Chamber News

Enough Food Supplies in Country

In all this chaos we need to stay focused on some of our assets as well as the challenges. On a positive note it is rewarding to see the recent video released on the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Facebook and web pages, that private sector feedback on the food situation is one of stability. They are confirming that ships are coming in with imported goods and farmers have plenty of fresh food stocks. With reduced tourists and therefore less demand, the countries production of vegetables, beef and so on are more than enough to feed our population across Vanuatu. The Food Security and Agriculture Cluster a government and private sector working group, have indicated the food situation is robust and there is…

Providing Practical Solutions for Communications

“We thank the telecommunications companies who have quickly come up with relevant solutions” says Mr Andrew Middlebrook head of The Vanuatu Business Resilience Council’s (VBRC) communication cluster “in situations like this it’s vital to be able to communicate quickly, effectively and affordably” The VBRC’s role is to coordinate and strengthen engagement of the private sector in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response and recovery, and climate change adaptation and mitigation in Vanuatu. In this case, one tactical approach that has worked well this week has been led by Mr Andrew Middlebrook working in close co-operation with the CEO’s of Digicel and TVL and both operators have come forward with offers to assist in these difficult times and they will be releasing them over the coming…

VCCI Covid-19 Information for Businesses, Thursday 26 March 2020

Dear members, We want to let you know we are working tirelessly to make sure you, the private sector is being looked after and represented in government decision making at this critical time. We will be updating you regularly as announcements are made, please contact us with any questions you may have. We have two important announcements below. For more information contact VCCI on 27543 or email information@vcci.vu Vanuatu Business Support Packages Available Now Good news for Vanuatu businesses affected by the Covid-19 situation. The Business Link Pacific program, a private sector development program funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is now offering up to 100% subsidies on related business support services to Vanuatu businesses. This includes support…

Latest Advisory #8

The latest National Coronavirus Public Advisory Notice #8 is available for download by clicking here.

We are all in this together

One of the things that makes Vanuatu such a treasure to us all is how we smile through adversity. When the going gets tough, we pull together. We look out for each other, and we make sure no one gets left behind. VCCI’s Vanuatu Business Resilience Council was formed after cyclone Pam to help prepare businesses for the next disaster. Well, here it is, and here we are. The coming months will present us with great challenges. COVID-19 isn’t like a cyclone that just comes and goes. We will need to adapt the way we do business for a period of time. We will get through this by working together. We need to establish habits and standards that promote hygiene and health. That means sanitation…

Actions Update

Dear members, VCCI and the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council would like to provide you with an update on our activities to support the private sector in relation to awareness and preparedness in relation to the COVID19 virus and its effects on businesses here in Vanuatu. We have started to engage with the Vanuatu National Taskforce to liaise with Government and donor partners. We are taking the issues raised to us by you in the private sector to these meetings so that protecting the economy is made a priority topic. We will updating you regularly via our e-newsletter, website (vcci.vu) and Facebook. Materials for download To help you prepare your business we have created a suite of materials for you that are available for download from…

Downloadable resources for preparing your business

VCCI and the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council are helping the private sector prepare for the possible effects of the Coronavirus by providing the following resources. Please click on the links below to download and share the attached resources, and contact us on 27543 or information@vcci.vu for any specific questions you may have. The latest information from the Vanuatu government’s National Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) Taskforce can be found here in its Public Advisory No 7. Resources in Bislama How the Coronavirus spreads and how to keep yourself safe – visual guide This visual guide explains how the virus spreads and 5 key precautions you can take to protect yourself, your staff and your families. Business Continuity Planning – How to guide The purpose of this ‘how…

VCCI supporting business growth and development in Santo

From 18-20 February a three-day workshop was held with small business owners at Lonnoc Eco Beach Bungalows, Santo. Participants were invited business owners and operators from the agriculture and tourism sectors, and was focused on creating an enabling environment to assist them to develop and grow their current business models, prepare for and reduce their risks of being affected by natural disasters and climate change, while also maintaining and strengthening community, family and kinship ties. The tools and activities used throughout the training are unique, and focused around the use of an innovative ‘Business Resilience Canvas’, or a business plan on one page. The training was designed and facilitated by Dr Adam Trau with support from VCCI trainer, Irene Titek and Readiness Project Project Assistant,…

Business Preparedness Planning workshop in Sola, 17-18 March 2020

VCCI is traveling to Sola to facilitate a 2 day Business Preparedness Planning workshop, 17-18 March 2020. What is Business Continuity Planning? Running a small or medium-sized business keeps you busy. Planning for a disruption, whether a major cyclone or a minor power cut, is something we all know we need to do, but may struggle to find the time to complete. This workshop will help you identify the actions required to help keep your businesses from failing when something unfortunate occurs. The workshop is designed to help businesses learn about the basics of continuity planning, and provide easy to use tools to get started on a customized plan that meets your needs. The workshop will draw on lessons from experiences across the Pacific. The…

Upcoming workshop opportunity for Tanna based agriculture and tourism businesses

We are excited to announce that the Vanuatu Green Climate Fund Readiness Project ‘Mobilizing the Vanuatu Private Sector towards Climate Change Action’, which is being implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in partnership with VCCI and the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council, is running a 3 day workshop in Tanna next month. The aim of the training workshop (for owner operators in the tourism and agriculture sectors) is to support small business owners to develop and grow their business models, while also planning and being prepared for the increasing impacts of climate change and natural disasters. The 3 day workshop will be held in Lenakel from the 24-26 March 2020. For more information please contact Terekea Kaltabang at the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and…

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