By Ezra Toara

Copyright dailypost

The 7th edition of the Vanuatu Made Trade Show commenced yesterday under the theme “Promoting Business and Innovation for Vanuatu Made and a Sustainable Future.”

Delivering the official address, Minister of Trade and Commerce Samson Samsen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Ni-Vanuatu businesses and creating opportunities to grow the economy for the people of Vanuatu.

“As part of this commitment, the government has decided that Santo will become our economic hub. In promoting business, we must also ensure that it links with other provinces,” Minister Samsen said.

The Minister spoke on the importance of market access, noting that demand for Vanuatu’s products—especially kava—continues to grow in both local and international markets despite existing shortages. He said Vanuatu is working to expand opportunities in the Australian market, while the New Zealand market is already moving ahead. Tourism initiatives are also progressing, with negotiations continuing with the Caribbean, Chinese, European, Melanesian, and American markets, particularly for kava exports.

“This year’s Vanuatu Made Trade Show, along with the NBV ‘Mi Tomorrow’ Travel Expo and the Vanuatu Made catalogue, all align with our theme of promoting business and innovation for a sustainable future,” he added.

Director of Industry Noel Kalo said the Ministry of Trade continues to carry out work in line with Vanuatu’s National Development Plan and the National Trade Policy Framework. He said the trade show, held annually, serves as a platform for businesses supported by government programmes to showcase their products.

“This event shows how government investment in the productive sector has created tangible outcomes,” Mr Kalo said. “Through programmes such as the Industry Development Fund, Industry Support Fund, and other initiatives, many businesses have benefited, and today they are here to display the results of that investment.”

Minister Samsen said these initiatives create employment and economic opportunities, supported by development partners including the Australian Government through programmes such as PACER Plus and PHAMA Plus, the European Union through EDF11, as well as the Governments of China, Japan, and other agencies.

He said the government remains committed to creating a favourable environment for trade, commerce, and development. In 2025, the government allocated VT500 million, with:

• VT150 million directed to the Support Fund of Cooperatives,

• VT70 million to the Vanuatu Cooperative Business Network (VCPN) Support Fund,

• VT100 million to Value-Added Project activities, and

• VT100 million to the Vanuatu Tourism Office.

For next year, the government has pledged to maintain VT400 million for the Value-Added Package and will include an additional allocation from the ADF Fund, estimated at 200–300 million vatu.

Minister Samsen said the government is also pursuing new policy directions, including the creation of a private facility to support entrepreneurship and increase Ni-Vanuatu participation in business.