Chamber News

Dear members and colleagues, As I near the end my second year as President of the VCCI I notice that our work at the Chamber has never been more relevant and important for our business community. Decisions that are made in how we as a country manage COVID-19 have a direct effect on employment numbers, and the survival of key industry sectors. VCCI’s role in advocating on the behalf of all businesses is of key importance and we wish to strengthen our relationship with Government in these challenging times. As clearly outlined by the press release published in the Daily Post on Saturday, written by from the Ministry of Heath’s Acting DG Dr Tapo we believe there is a direct connection between Vanuatu’s readiness to…

Last Friday VCCI organized its first bar stool event, inviting our current mentees an opportunity to present a sales pitch for their business to a room full of fellow business owners, the program’s mentors and supportive staff members from the Business Services team. After their pitch these talented individuals were able to share with the room some of the challenges, they are facing with solutions being discussed with the group. Those who presented include Christina Noel (Owner of Hope’s Child Care Centre), John Toara & Harrison Samson (Owners of Tirow Construction), Esther Philip (Owner Esther Philip Catering) and Sherley Pata (Owner of Tiwi Trader Shipping). This event was organized to assist our businesses who are part of our current mentoring activities cohort to network and…

Dear Members, As you know the borders are currently closed to repatriations. This is to give the country time to get as organized as it can in case COVID makes its way to Vanuatu. For all of you that have attended the COVID Safe Business operations training its time to take action and implement what you learnt. Please watch the video here to get inspired. If you need a refresher or any help at all please contact us at sbo@vcci.vu or call 27543. Vaccines are of vital importance so encourage your staff to go and get jabbed today, Let’s be ready! Workshop in Santo VCCI would like to thank all our business men and women who attended our workshops in Luganville this week. We had…

The Department of Tourism (DoT) is offering a recovery package to tourism operators across all 6 provinces to assist in keeping the tourism sector operational during border closures. The program has several ways it can help tourism business operators. Survival Grants The first is with costs associated with keeping your business operational. More specifically with costs associated with cleaning, maintenance, gardening, security, safety and utility bills. If you are able to provide DoT with the following documents, please click on the link below to be taken to the online application form: Tourism permit Business licence VFSC certificate Signed Code of Conduct for your Tourism Business (if you don’t have one, a template will be provided to you by the DoT on receiving your application) Evidence…

Interested in e-commerce? Participate in any or all of the 6 following free workshops to start or further develop your business online. VCCI has kindly been offered this opportunity for you, our members, via our colleagues at Pacific Digital Transformation. TradeWorthy*, a trusted adviser to Government and businesses on trade, investment and economic development, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, Cooperatives and Ni Vanuatu Business is supported by DFAT funding, to bring you these 2 hour sessions, facilitated by experts in their fields here and overseas. Click here to view the workshops PDF guide Venue: VCCI conference room Time: from 2pm to 4pm (2 hr sessions) Session topics: eReadiness – Check How ready is your business for e-commerce – Monday 7 June E-commerce…