Business News, 23 September 2022
Dear members,
We are always working behind the scenes to represent you, the private sector, and work with Government stakeholders to bring about positive change for our business members. We have heard you in regards to the damaging flooding occurring in Port Vila town every time it rains, and we are following up with Lands on delays in processing requests. We also represent you on a range of Boards so a quick update on this also below. Aaaand info on a job opportunity with our Export Ready program! Wishing you all a great weekend ahead:
Road works planning in Port Vila CBD junction UNELCO co-former Post Office end September to October 2022
Public Works Department (PWD) and VNPF are currently discussing and planning how the long-term repair and fixing of the drainage system to remove the blockage in waste water pipe, will be undertaken in the Winston Churchill Road located in the junction between UNELCO and former Post Office area.
Once PWD and VNPF agree on the planning of works including quote from sub-contractor, PWD will proceed to approve the request for permit to work on this section of road and PVMC will proceed to approve the request for permit to work on this section of road under their by-laws. An estimated timeframe for the works assessment and actual repair works is to start between the end of week 26 September 2022 and week 3 October 2022.
The VCCI will continue to inform and update the businesses on the PWD works in the CBD accordingly.
Vanuatu Bureau of Standards Board
In regards to VCCI nominee and Council member Teiva Durand’s appointment to the VBS Board, VBS is still awaiting confirmation from the Office of Attorney General regarding this.
Vanuatu Agricultural and Research Technical Center (VARTC) Board
The Hon. Minister of Agriculture has appointed an interim board composed of Director DARD, VARTC Interim Board Chairman, Director Livestock Department, Interim Board Member, Director Finance, Interim Board Member, Director Bio-security Vanuatu, Interim Board member, CEO Vanuatu Primary Producer Authority, Interim Board member, CEO, Vanuatu Agriculture College, Interim Board member, and CEO/ Interim CEO – VARTC, Interim Board Member.
VCCI has been advised that the current Caretaker Minister of the Ministry Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Bio-Security (MALFFB), Bakoa Kaltongga intends shortly to terminate the VARTC Interim Board members and will appoint board members. He also intends to restructure the VARTC and amend the VARTC Act.
As per the VARTC Act CAP 286, section (19)(3)(e), VCCI Council will make a formal submission of a not yet appointed VCCI nominee to the VARTC Board to the Caretaker Minister of the Ministry Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Bio-Security (MALFFB), and Interim Chairman VARTC Board. VCCI is reaching out to its Santo sub-committee for a recommendation.
Vanuatu Rural Development Bank (VRDB) Board
VCCI nominee to VRDB Board Millie Ogden has provided all required documents last week. RBV will reply to VCCI with a letter of no objection to appointment our VCCI nominee who has met their criteria by next week.
VTO Board
The instrument of appointment of Lisa Dinh, VCCI nominee, to the VTO Board was signed by the Minister of Trade, delivered to OAG this week, and will need to be published in an Official Gazette before she is formally appointed.
Lisa Dinh should receive the email invitation and agenda for the upcoming VTO Board meeting to be held in October 2022.
Land issues
There are major delays being experienced by members of the private sector, and VCCI has requested the caretaker Government to reinstate ministerial power to sign on documents.
This issue has stopped many transactions going through including bank mortgages not being approved. This is a big loss for the private sector but also for government revenue.
VCCI has been advised that the Ministry of Lands has started to plan the approach to review the Land Lease Act and Custom Land Management Act. The review includes to look into land lease period and renewal options as well as land legislation and will be initiated under the new government and next Minister of Lands after the snap election.
Job Opportunity
Are you a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics degree graduate, looking for an exciting job in a growing field? VCCI is looking for a new Certification Officer to join the team at Quality Solutions, VCCI’s partner in helping businesses to meet industry standards for food handling, manufacturing and becoming export ready. We are looking for the right person to upskill, meaning all training is provided, to get you ready and out into the field.
Click here to be taken to more information and how to apply.
The VCCI team
