and strategies,
inclusive of the supporting rules/
guidance and legislations/regula-
tions
251
252
Support the use of coconut oil as an MTTCNVB Percentage of electricity generated 1% (2019) Increase compared to
alternative to diesel, including through from coconut oil baseline (2020 onward)
the 11th European Development Fund
(EDF) funding
Develop an electrification plan for renew- MCC Status of electrification plan for To be developed Developed (2020)
able energy in remote islands renewable energy in rural areas (2019)
Update the National ICT Policy PMO (OGCIO) Status of National ICT Policy To be undertaken Finalised and approved
Update (2019) by CoM (2020)
Finalise the Digital Universal Service PMO (OGCIO) Status of Digital Universal Service Being drafted Finalised and approved
Policy Policy (2019) by CoM (2020)
Approve the cybercrime legislation PMO Status of cybercrime legislation Being developed Developed, passed by
(2019) Parliament and gazetted
(2020)
Continue to maintain the independence PMO Score of Vanuatu Telecom Regu- 17 (2018) Increase compared
of the TRBR lator in ITU’s ITC Regulatory to baseline (2019
Tracker onwards)
TRBR to consider upgrading the genera- TRBR Whether a review of telecommuni- No (2019) Yes (2021)
tion of its telecommunications/ICT regu- cations/ICT regulations is under-
lations from generation 3 – “an enabling taken and amendments are identi-
environment, investment, innovation and fied to upgrade from generation 3
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 5: Backbone Services and Related Infrastructure
access dual focus on stimulating compe- to generation 5

tition in services and content delivery
and consumer protection” to generation
5 – “collaborative regulation, inclusive
dialogue and harmonized approach
across sectors”.
Finalise the Quality of Services (QoS) TRBR Status of QoS audit Ongoing (2019) Finalised, and recom-
audit, and act on the key recommenda- mendations agreed
OGCIO
tions upon (2020)
TRBR Percentage of QoS audit recom- n.a. (2019) 50% (2025)
mendations successfully imple-
OGCIO
mented
Finalise the Infrastructure Sharing Policy TRBR Status of Infrastructure Sharing Being drafted Finalised and approved
Policy (2019) by CoM (2020)
OGCIO
Subject to robust cost-benefit analysis, MFEM Status of cost-benefit analysis To be undertaken Undertaken (2020)
deploy a second international submarine (2019)
MIPU
cable
VMPU
MFEM Status of second international n.a. Deployed (2025),
submarine cable subject to cost-benefit
MIPU
analysis
VMPU
Subject to robust cost-benefit analysis, MFEM Status of cost-benefit analysis To be undertaken Undertaken (2020)
deploy a domestic submarine cable, (2019)
MIPU
linking the main islands of Tanna and
Espiritu Santo VPMU
MFEM Status of domestic submarine cable n.a. Deployed (2025)
link Tanna and Espiritu Santo
MIPU
VMPU
253
254
Responsible
Agency
CHAPTER 6: TRADE FACILITATION AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE
Provide additional resources to the OMR Whether technical and financial No (2019) Yes (2020 onwards)
Office of the Maritime Regulator to assistance to OMR division moni-
monitor and regulate stevedoring activi- toring and regulating stevedores is
ties that are under a concession, notably provided
to monitor and regulate tariffs, prices
and charges imposed at ports and on
port users
Replace the current payment terms for OMR Payment terms for LCL Minimum rate of LILO terms (2021
Less Container Load (LCL) with the VUV 3,000 per onwards)
Liner-In Liner-Out (LILO) terms cubic meter (2019)
Ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation Agree- DoET Status of WTO TFA in Vanuatu To be ratified Ratified (2020)
ment (2019)
Implement the Electronic Single Window DCIR Number of agencies automated as 1 (2019) 6 (2021)
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 6: Trade Facilitation and Related Infrastructure
System (ESWS) project and monitor its part of the ESWS project
impact on trade facilitation
Implement priority projects included DCIR Number of priority TFA-related [to be confirmed] 100% (2025)
Table 6.5 of the TPF Update 2019 to projects completed (2019)
comply with obligations included in Cate-
gory B and C articles of the WTO Trade
Facilitation Agreement
Upgrade Bauerfield international AVL Whether the Bauerfield interna- No (2019) Yes (2025)
passenger terminal tional passenger terminal has been
upgraded
Improve Bauerfiled international cargo AVL Whether deck loader and equip- No (2019) Yes (2013)
handling by: ment for handling containers of up
to 5 tonnes has been procured
• Procuring heavy-duty deck loader
and equipment for handling AVL Status of storage space for equip- Not in place Built (2025)
airfreight containers which can hold ment at Bauerfield international (2019)
up to five tonnes cargo terminal
• Building storage space for equip-

ment at Bauerfield international
cargo terminal
Set aside adequate resources for AVL Per-passenger charges at Bauer- USD 24 or VUV USD 33 (2020)
maintenance of international airports. filed airport 2,800 (2019)
Notably, increase charges to USD 33
for passenger movement at Bauerfield
to fund the prioritised USD 212 million
investment program included in the
Vanuatu Master Plan 2017
Set aside adequate resources for main- PWD Level of adequate resources n.a. (2019) Known (2020) + 4
tenance of national airports
PWD Annual resources for maintenance VUV 52m (2019) Identified adequate + 4
and rehabilitation of national level (2025)
airports
Upgrade Norsup airport to accommodate PWD Whether Norsup airport can accom- No (2019) Yes (2025) + 4
Code C turboprop (ATR-72) operations modate Code C turboprop (ATR-72)
operations
Monitor and disseminate accurate data DPH Whether regular data on inter- No (2019) Yes (2020)
on shipping operators and routes national shipping capacity and
frequency linking Vanuatu to inter-
national partners is collected and
distributed
255
256
Re-activate works under the Vanuatu VPMU Status of Port Vila works (new To be completed Completed (2025) + 4
Interisland Shipping Support Project inter-islands shipping terminal - (2019)
(VISSP) to rehabilitate or and improve South Paray wharf)
target wharves and jetties VPMU Status of Lolowai works, Ambae To be completed Completed (2025) + 4
(new jetty) (2019)
VPMU Status of Loltong works, Pentecost To be completed Completed (2025) + 4
(new jetty) (2019)
VPMU Status of Port Sandwich works, To be completed Completed (2025) + 4
South East Malekula (new jetty) (2019)
VPMU Status of Litzlitz works, North East To be completed Completed (2025) + 4
Maleluka (facility rehabilitation) (2019)
VPMU Status of Lenakel works, Tanna To be completed Completed (2025) + 4
(facility rehabilitation) (2019)
VPMU Status of Luganville works, Espiritu To be completed Completed (2025) + 4
Santo (facility rehabilitation – (2019)
Simonsen wharf)
Evaluate the impact of the VISSP Ship VPMU Status of ex-post impact assess- To be undertaken Undertaken (2021)
Subsidy Scheme ment of SSS (2019)
Clarify maintenance needs for domestic DPH Status of assessment of mainte- To be undertaken Undertaken (2021) + 4
shipping terminals and set aside nance and rehabilitation needs for (2019)
adequate budget for maintenance domestic shipping terminals
DPH Annual budget for maintenance and VUV 150m (2018) To be based on the + 4
rehabilitation of domestic shipping assessment of mainte-
terminals nance and rehabilitation
needs
Consider eliminating reservations on MTTNCVB Status of ex-ante impact analysis of To be undertaken Undertaken (2021)
investment for inter-island shipping eliminating or limiting reservation of (2019)
services, or else limit reservation below inter-islands shipping services
a gross registered tonnage of 20 tonnes
Increase the budget for maintenance MIPU Annual budget for maintenance and VUV 1bn (2018) VUV 2.5bn (2025)
and rehabilitation of road to the minimum rehabilitation of road network
required amount - VUV 2.5 billion/year
Restricts improvements (earth-gravel to VPMU Whether road improvements (earth- No (2019) No (2025)
seal) during the next 5 years to Tanna gravel to seal) affect islands other
and Malekula than Tanna and Malekula
Evaluate the economic impact of the MTTCNVB Status of ex-post impact assess- To be undertaken Undertaken (2020)
upgraded waterfront in Port Vila ment of upgraded waterfront in Port (2019)
Vila
Assess the economic impact of an MTTCNVB Status of ex-ante impact analysis To be undertaken Undertaken (2020)
upgraded waterfront in Espiritu Santo of upgraded waterfront in Espiritu (2019)
before taking a final decision on whether Santo
to beautify
Biosecurity Vanuatu to participate BV Number of meetings attended WTO SPS At least one meeting of
regularly in relevant international fora, Committee each of the four bodies
including the WTO SPS Committee, attended when attended each calendar
the IPPC Commission on Phytosanitary one-off opportunity year by BV (2023)
Measures (CPM), OIE Regional Commis- allowed (2018)
sion and Codex CNASWP
Review and enact the Biosecurity Bill BV Status of Biosecurity Bill Draft in place Reviewed, passed by
(2019) Parliament and gazetted
(2021)
Update the National Biosecurity Policy BV Updated National Biosecurity Policy National Biosecu- Updated NBP 2020-
2016-2030 to include and prioritise Vanu- 2020-2030 and annual planning/ rity Policy 2016- 2030 utilised in annual
atu’s SPS-related legislation updates, budgeting documents and new 2030 (2016) planning/budgeting
international reporting obligations and funding applications to Government process and new
immediate pest management needs (e.g. or donors spending proposals
CRB response) (2020)
Electronically generate SPS permits DCIR Status of SPS permits and certifi- Manually gener- Electronically generated
and certificates including, if merited, by cates ated (2019) (2020)
linking Vanuatu’s ESWS to the IPPC-de-
veloped GeNS
257
258
Develop specifications to address the BV Status of systems supporting Manual, paper- Computerised (2025)
wider e-System needs of Biosecurity all BV’s operations (i.e. sample based (2019)
Vanuatu and implement these to comple- submission/processing, record
ment the ESWS project keeping, data retrieval and
reporting needs)
Identify BV human resource gaps at BV Number of trained border control 5 located at Doubled compared to
certified ports of entry and employ personnel at certified ports of entry seaports (3 in 2019 baseline (2022)
trained personnel for effective border Espiritu Santo
control of high-risk entry pathways (e.g. and 2 in Port Vila)
yachts, sea containers) (2019)
Strengthen arrangements with ISO-ac- BV Status of arrangements in place Relatively informal BV with formal agree-
credited (e.g. AsureQuality) or OIE-rec- with ISO accredited or OIE-rec- arrangements ments or MoUs in place
ognised diagnostic and testing labora- ognised diagnostic and testing (2019) with ISO-accredited or
tories overseas to ensure ready access laboratories OIE-recognised labora-
to any pest and disease diagnostics or tories (2021)
testing required or authorised by BV, VS VBS Status of arrangements in place Relatively informal VBS with formal agree-
or VBS with ISO accredited or OIE-rec- arrangements ments in place with
ognised diagnostic and testing (2019) AsureQuality for residue
laboratories and heavy metal testing
(2021)
Provide additional resources to develop VBS Status of VBS laboratory capacity No commercial Commercial scale
the laboratory capacity of VBS and scale blender blender (2020);
establish the international credentials of (2019); At least three perma-
the VBS laboratory No permanent nent laboratory assis-
laboratory assistants (2020)
tants (2019)
VBS Status of accreditation of VBS No ISO-accred- Accredited laboratory
laboratory systems ited laboratory systems (2025)
systems (2019)
259
260
Increase capacity to address key primary BV Status of invasive weeds in Lantana, nail Sustainable and cost-ef-
production issues associated with the Vanuatu* grass, parthenium, fective biocontrol agents
management of pests (CRB and inva- pico, hibiscus for invasive weeds
sive pasture weeds) and diseases (e.g. burr and wild identified and deployed
vibriosis) [*] Main project on this issue: GIP peanut identified (2025)
No. 18A849: Improving productivity as invasive weeds
in the beef industry in Vanuatu impacting pasture
[MFAT Pasture weed project] (2018)
BV Status of CRB in Vanuatu Contained to Efate Eradicated (2025)

(2019)
BV Status of bovine genital campylo- Recorded as Diagnostic testing

bacteriosis in Vanuatu (available absent (2018) undertaken and status
here) confirmed. If necessary,
vaccination program
implemented (2020
onwards)
Progress development through BV, VBS, Kava Status of Codex standard for kava Codex Alimenta- Codex standard adopted
CCNASWP of a Codex standard for kava IWG, and PHAMA rius Commission (2022)
Plus approved prepara-
tion of a regional
draft standard for
kava (2017)
Develop and formalise collaborative IPDS/NISCOL Level of application of SPS IPDS and NISCOL IPDS and NISCOL
arrangements between public and measures to exported containers facilities with SCHS retain MPI-ap-
private sector stakeholders to manage (e.g. inspection, cleaning) at MPI-approved Sea proved SCHS and meet
increasing risks to trade associated with Port Vila and Luganville wharves Container Hygiene other trading partners’
sea containers Systems (SCHS, requirements (2022)
2018)
BV Level of application of SPS No BV-approved BV-approved SCHS and
measures to imported containers SCHS and inspec- inspection regime for
(e.g. inspection, cleaning) at tion regime for sea sea containers arriving
Port Vila and Luganville wharves containers arriving in Vanuatu developed
in Vanuatu (2019) and in place (2022)
The VBS is given semi-autonomous MTTCNVB Status of VBS Board To be established Established and opera-
status in line with the provisions of the (2019) tional (2020)
VBS Act MTTCNVB Source of funding for VBS MTTCNVB Budget Government Grant
(2019) (2021)
Notify to the WTO that VBS is the new DET Whether the notification has been No (2019) Yes (2020)
TBT Enquiry Point sent
Draft and approve a National Quality VBS Progress with NQP Being drafted Approved by CoM
Policy (2019) (2020)
Adopt a catalogue of priority national VBS Status of catalogue of priority Not yet started Finalised and approved
standards national standards (2019) in line with provision of
VBS Act (2020)
Establish metrology laboratory and train VBS Status of legal metrology laboratory n.a. (2019) Established and opera-
staff in calibration tional (2025)
VBS Provision of calibration services No (2019) Yes (2025)
Pursue international recognition for the VBS Whether OIML accreditation is No (2019) Yes (2025)
national metrology body (metrology obtained
division of the VBS) from the Intentional
Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML)
The VBS to work towards accreditation VBS Whether VBS services have been No (2019) Yes (2025)
of its conformity assessment services accredited by APAC
261
262
The VBS to support priority domestic VBS Number of domestic CABs None (2019) At least one (2025)
CABs to be accredited (excluding VBS) accredited
Start developing certification schemes VBS Whether VBS staff is trained in No, but capable Yes, to audit (2021)
for some food safety standards - HACCP HACCP and ISO 22000 certification to assist towards
and/or ISO 22000 certification (2019)
VBS Number of companies certified by None, but 2 2 (2021 onward)
VBS in HACCP and ISO 22000 companies
assisted towards
being certified
(2018)
Scope options for regional cooperation, MTTCNVB Whether priorities for regional QI No (2019) Yes, and endorsed by
for example in the areas of measurement cooperation have been identified Trade Ministers (2019)
standards and accreditation services MTTCNVB Status of QI projects to address N.A. (2019) Commenced (2021)
agreed regional priorities
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 7: Doing Business - Reforms for Private Sector Development
Responsible
Agency
CHAPTER 7: DOING BUSINESS - REFORMS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
Finalise and publish the national invest- VIPA Status of National Investment Under develop- Finalised and approved
ment policy Policy ment (2019) by CoM (2019)
Once the national investment policy is VIPA Status of Bill for the Investment To be passed by Passed by Parliament
finalised, present the Bill for the Invest- Promotion and Facilitation Act Parliament and and gazetted (2020)
ment Promotion and Facilitation Act to gazetted (2019)
Parliament
Prepare practical investment promotion VIPA Status of investment promotion To be developed Developed (2021)
strategies for each of the priority sectors strategies for tourism, coconut, (2019)
included in the National Investment beef, kava, fruits & vegetables,
Policy, and use the recommendations cocoa, timber, and fishery products
of the TPFU sectoral chapters to inform
those strategies
Consider converting the business license MFEM CoM decision on converting busi- n.a. (2019) Made (2020)
application into a registration process ness license application process
into a registration process
Amend the Industry Development Act to DoI Status of amendments to the To be made (2019) Made, passed by Parlia-
introduce greater transparency over the Industry Development Act, section ment, and gazetted
imposition of export taxes 12 (2021)
Develop competition legislation MTTCNVB Status of competition legislation To be developed Developed, passed
(2019) by Parliament, and
gazetted (2025)
263
264
Develop consumer protection legislation MTTCNVB Status of consumer legislation To be developed Developed, passed
(2019) by Parliament, and
gazetted (2025)
Consider ratifying the New York Conven- MJCS CoM decision on ratification of n.a. (2019) Made (2020)
tion on the Enforcement of Arbitral the New York Convention on the
Awards Enforcement of Arbitral Awards
Establish an alternative dispute resolu- MJCS Status of alternative dispute resolu- To be established Established (2025)
tion centre tion centre (2019)
Publish consolidated versions of national SLO Whether consolidation of legislation No (2019) Yes (2025)
legislation is undertaken, at least on annual
basis
Development of a national labour policy TLAC Status of national labour policy n.a. (2019) Developed and
approved by CoM
(2021)
Review of all legislation in accordance TLAC Status of amendments to labour-re- To be made (2019) Made, passed by Parlia-
with national labour policy lated legislation* recommended by ment, and gazetted
national labour policy (2025)
[*] Includes:
• Employment Act (CAP 160)
• Trade Unions Act (CAP 161
• Trade Disputes Act (CAP 162
• Minimum Wage and Minimum
Wages Board Act (CAP 182
• Workmen’s Compensation Act
(CAP 202)
• Foreign Investment Promo-
tion Act (CAP 248)
• Immigration Act 2010
Develop a plain language tri-lingual DLES Status of Employee Handbook Not in place In place (2020)
Employee Handbook, and also an (2019)
Employer Handbook VCCI Status of Employer Handbook In place, last Updated (2020)
updated in 2014
(2019)
Establish an information gathering and See recommenda-

data recording project within the Depart- tions in Chapter 8
ment of Labour on LMIS
265
266
Development of a tri-lingual, plain LPMC Status of template land lease Not in place In place (2021) + 1
language template land lease agree- agreement (2019)
ment, with different options for key
legal clauses (rent review, right of way,
transfer of fixtures and improvements,
etc.)
Consider the establishment of a special- LPMC CoM decision on establishment of n.a. Made (2021) + 1
ised advisory unit to assist land owners independent advisory unit to assist
land owners
Produce a final feasibility study on estab- MTTCNVB Status of sector analysis on estab- Being developed Finalised and approved
lishing an Economic Development Zone lishing an Economic Development (2019) by CoM (2020)
Zone
Introduce standard form, trilingual MFEM Status of template plain language n.a. (2019) In place (2020)
(Bislama, English, French) plain security agreement
RBV
language security agreements in respect
of different categories of movable prop-
erty and leasehold interests
Introduce a legislative and regulatory MFEM Status of legislation regulating n.a. (2019) Developed, passed
framework for private credit bureaus credit bureaus by Parliament, and
RBV
gazetted (2025)
Develop consumer credit policy and MFEM Status of consumer credit policy n.a. (2019) Finalised and approved
legislation by CoM (2021)
RBV
MFEM Status of consumer credit legisla- n.a. (2019) Developed, passed
tion by Parliament, and
RBV
gazetted (2025)
Close the Vanuatu Agricultural Develop- MFEM Whether the VADB has been liqui- No (2019) Yes (2025)
ment Bank dated*
RBV
[*] Liquidation is intended as the

process of bringing a business to
an end and distributing its assets to
claimants
Introduce a personal bankruptcy frame- MFEM Status of personal bankruptcy n.a. (2019) Developed, passed
work that provides individuals with a legislation by Parliament, and
RBV
cost-effective process for discharging gazetted (2025)
their debts
Monitor implementation of the Financial RBV Status of FIS monitoring reports [to be confirmed] Regularly produced and
Inclusion Strategy 2018-2023, and, in (2019) submitted to NTDC, at
particular, prioritise the development of least annually (2020
the MSME policy and legislation onwards)
ORCBDS Status of Small Businesses Devel- Draft (2019) Approved by Parliament
opment Act and gazetted (2020)
ORCBDS Status of MSMEs policy To be updated Updated (2020)

(2019)
Develop legislation relating to payment MFEM Status of payment systems legis- Under develop- Developed, passed
systems lation ment (2019) by Parliament, and
RBV
gazetted (2020)
Consider regulating interchange fees MFEM CoM decision on whether to regu- n.a. (2019) Made (2020)
late (cap) interchange fees
RBV
Monitor ongoing compliance with, and FIU Status of AML-FT monitoring [to be confirmed] Regularly produced and
international developments in anti-money reports (2019) submitted to NTDC, at
laundering and combating the financing least annually (2020
of terrorism requirements onwards)
267
268
Establish a proper legal framework for VanIPO Status of legislation establishing n.a. (2019) Developed, passed + 2
the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office VanIPO as a statutory body by Parliament, and
(VanIPO) gazetted (2021)
Finalise legal framework on the protec- VanIPO Status of the Bill for the Developed (2019) Passed by Parliament, + 2
tion of expressions of culture and tradi- and gazetted (2019)
Protection of Traditional Knowledge
tional knowledge and
Expressions of Culture
Implement the Industrial Property Auto- VanIPO Status of IPAS implementation Ongoing (2019) Completed and opera-
mation System (IPAS) tional (2020)
Review intellectual property laws to iden- VanIPO Whether IP laws review has been No (2019) Yes (2020)
tify main gaps to be addressed; in first undertaken
instance, consider the following VanIPO Status of regulations for Patent and n.a. (2019) Approved by competent
· Draft required regulations under Design acts Minister (2020)
Patent Act and the Design Act VanIPO Status of amendments to the To be made (2019) Made, passed by Parlia- + 2
Geographical Indications Act to ment, and gazetted
· Extend protection of Geographical
extend protection beyond wines (2021)
Indications beyond wines
VanIPO CoM decision on joining WIPO n.a. (2019) Made (2020) + 2
· Consider joining the systems systems for international protection
provide for international protection of (1) patents, (2) trademarks, (3)
of patents, trademarks, design design systems, and (4) appella-
systems, and appellations of origin
tions of origin
Approve State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) MFEM Status of Commercial Government With the Parlia- Passed by Parliament,
legislation Business Enterprises (CGBEs) Bill ment’s ad-hoc and gazetted (2020)
Committee (2019)
Finalise on-lending policy for SOEs MFEM Status of on-lending policy for n.a. (2019) Finalised and approved
SOEs (CGBEs) and minority by CoM (2020)
interest enterprises
Close certain SOEs, including VADB, MFEM Whether VADB is closed and liqui- No (2019) Yes (2025)
AMU, VLDC, and VCMB dated
MFEM Whether AMU is closed and liqui- No (2019) Yes (2025)
dated
MFEM Whether VLDC is closed and liqui- No (2019) Yes (2025)
dated
MFEM Whether VCMB is closed and No (2019) Yes (2025)
liquidated
Review Government procurement policy MFEM Status of review of Government Under Review Review completed,
and legislation to streamline the procure- Tenders Act (2019) and amendment made,
ment process passed by Parliament,
and gazetted (2021)
MFEM Status of review of Government Under Review Review completed, and
Tender Regulations (2019) approved by competent
Minister (2021)
Confirm compliance with the Vanuatu VCCI Status of report on VCCI funding n.a. (2019) Submitted to NTDC
Chamber of Commerce and Industry arrangements (2020)
(VCCI) funding arrangements as set out
in the VCCI Act
Implement the VCCI Strategic Plan VCCI Annual report on Implementation of n.a. (2019) Submitted to NTDC
2019-2021 VCCI Strategic Plan 2019-2021 (2020 onwards)
269
270
Amend VCCI legislation to: MTTCNVB Status of amendments to VCCI To be made (2019) Made, passed by Parlia-
legislation ment, and gazetted
• encourage youth and Ni-Vanuatu
(2021)
participation in VCCI governance
structure
• restrict the number of consecutive
elections by any person to the posi-
tion of councillor
Government to provide an informational VCCI Whether the brochure has been No (2019) Yes (2020)
brochure on VCCI’s mandate to all produced and disseminated
MTTCNVB
companies when the business license
fee is paid
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 8: Education and Skills
Formalise VCCI and Government consul- MTTCNVB Whether a formal consultation No (2019) Yes (2020)
tation arrangements arrangement has been drafted and
VCCI
signed
Strengthen the private sector’s under- VCCI Whether the President and General n.a. (2019) Yes (2020)
standing of the NTDC process and Manager of VCCI are included as
structure NTDC members in the approved
Trade Governance Act
TPFU Recommendation R e s p o n s i b l e Indicator Baseline Target TEI* TEC*
Implementing
Agency
Improve primary and secondary educa- MoET Net enrolment; completion rate; tbc tbc
tion, including in areas such as net percentage of certified teachers;
enrolment, completion rates, certified percentage of underachievement in
teachers, and educational attainment VANSTA
That the Department of Labour establish DoL Status LMIS Not established Established and func-
a web-based Labour Market Information (2019) tional (2020)
System (LMIS)
That the Department of Labour conduct DoL Status Comprehensive Labour Not undertaken. Undertaken (2020,
comprehensive labour market research Market Research (2019) 2023, and 2026)
on a triennial basis (as a minimum)
in collaboration with key industry
groups such as the Vanuatu Chamber
of Commerce and Industry and other
professional associations
That the web-based LMIS facilitates data DoL LMIS data reports n.a. (2019) Produced regularly
input from industry on a routine basis (quarterly) and circu-
to supplement and keep current labour lated by DoL (2020
market data between triennial surveys onward)
271
272
That the labour market data be provided DoL LMIS data reports n.a. (2019) Produced regularly
to key agencies such as the VQA, (quarterly) and circu-
Tertiary Education Directorate and the lated by DoL (2020
Institute of Higher Education (once onward)
established) to ensure course devel-
opment and accreditation is aligned
to industry and national development
priorities, and to ensure all investments
in PSET are similarly aligned
That the LMIS also facilitates career DoL LMIS ‘modules’ on occupational n.a. (2019) Established and func-
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 8: Education and Skills
counselling and employment by providing options and vacancies tional (2021)

extensive information on occupational
options and information of employment
vacancies posted by employers
That the VQA and PSET Providers note VQA Number of accredited qualifications 9 (2018) Increases compared to
the skill shortages and skill gaps iden- at Certificate IV and diploma levels baseline (2020 onward)
tified in the 2018 Industry Survey and
develop relevant courses for accredita-
tion and delivery as soon as possible
That the PSET providers recognise the MoET Number of accredited short courses 4 (2018) Increases compared to
opportunity to expand their revenue base provided by PSET Providers for a baseline (2020 onward)
and become more responsive to industry fee
needs by offering increased levels of MoET PSET Providers’ revenues from VUV 500,000 Increases compared to
on-the-job training of accredited short short courses provided for a fee (2018) baseline (2020 onward)
courses for a fee
That the Tertiary Education Directorate, MoET Training needs analyses of PSET Not undertaken Undertaken (2020,
note the skills shortages and skills gaps instructors/teachers (2018) 2022, 2024)
identified in the 2018 Industry Survey MoET Professional development programs Not established Established (2021
and initiate the provision of professional for PSET instructors/teachers to (2018) onwards)
development programs for current meet training needs
PSET instructors in these priority areas
to ensure they have the skills to meet MoET Number of PSET instructors/ 50 (2018) Increases compared to
industry standards teachers attending development baseline (2020 onward)
programs to meet training needs
MoET Annual performance review of Not undertaken Undertaken (2020
PSET instructors/teachers (2018) onwards)
MoET Performance of PSET instructors/ n.a. (2018) Increases compared to
teachers baseline (2021 onward)
That PSET Providers establish working MoET Number MOUs between PSET zero (2018) Increases compared to
partnerships with industry to facilitate Providers and industry sectors to baseline (2020 onward)
the placement of instructors on work facilitate placement of instructors/
experience to improve their currency and teachers
gain a better understanding of industry MoET Survey of industry satisfaction with Not undertaken Undertaken (2020
requirements PSET providers (2018) onwards)
MoET Degree of industry satisfaction with n.a. (2019) Increases compared to
PSET providers baseline (2021 onward)
MoET Number of instructors placed on n.a. (2019) 10 per year across all
work experiences in private compa- PSET providers
nies
That an Institute of Higher Education MoET Status of legislation to establish Not in place Passed in Parliament
is established with each of the merged Vanuatu Institute of Higher Educa- (2019) and gazetted (2020)
institutes becoming schools or depart- tion (VIHE)
ments of a semi-autonomous statutory
authority accountable to the Minister of
Education and Training through a Board
of Directors
273
274
That budget allocations for the effec- MoET Performance-based component for n.a. (2019) Included in legislation to
tive running of the Institute of Higher budget allocation to the Vanuatu establish Vanuatu Insti-
Education include a performance-based Institute of Higher Education tute of Higher Education
component conditional on the achieve- (2020)
ment of specific targets linked to the
NHRDP and national development
objectives
That funding to establish and maintain MoET Budget of the Institute of Higher VUV785m (2018) • VUV 827m (2020)
the Institute of Higher Education be Education
• VUV 903m (2022)
derived from the sum of existing appro-
priations of the Public PSET Providers • VUV 903m (2024)
plus an increasing share of overall • VUV 903m (2026)
scholarships allocations for delivery of
scholarships in Vanuatu
That the award of international and MoET Annual reviews on alignment n.a. (2019) Undertaken (2020
national scholarships be demand driven between scholarship awards and onward)
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 9: Trade and Sustainable Development
- directly linked to the NHRDP and any LMIS skill shortage data
emerging areas of skill shortages and MoET Degree of alignment between n.a. (2019) Improves compared to
gaps identified in regular labour market scholarship awards and LMIS skill baseline (2021 onward)
research undertaken by the Department shortage data
of Labour MoET Tracer studies of scholarship grad- n.a. (2019) Routinely undertaken
uates (2020 onward)
MoET Time needed for scholarship grad- n.a. (2019) 6 months (2020 onward)
uates to find employment in the
chosen field
That triennial impact evaluations of the MoET Triennial impact evaluations of the n.a. (2019) Undertaken (2020,
scholarship program be undertaken scholarship program 2023, and 2026)
to measure outcomes and to inform
ongoing review of the NHRDP and
adjustments to award criteria
That overall PSET investments by MoET Time needed for scholarship grad- n.a. (2019) • Included in legis-
Government, including current schol- uates at a PSET provider to find lation as a crite-
arship allocations, include perfor- employment in the chosen field rion of the perfor-
mance-based funding approaches to mance-based
provide incentive for public and private component for
providers to improve their standards to budget alloca-
the level required for scholarship award tion to the VIHE
(2020)
• Introduced as a
mandatory crite-
rion for schol-
arship awards
(2020)
That performance-based funding criteria MoET Number of students trained in rural n.a. (2019) Included in legislation
have a focus on meeting access and areas (2020) as a criterion of the
inclusion targets – particularly in rural performance-based
and remote areas component for budget
allocation to the VIHE
(2020)
That performance-based funding criteria MoET Share of resources derived from n.a. (2019) Included in legislation
include revenue targets derived from sale of education and training as a criterion of the
sale of education and training services services to the private sector performance-based
to the private sector through flexible (2020) component for budget
workplace delivery allocation to the VIHE
(2020)
That performance-based funding criteria MoET Share of accredited courses at n.a. (2019) Included in legislation
include targets for the accreditation and Certificate III level and above as a criterion of the
delivery of qualifications at VQF certifi- (2020) performance-based
cate level three and above component for budget
allocation to the VIHE
(2020)
275
276
Responsible
Agency
CHAPTER 9: TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Strengthen the relationship between MTTCNVB Whether automatic forwarding from Not in place VIPA automatically
VIPA and the DEPC, by establishing VIPA is in place (2019) forwards foreign invest-
an obligation for VIPA to automatically ment applications to
forward each foreign investment applica- DEPC (2020)
tion to the DEPC
Update VIPA’s investment application VIPA Status of changes to VIPA’s invest- Not in place Introduced (2019)
template to clearly inform the foreign ment application template to clarify (2019)
investment applicants about the legal obligation to take environmental
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 9: Trade and Sustainable Development
necessity to take environmental permits permits from the DEPC

from the DEPC before beginning any
project in Vanuatu
Strengthen the relationship between the PMO Whether automatic forwarding from Not in place Aid Coordination Unit
Prime Minister’s Office’s Aid Coordina- Aid Coordination Unit is in place (2011) automatically forwards
tion Unit and the DEPC, by establishing foreign investment
an obligation for the Aid Coordination applications to DEPC
Unit to automatically forward each (2020)
project design document to the DEPC
Strengthen capacity within the DEPC to MCCA Number of officers in the DEPC Three officers for Increase compared to
conduct PEAs and evaluate EIAs allocated for PEAs and EIAs - PEAs, and one baseline (2020 onward)
formulation plus compliance compliance officer
(2019)
Scale up the tourism accreditation Department of Number of provinces where accred- Two (2019) 6 (2025)
compliance process at national level to Tourism itation process complies with EPC
ensure compliance with the EPC Act Act
Explore the option of conducting Stra- DEPC Status of decision as to whether Not taken (2019) Taken (2020)
tegic Environmental Assessments for key or not to pursue Strategic Environ-
export sectors, through assistance from mental Assessments
the ADB and/or the SPREP
Approve the DSM policy after consulta- Ministry of Status of National DSM policy Not in place Approved (2020) + 1,5
tions, and amend the regulatory frame- Internal Affairs approved (2019)
work in line with the policy’s recommen-
dations
Conduct a National Forest Inventory Department of Status of National Forest Inventory Not in place Completed (2020) + 2,5
(NFI) and National Carbon Stock Assess- Forestry (NFI) and National Carbon Stock (2019)
ment by 2020 Assessment
Continue to monitor annual catch Department of Difference between sustainable 3168 metric Remains positive (2019
volumes for EEZ fish (e.g. tuna) and Fisheries yield limits and annual catch tonnes (2016) onwards)
ensure they remain below the sustain- volumes, by species: Albacore
able yield limits Department of Difference, Bigeye 715 metric tonnes Remains positive (2019
Fisheries (2016) onwards)
Department of Difference, Skipjack 2869 metric Remains positive (2019
Fisheries tonnes (2016) onwards)
Department of Difference, Yellowfin 1523 metric Remains positive (2019
Fisheries tonnes (2016) onwards)
Secure donor assistance (from ADB or Department of Status of Tails program Tails program in Donor support for
SPC) to continue implementing the Tails Fisheries place, but needs continued implementa-
program to develop a better dataset of additional donor tion of the Tails program
reef and lagoon fisheries support (2019) is secured (2020)
Continue pursuing renewable options to Department of Percentage off-grid electricity from [to be confirmed] Increases compared
increase off-grid access to electricity Energy renewable sources (2019) to baseline (2020
onwards)
277
278
Work with bilateral donor partners and Department of Value of donor-funded energy USD 3.9m (2015- Increases compared
multilateral funds such as the GEF and Energy project, 3-year moving average 17) to baseline (2016-18
the GCF to secure capital expenditure onwards)
for establishing wind farms and solar
plants
Work with bilateral donor partners and See above See above See above See above
multilateral funds such as the GEF and
the GCF to secure capital expenditure
for stabilisation infrastructure, such as
spinning reserves and storage systems,
to ensure grid stability
Explore options for increasing the Department Percentage electricity generated 1.8% (April 2019) Increases compared
production of coconut oil and expanding of Energy and from coconut oil to baseline (2021
its use for generating thermal electricity Department of onwards)
Agriculture and
Rural Develop-
ment
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 10: Trade Mainstreaming and Its Pillars
Assess the geothermal potential in Department of Status of decision on whether Not taken (2019) Taken (2020) - 1,5
Vanuatu, notably on Efate, and, if Energy proceed with geothermal energy
significant, facilitate a way forward to generation on North Efate
solve land and concession-related issues
preventing its commercial exploitation
Raise awareness on the linkages NAB Number of NAB meetings per year 0 (2019) 1 (2020 onwards)
between trade and natural disasters at where linkages with trade are
the NTDC, and seek membership of the tabled and discussed
NAB so that trade can be further main- MTTCNVB Number of NTDC meetings per year 0 (2019) 1 (2020 onwards)
streamed into climate change mitigation where linkages with climate change
and adaptation, and disaster response, and disaster response, recovery
recovery, and resilience and resilience and tabled and
discussed
Track and regularly report relevant indi- Department of Number of NTDC meetings per 0 (2019) 1 (2020 onwards)
cators of the National Gender Equality Women’s Affairs year where indicators from the
Policy and the National Financial National Gender Equality Policy
Inclusion Strategy to the National Trade and the National Financial Inclusion
Development Committee Strategy are reported
Track and regularly report the Melane- VNSO and Malva- Number of NTDC meetings per year 0 (2019) 1 (2020 onwards) + all
sian Wellbeing Indicators (“Alternative tumauri Council of where the Melanesian Wellbeing
Indicators for Well-being in Melanesia”), Chiefs Indicators (“Alternative Indicators
depending on the availability of data on for Well-being in Melanesia”) are
these indicators reported
279
280
Responsible
Agency
Continue devoting adequate resources MTTCNVB Number of updated TPFIM Status 3/year (2019) 3/year (2020 onward)
the TPFU’s monitoring and evaluation Reports issued to the NTDC
Promote trade policy mainstreaming, MTTCNVB Number of national policies from 4 (2019) 7 (2025)
including explicit reference to the TPFU MTTCNVB, MALFFB, MoET, MIPU,
2019-2025 in relevant policies by the MCCE, and PMO mentioning the
Ministries of Tourism, Trade, Commerce TPF or TPFU
and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB),
Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fish-
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 10: Trade Mainstreaming and Its Pillars
eries and Biosecurity (MALFFB), Educa-

tion and Training (MoET), Infrastructures
and Public Utilities (MIPU), Climate
Change and Energy (MCCE), and the
Prime Minister Office (PMO)
Approve a Trade Governance Act MTTNCVB Status of Trade Governance Act Draft bill (2019) Approved by Parliament
legally establishing the NTDC, giving and gazetted (2020)
legal status to its recommendations,
promoting stronger MALFFB-MTTCNVB
cooperation, ensuring senior representa-
tion at its meetings, setting-up a proce-
dure to establish advisory public-private
working groups, and legally establishing
the National Trade Facilitation Steering
Committee
Map decision-making bodies under the MTTCNVB Whether MTTCNVB is a member of No (2019) Yes (2021)
MALFFB, MoET, MIPU, and MCCE, and the Scholarship Board
seek MTTCNVB membership in relevant MTTCNVB Number of decision-making bodies 4* (2019) Increase compared to
ones, for example the Scholarship Board under MALFFB, MoET, MIPU, baseline (2020 onward)
under MoET MCCE having MTTCNVB as
member [*] VQA Board,
VPMU-SC, NAB,
VPPA
Increase MTTCNVB engagement with MTTCNVB Whether MTTCNVB is a member of No (2019) Yes (2020)
National Advisory Board on Climate the NAB
Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
(NAB)
Use the TPFU 2019-2025 to create a MTTCNVB MTTCNVB budget appropriated VUV 410.6m, VUV 500m (2025)
unifying narrative for the MTTCNVB’s 1.5% of total
New Policy Proposals (NPPs) government
(2019)
281
282
Use the TPFU 2019-2025’s strategies MTTCNVB Whether the TPFU’s strategies and n.a. (2019) Yes (2020 onward)
and targets to inform the MTTCNVB’s targets are included as appropriate
corporate plan and its agencies’ busi- in the MTTCNVB’s corporate plan
ness plans MTTCNVB Number of MTTCNVB’s business n.a. (2019) 9* (2020 onwards)
plans adopting TPFU’s strategies
and targets
[*] DoI, DoT, ORCBDS,
VIPA, VTO, VBS,
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 11: Goods
VanIPO, CSU, TDD

Undertake a capacity assessment of the MTTCNVB Status of MTTCNVB’s capacity Not in place Undertaken (2021)
MTTCNVB’s staff, including recommen- assessment (2019)
dations on departmental structures and
tailored training options
Formally engage World Bank, Asian MTTCNVB Total value of Aid-for-Trade projects Nil (2018) Increase compared to
Development Bank (ADB), China, and funded by WB, ADB, CN, JP, and baseline (2023 onward)
Japan to scope options for new Aid managed by MTTNCVB
for Trade projects managed by the
MTTCNVB
Promote a donor roundtable on opportu- MTTNCVB Whether a MTTCNVB donor round- No (2019) Yes (2023)
nities for blended projects managed by table on blended trade projects has
the MTTCNVB taken place
Regularly monitor Aid-for-Trade to MTTCNVB Number of NTDC papers on Aid-for- None (2019) 1 (2020 onward)
ensure it is aligned with the country Trade trends, per year
needs
TPFU Recommendation Responsible Indicator Baseline Target TEI* TEC*
Implementing
Agency
CHAPTER 11: GOODS
Coconut
Continue to roll out the coconut DARD Number of trees planted 2016-2025 n.a. 700,000 new trees
replanting programme, including by (2022)
pursuing techniques such as G3PH, and 1 million new trees
strengthen capacity to establish nurs- (2025)
eries and supply farmers with seedlings
Promote research in genetic improved DARD/VARTC New varieties of coconut trees n.a. One new coconut
varieties (flavour and yield) rolled out variety rolled out (2025)
Pursue product diversification in new DoI Number of edible non-oil products Zero One (2022)
edible non-oil products (milk, water, and non-food products exported Three (2024)
sugar, etc.) and non-food products
Undertake a study on Virgin Coconut DoI Status of study on market oppor- Not undertaken Market study on coconut
Oil (VCO) and other coconut products tunities VCO and other coconut opportunities finalised
to identify market access’ opportunities products (2020)
and challenges, demand and supply
imbalances, and reinforce linkages in the
value chains
283
284
Develop a pest control framework DoB Status of pest control framework Not established Pest control framework
involving specific preparedness and established (2022)
response strategies, in line with rele-
vant FAO’s International Standards for
Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs)
Adopt national standards for coconut VBS/DARD Status of Good Agriculture Prac- No national stan- Standard adopted
production and primary processing tices dard (2020)
(Good Agriculture Practices), as well as VBS Status of Codex Standards for VCO No national stan- Standard adopted
for further processing (e.g. Codex standard (2020)
dards) which are aligned with interna-
tional standards
Improve handling, transport and storage VBS Number of trainings carried out n.a. tbc once standard
conditions of primary processed coconut established
products – based on the recommenda-
tions of the adopted national standard
Introduce HS8 Code for premium copra DCIR HS8 Code Status No HS8 Code HS8 Code established
(2020)
Improve the quality of copra (transition DARD Percentage of copra exported 20% (2019)* 30% (2022)
from crude copra to premium copra) and which is premium 50% (2025)
Virgin Coconut Oil (training in hygiene
and sanitary practices, and technical [*] Based on own
support) to meet relevant international calculations
standards VBS Number of farmers trained in good tbc tbc
VCO practices
Beef
Increase the number of extension DLV Number of extension officers tbc tbc
officers working for the Department of employed by MALFFB with Live-
Livestock stock training
Increase training for pasture manage- DLV Number of farmers trained relating tbc tbc
ment to pasture management
Increase training for water management DLV Number of farmers trained relating tbc tbc
to water management
Promote alternatives to cattle as ‘custom DLV Number of pigs and goats in the tbc (2020 Popula- 30% increase compared +/- 3
kill’ country tion Census) to baseline (2025)
Increase the calving rates, particularly DLV Overall calving rate 55% 70% (2024)
amongst smallholders
DLV Calving rate (smallholders) 36% 50% (2024)
Continue implementing stage 2 of the DLV Number of cattle distributed tbc tbc
Cattle Re-stocking Programme, with a
focus on economic opportunities
If necessary, and as part of a revitalisa- DoI Number of abattoirs functioning At least one in At least one in Efate,
tion program for the industry, provide Efate, and one in and one in Espiritu
temporary support to the abattoirs, to Espiritu Santo Santo (ongoing)
ensure they remain operating
Maintain animal disease-free status, and DoB Status of the National Plant Pest Not developed National Plant Pest
seek international recognition for it and Disease Surveillance System developed
(livestock parts)
Pilot for chemical residue testing and DoB Status of pilot programme Pilot not under- Pilot undertaken for
beef traceability, for access into high- taken chemical residue testing
value markets and beef traceability
(2022)
Kava
Register Geographical Indication for VanIPO Status of GI for kava GI not registered GI for kava registered + 2
Kava internationally (2020)
285
286
Improve data of the kava markets: DARD Data on kava supply No good data Kava supply included
domestic supply as population census
(2020)
Kava supply included

in agriculture census
(2023)
Improve data of the kava markets: DoI Status of study on domestic Not undertaken Completed (2021)
domestic demand demand
Improve data of the kava markets: inter- DoI Status of study on international Not undertaken Completed (2021)
national demand kava market
Ensure, as far as possible, that the [tbc] Status of market in Europe Open (2019) Open (2020 onwards)
European market remains open for kava
exports
Develop a promotion strategy to boost DoI Status of kava promotion strategy No strategy Kava promotion strategy
global kava demand and stimulate FDIs developed (2022)
Improve the governance mechanisms: DoI/DARD Whether VKIA is self-funded No Yes (2023)
Support the Vanuatu Kava Industry
Association to find a long-term funding
mechanism
Improve the governance mechanisms: DARD Frequency of Kava forums Annual (2018 and At least bi-annual
Continue to run annual Kava Forums 2019) (2020, 2022, 2024)
Improve the governance mechanisms: DoI Status of Pacific Kava Council Council is defunct Pacific Kava Council
Revive Pacific Kava Council under meets and agrees a ToR
Vanuatu leadership (2020)
Improve quality: Complete the FAO/WHO DoB Status of Codex Standard for kava Kava Codex Stan- Kava Codex standard
Codex Alimentarius standards dard is at stage 5 agreed and published
(2021)
Improve quality: Establish quality trace- DARD Status of kava traceability criteria No traceability Traceability criteria
ability criteria and mechanisms criteria established (2022)
Improve quality: Develop and enforce VBS Status of Nakamal standards No standards Standards established
domestic standards for the municipal (2021)
areas PVMC/LMC Number of tests on kava bars n.a. 200 tests of kava bars
annually in Port Vila and 100
tests of kava bars in
Luganville (annually,
from 2022)
Improve quality: Develop kava product VBS Status of kava product labelling No standards Established (2021)
labelling standards standards
Improve the testing capability of relevant VBS Whether VBS has regular access No Yes (2024)
Government authorities to High-Performance Thin Layer
Chromatography test
Fruits and vegetables
Consider establishing a national ORCBDS/DARD Status of study into feasibility of Not undertaken Undertaken (2021)
commodity exchange platform this proposal
Improve and define Vanuatu Coopera- ORCBDS Status of building renovation for Not completed Completed (2020)
tives Business Network’s institutional VCBN
capacity and scope ORCBDS Status of VCBN Business Plan Not started Completed (2021)
Reduce reliance on imported food where DARD Value of imported F&V falling under VUV 530 million VUV 480 million (2022) + 3
products can be grown domestically HS 07 and HS 08 in DCIR data (2017) VUV 420 million (2025)
Improve skills, at both farming and DARD/DoI Number of trainings carried out n.a. tbc
processing level
287
288
Improve storage facilities and cold rooms ORCBDS Number of storage facilities n.a. At least one in the
at strategic locations improved/established Shefa province (2021);
At least one in one or
more of the other prov-
inces (2024)
ORCBDS Number of cold rooms improved/ n.a. At least one in the
established Shefa province (2021);
At least one in one or
more of the other prov-
inces (2024)
Design and establish a grant facility to DoI/ORCBDS Status of grant facility for small- n.a. Established (2021)
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 12: Tourism Services
provide finance to smallholders devel- holders

oping innovative products and generating
employment
Improve research and extension systems DARD Number of trainings carried out tbc tbc
(improve the use of technology) – soil
laboratory, hydroponics, irrigation,
covered structures (greenhouses), and
practices to extend fruiting seasons
Use improved and proven crop varieties DARD Number of crop varieties distributed tbc tbc
Promote technical assistance and DARD/DoI Number of trainings carried out tbc tbc
training in agro-processing practices and
marketing
Establishing quarantine treatment Biosecurity Number of facilities and protocols n.a. tbc
facilities and protocols where a robust established
business case exist for export of certain
fruits and vegetables
Strengthen pest controls to maintain low Biosecurity Status of pest controls strength- Not undertaken tbc
pest prevalence ening
Develop/review relevant national stan- VBS/DARD Status of national standards for No national stan- tbc
dards for Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and Vegetables dard
Forestry products
Create unique HS codes for sandalwood DCIR Status of HS codes for sandalwood Not developed Developed (2020)
and sandalwood oil and sandalwood oil
Commission an independent sandalwood DoF Status of study on the sandalwood Not undertaken Undertaken (2021)
value chain study in Vanuatu. The study value chain
objectives would be twofold: 1) review
and assess the sandalwood supply chain
and its regulatory framework (replanting
plans, quota, licenses, royalties,
minimum pricing) vis-à-vis potential
improvements (auction pricing, limiting
licenses, resource base aggregation),
and 2) assess the economic rationale
behind encouraging domestic processing
of sandalwood
Cocoa
Establish a cocoa nursery and replant DARD Status of cocoa nursery No nursery Cocoa nursery estab-
cocoa trees using genetically productive lished (2021)
varieties of seedlings DARD Cocoa replanting programme rolled n.a. tbc
out using genetically improved
varieties
289
290
Improve quality consistency by providing DARD/ORCBDS Number of storage facilities and n.a. At least one storage
post-drying facilities such as storage and cold rooms established facility for cocoa estab-
cold rooms at key ports of entry lished in the Malampa
province (2024)
At least one storage

facility for cocoa in one
or more of the other
provinces (2024)
Promote and improve Vanuatu’s visibility DoI/VCCI International (chocolate) fairs n.a. 5 (2025)
as a cocoa producer and chocolate attended by Vanuatu manufacturers
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 12: Tourism Services
manufacturer
Fisheries
Continue to monitor annual catch See Chapter 9
volumes for EEZ fish (e.g. tuna) and
ensure they remain below the sustain-
able yield limits
Monitor fish processing plant and fish DFS/DoI Annual performance report n.a. Annual presentation to
markets performances, including finan- presented at the NTDC on Q1 NTDC regarding the
cial viability progress of the fish
industry (ongoing)
TPFU Recommendation Responsible Indicator Baseline Target TEI* TEC*
Implementing
Agency
Increase tourism arrivals by air and by sea VTO/DoT Air arrivals 109,170 (2017) 2019 - 119,519
and ensure the sustainable development 2020 - 134,739
of the sector through enhanced sector
management and planning 2021 - 144,923
2022 - 154,508
2023 - 166,391
2025 - 205,765
VTO/DoT Cruise passengers 223,551 (2017) 2019 – 263,655
2020 – 286,329
2021 – 310,953
2022 – 337,695
2023 – 366,737
2025 – 398,276
DoT Status of Vanuatu Sustainable [tbc] [tbc]
Tourism Plan implementation
Increase the value of the VTO marketing VTO VTO Budget VUV 250m (2018) 2019 - 657m
funds through a combination of levy and 2020 - 735m
government grant to fully implement the
Vanuatu Tourism Market Development 2021 - 727m
Plan (VTMDP) 2022 - 731m
2023 - 757m
2025 - 887m
291
292
Provide the necessary support and develop VTO Annual contributions to the TMDF VUV 30 (target VUV 110m (2025)
mechanisms to broaden the application of 2018)
the Tourism Marketing Development Fund
(TMDF) to all businesses who are direct or
indirect beneficiaries of tourism.
Expand training provision to meet VIT VIT Tourism and Hospitality gradu- [to be confirmed] Increases compared to
increased demand for skilled tourism and ates (2018) baseline (2019 onwards)
hospitality workers domestically and inter-
nationally. APTC APTC Ni-Vanuatu graduates • 27 (2017) 57 (2025)
• Cert III Hospitality • 10 (2017) 32 (2025)
• Cert III Tourism • 17 (2017) 34 (2025)
• Cert IV Hospitality
Vanuatu Skills Tourism business clients supported 130 (2018) 260 (2025)
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 13: Other Services (Offshore and ICT)
Partnership through Vanuatu Skills Partnership

in the four provinces
Continue to invest in infrastructure mainte- AVL AVL budget for operations and main- [to be confirmed] [to be confirmed] (2025)
nance and upgrading to facilitate tourism tenance of international airports (2019)
growth including wharfs, airports, roads,
waste management and sewage systems.
Continue to facilitate dispersal of tourists VTO/DoT Visitors travelling to outer islands 27,348 (2017) 2023 - 46,027 +/- 1,2,
away from Port Vila by marketing the outer 5,6
2030 - 87,872
island attractions and dispersing cruise
International air visitor arrivals 4,874 (2017) 2023 - 11,492 +/- 1,2,
visitors around Efate and to Espiritu Santo. VTO/DoT
beyond Efate/Espiritu Santo and 5,6
2030 - 21,937
Tanna
VTO/DoT Percentage of cruise ship calls 49% (2017) 60% (2023) +/- 1,2,
outside of Efate 5,6
64% (2025)
Implement the Vanuatu Agritourism Plan of DARD Percentage of imported fresh fruit 54% (2015) 48% (2025)
Action (VAPA) including building stronger and vegetables used by hotels
linkages between tourism and the produc-
tive sectors including agriculture, livestock,
poultry and fisheries through increased
local production.
Review the Vanuatu Strategic Action Plan DoT Review of VSTAP No (2017) Yes (2018)
(VSTAP) and facilitate enhanced public/ DoT New Tourism Sector Plan Developed Not in place (2017) Drafted and endorsed by
private sector dialogue, to formulate a new (VSTAP II) GoV (2019)
overarching tourism sector plan (VSTAP II)
to provide an updated roadmap for sector
development beyond 2018.
293
294
Responsible
Agency
Set-up an Offshore Financial Centre VFSC Status of the OFCWG Not established Established (2020)
Working Group (OFCWG) under the (2019)
National Trade Development Committee
(NTDC) to spearhead innovation in the
sector and structure dialogue with the
industry
OFCWG to commission a study on VFSC and FCA Status of independent study on Not undertaken Undertaken and
new services that can be realistically emerging opportunities for export of (2019) submitted to NTDC
Implementation Matrix | Ch. 13: Other Services (Offshore and ICT)
exported and technologies that can offshore new offshore services (2020)
realistically be adopted within a regula-
tory framework which meets international
standards
OFCWG representatives to undertake VFSC and FCA Status of the study trip by OFCWG Not undertaken Undertaken and
study trip in leading OFC to better delegation to better assess options (2019) submitted to NTDC
assess options for innovation for innovation (2020)
VFSC and FCA Status of the mission report by Not undertaken Undertaken and
OFCWG delegation (2019) submitted to the NTDC
(2020)
Review resourcing of VFSC to ensure VFSC Status of the review to assess Not undertaken Undertaken (2020)
it has adequate financial ability and adequacy of VFSC resources to (2019)
autonomy to promote the OFC promote OFC
Move registration functions for online VFSC, RBV and Entity with the mandate of registra- DCIR (2019) VFSC (2021)
gaming to VFSC to better promote a MFEM tion for online gaming
sector which shares features with the
offshore industry
Study relevant overseas country expe- OGCIO Status of the study relevant Not undertaken Undertaken and
riences on e-Government services and overseas countries e-Government (2019) submitted to the NTDC
present recommendations to emulate its services (2020)
good practices
Approve a Privacy and Data Protection OGCIO, SLO, Status of Privacy and Data Protec- Not in place Passed in Parliament
Act TRBR tion Act (2019) and gazetted (2020)
Approve a Consumer Protection Act, OGCIO, SLO, Status of Consumer Protection Act Not in place Passed in Parliament
including online and offline protection TRBR (2019) and gazetted (2020)
(or update existing regulations to include
online consumer protection and redress
mechanisms for online consumers)
Update the 2013 National Cybersecurity OGCIO, SLO, Status of National Cybersecurity Outdated / Not in Updated / Passed in
Policy and develop corresponding Cyber- TRBR Policy / Cybercrime Act place (2019) Parliament and gazetted
security Act (2020)
295
296
Establish a “digital governance roadmap” OGCIO Status of the digital governance To be drafted Drafted and approved
to drive development of a digital govern- roadmap (2019) by CoM (2020)
ment platform in Vanuatu
Establish a digital government (e-Gov- OGCIO Status of the digital government Not in place In place (2021)
ernment) platform to: platform serving as entry point for (2019)
the supply of digital government
• Provide better government
services
services
• Support the move away from
paper-based data collection to
electronic data
• Digitise and automate payments
ANNEX 1: Lessons Learned from Off-Track Recommendations in the TPF 2012
• Generate opportunities for

content, application, and website
development
As part of the establishment of the OGCIO Number of government agencies 3* (2019) Improves compared to
e-Government platform: providing integrated online services baseline (2021 onward)
to citizens and businesses,
• identify government agencies
including payments or issuance of [*] DCIR, TRBR,
directly involved with trade in ICT
license/permits online VFSC
and ITC-enabled services, secure
funding, and kick start the process
leading to the online provision OGCIO Number of online services provided 3* (2019) Improves compared to
of their services to citizens and by government agencies (including baseline (2021 onward)
businesses payments or issuance of license/
permits online) [*] 1 TRBR
• prioritise digitalisation of Financial
Intelligence Unit, Reserve Bank (radio frequency)
of Vanuatu, Vanuatu Financial 1 DCIR
Service Commission and Lands
customs clearance
Department in term of data infor-
mation collection and payment 1 VFSC
(registration)
OGCIO, FIU Number of online services provided 0 (2019) Improves compared to

by FIU, including payments or issu- baseline (2021 onward)
ance of license/permits online
RBV Number of online services provided 0 (2019) Improves compared to

by RBV, including payments or baseline (2021 onward)
issuance of license/permits online
DOL, OGCIO Number of online services provided 0 (2019) Improves compared to + 1

by Department of Lands, including baseline (2021 onward)
payments or issuance of license/
permits online
297
298
Incentivise the use of mobile payments RBV Status of the study on the cost of Not undertaken Undertaken and
(e-wallet, mobile wallet) for business and handling cash as opposed to mobile (2019) submitted to NTDC
citizens through studying the costs of payment (2020)
handling cash and promoting e-payment
campaign, in line with National Financial
Inclusion Strategy 2018-2023 RBV Status of the national e-payment To be launched Launched (2020) and
campaign (2019) repeated annually (2021
onward)
RBV, TRBR Percentage of population with Not measured Measured (2021)

access to mobile financial services (2019)
More than 50% (2025)
(PFIP/UNCDF)
Work towards accreditation of more MoET (VQA), Number of accredited qualifications 6* (2019) Improves compared to
certificates and graduate diplomas in OGCIO, VIT, VSP at level 1-6 in ICT related matters baseline (2021 onward)
ICT related matters, with more focus on
coding, programming, and content devel- [*] 5 Certificates in
opment, in line with industry needs computing and 1
Advance Diploma
in Information
Systems
MoET (VQA), Number of accredited qualifications 0 (2019) Improves compared to

OGCIO, VIT, VSP at level 7-10 in ICT related matters baseline (2021 onward)
Develop and implement e-Trade Strategy MTTCNVB Status of e-Trade Strategy To be drafted Drafted and approved
(2019) by CoM (2020)
Assess costs and benefits of supporting OGCIO Status of costs/benefit analysis to Not undertaken Undertaken and
the establishment of a private data establish a private data centre (2019) submitted to the NTDC
centre (2020)
ANNEX 1: LESSONS LEARNED FROM OFF-TRACK RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE TPF 2012
TPFU off-track recommen-
Target Lessons Learnt TPFU strategy to improve upon implementation
dation
Support truly infant indus- Increase in share of manu- The TPF 2012 did not include a sectoral chapter The TPFU includes a sectoral chapter on goods,
tries, including through facturing GDP compared to on manufacturing, and this undermined the with specific directions on agro-processing, which
performance-based 2010 ability of the NTDC to closely monitor the sector is the manufacturing sub-sector where the country
import-substitution and make recommendations for its development enjoys a comparative advantage
Inclusion of a sectoral chapter will help the NTDC
monitoring the sector more closely, and facilitating
consensus on policy options to promote manufac-
turing
The TPFU’s recommendations are aligned with the
current industry policy
Implement the Act estab- Chamber of Agriculture The Chamber of Agriculture was piloted with The TPFU welcomes MTTCNVB’s membership to
lishing a Chamber of established and self-funded donor funding, but never really owned by the the Board of the Primary Producers Authority and
Agriculture Government. A Primary Producers Authority was recommends continuous engagement with that body
established in 2018 taking over the functions of with the view of further mainstreaming trade
the Chamber of Agriculture
299
300
Liquidate and close the The VCMB ceases its oper- The NTDC was instrumental to promote open The TPFU recommends urgent approval of a Trade
Vanuatu Commodity ations discussion on this issue and avoid decisions to Governance Act giving legal status to the NTDC and
Marketing Board being made behind closed doors. The NTDC to its decisions
reiterated the recommendation to close VCMB,
however, the lack of legal status for the NTDC
and for its decisions reduce the effectiveness of
the body’s determinations
Establish analytical tools Data-collection of labour The TPF pioneered this issue, however, the The TPFU’s chapter on skills was drafted by the
to estimate labour demand demand and current/ lack of reference to this priority in the relevant same expert who drafted the new Vanuatu’s Human
and current/prospective prospective supply are sectoral policy undermined the chances of imple- Resource Development Plan, and the recommenda-
supply carried out by relevant mentation tions of the two documents mirror each other.
Departments and coordi-
One TPFU’s recommendation reiterates the TPF’s
nated by the VNSO
recommendation to establish a system for the
collection of labour data. Now that the NHRDP is
approved by CoM, there is a better chance to imple-
ment this recommendation
Amalgamate/rationalise Establish a tertiary educa- The TPF pioneered this issue, however, the The TPFU’s chapter on skills was drafted by the
tertiary education providers tion institution merging the lack of reference to this priority in the relevant same expert who drafted the new Vanuatu’s Human
existing providers sectoral policy undermined the chances of imple- Resource Development Plan, and the recommenda-
mentation tions of the two documents mirror each other.
Despite the recommendation has yet to be imple- One TPFU’s recommendation reiterates the TPF’s
mented, this issue got traction and a number of recommendation to establish an institute of tertiary
preparatory steps were undertaken during the education amalgamating existing providers. Now
period 2012-2018 that the NHRDP is approved by CoM, there is a
better chance to implement this recommendation
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GOVERNMENT OF VANUATU

TRADE POLICY FRAMEWORK UPDATE

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This publication is available in PDF format. All other rights are

TRADE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

1.1 Country Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

CHAPTER 2: THE MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 7

2.1 GDP Composition and Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CHAPTER 3: TRADE COMPOSITION AND TRENDS 19

3.1 Balance of Trade in Goods and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CHAPTER 4: EXTERNAL TRADE POLICIES AND TRADE AGREEMENTS 31

4.1 Multilateral External Trade Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

CHAPTER 5: BACKBONE SERVICES AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE 53

CHAPTER 6:TRADE FACILITATION AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE 69

6.1 Time and Costs of Trading Across Borders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

CHAPTER 7: DOING BUSINESS - REFORMS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT 93

7.1 Business Policies, Laws and Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

CHAPTER 8: EDUCATION AND SKILLS 117

8.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

CHAPTER 9: TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE

9.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

CHAPTER 10: TRADE MAINSTREAMING AND ITS PILLARS 149

10.1 Progress So Far. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

CHAPTER 11: GOODS 159

11.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

CHAPTER 12: TOURISM SERVICES 190

12.1 Export Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

CHAPTER 13: OTHER SERVICES (OFFSHORE AND ICT) 200

13.1 Offshore services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

The TPFU 2019-2025 was drafted by:

DoI Department of Industry FIS Financial Inclusion Strategy

FFA Forum Fisheries Agency ICCO International Cocoa Organization

FFA Free Fatty Acid ICL Interchange Limited

FIC Forum Islands Country ICN Interchange Cable Network

FIPA Foreign Investment Promotion Act ICT Information and Communications

IDA Industrial Development Act MCCE Ministry of Climate Change and

LILO Liner In/Liner Out NAMA Non-Agriculture Market Access

LLN Language, Literacy and Numeracy NBP National Biosecurity Policy

LMIS Labour Market Information System NBV National Bank of Vanuatu

LMPC Land Management Planning NER Net Enrolment Rates

NIP National Indicative Program PADI Professional Association of Diving

OO Online Outsourcing ROO Rules of Origin

OPSP Overarching Productive Sector RRAP Rural Road Access Policy

SMP Espiritu Santo Meat Packers TRR Telecommunication and Radiocom-

SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary UK United Kingdom

SPTO South Pacific Tourism Organization UN United Nations

SSS Shipping Subsidy Scheme UNCTAD United Nations Conference for

VBS Vanuatu Bureau of Standards VQIS Vanuatu Quarantine and Inspec-

VIPA Vanuatu Investment Promotion VUV Vanuatu Vatu

Honourable Jotham Napat

TABLE 8.1 ISCO OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES RELATED TO TOURISM

TABLE 8.11 GENERAL/BASIC SKILLS LACKING IN NI-VANUATU TOURISM SECTOR WORKFORCE

TABLE 8.12 FOREIGN WORKERS IN VANUATU BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY – MANUFACTURING AND

TABLE 8.14 GENERAL/BASIC SKILLS LACKING IN NI-VANUATU MANUFACTURING/AGRICULTURE WORK-

TABLE 10.4 AID-FOR-TRADE DISBURSEMENTS TO VANUATU BY PURPOSE, MILLION USD AT 2017

TABLE 11.4 PRODUCERS AND MANUFACTURERS’ CHALLENGES IN VANUATU