Chamber News

VANUATU SKILLS NEEDS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023 now available

The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), in partnership with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) surveyed enterprises to assess skills needs of businesses in Vanuatu. The survey was carried out between October and November 2022 and was completed by 478 enterprises from five sectors: agriculture (business license category K), manufacturing (business license category B), services 3 (business license categories F1-4), tourism and hospitality (business license categories D3 & E3) and trade (C). Participating enterprises were in Vanuatu’s Shefa, Sanma, Tafea, and Malampa provinces. This report presents key survey findings and insights and is divided into the following sections: Section 1 provides an overview of the labour market context in Vanuatu, including an assessment of the skills shortages expected in the next 12 months;…

VCCI ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – now THURSDAY 4 MAY 2023

VCCI Council 2023 Elections The Council is comprised of 16 members of the private sector, experienced in managing their own businesses and dedicated to advancing their industry sectors. By serving on the Council, these members exercise a major impact on the strategic direction of the VCCI. Recognized for their contributions by the business community, the Council members support VCCI in its mission to develop and support economic growth for all business types in Vanuatu. The Council is comprised of 16 elected positions, each serving two-year terms. Elected Council members serve as individuals; however, to be nominated for and serve on the Council, a person must be a member of the association for the sector they represent, if such an association exists. This year 8 seats…

Malo Noni juice

Meet Mr. Edward Moliua Maralau, better known as Moli, who is the man behind Malo Noni Juice. Moli was successful in applying to an Industry Development Fund grant, and although the grant itself wasn’t big, what Moli has achieved with some sound business advice and mentoring support certainly is! When we went to see Moli in January, he been experiencing low sales due to market access issues, in other words where to sell his product. During our latest visit Moli was supported and encouraged to set up a table at the Luganville fresh food market to sell and market his unique product. Before long Moli had engaged with new customers and after an opportunity to talk on the microphone about his juices Moli was inundated,…

NATIONAL TOURISM EVENT SUCCESS!

Over 120 tourism business owners, operators and managers came together on the 16th November at the Holiday Inn Resort in Port Vila to receive up to date tourism and key travel infrastructure information, as well as private sector work plans. The presentations included implementation plans going forward, and current challenges and time was allowed for the tourism sector business owners/managers to ask questions in a moderated panel style discussion. A huge thank you to all of our panelists and speakers, who provided much needed information for the industry, and spoke honestly about challenges faced. Acting Director Tourism William Naviti, Senior Tourism Officer Geraldine Tari, CEO VTO Adela Issachar Aru, CEO Air Vanuatu Atu Finau, Head of Air Navigation for AVL, Kevin Abel, Brenda Andre from…

GeolabXP – an Industry Development Fund Story

GeolabXP was a successful IDF grant recipient in the IDF’s first round of funding, receiving their grant in early 2022. The grant has helped the business to expand its services into a new area – in July 2022 GeolabXP opened their new premises in Port Vila. Via their grant VB was able to purchase specialised equipment, to diversify their range of services now on offer to business clients, Government departments, and the private sector. Vanuatu Bijouterie was founded in Vanuatu in 1971 (then colonial New-Hebrides) by Mr Francois Hainaut, an established French master jeweller in New Caledonia. It was the first business registered in Vanuatu after gaining independence in 1980. In 2014 the business was purchased by Tal & Estelle Milfirer, Vanuatu Bijouterie – Fine…

Business News, Friday 4 November 2022

Dear members, We have had an extremely busy week helping our transport and tour operators get ready for the first cruise ship arriving into Port Vila next week. We also completed our industry skills survey, with over 500 businesses interviewed in October! Results coming soon. We have several key events happening over the next 2 weeks, as well as a range of workshops on offer for you. Update on important works in Port Vila CDB to address flooding below. Please scroll down to find out more. Road works underway in Port Vila to ease flooding issues in CBD If you live and work in Port Vila you will be aware of the damaging flooding occurring downtown with any significant rainfall. VCCI has been working to…

Road works underway in Port Vila to ease flooding issues in CBD

Port Vila’s Public Works Department (PWD) and VNPF have agreed on the work required for the long-term repair and fixing of the drainage system in Port Vila, to remove the blockage in wastewater pipe to be undertaken in the Winston Churchill Road located in the junction between UNELCO and former Post Office area. PWD has approved the request for permit to work on this section of road and PVMC has approved the request for permit to work on this section of road under their by-laws. Vate Electrics has informed VCCI that they have opened the trench between UNELCO and the former Post Office on Tuesday 1 November 2022. VCCI is currently following up with PWD to get the works status and update on when PWD…

Workshops coming up in Port Vila and Luganville!

Dear members, We have a full program for November, with events and workshops running every week. Check out our program of free to attend workshops below and visit our Events page to register! Date Topics Location 15-Nov-22 Stress Management and Self Care Workshop Port Vila 16-Nov-22 Balance sheet & Tax compliance Port Vila 22-Nov-22 Customer Service Workshop Port Vila 24-Nov-22 Supervisor Workshop Port Vila 15-Nov-22 Customer Service Workshop Luganville 16-Nov-22 Customer Service Luganville 17-Nov-22 Supervisor Workshop Luganville

Port Vila gets Cruise Ship ready!

On the 9th November 2022 Vanuatu will receive its first cruise ship back to its shores in over 2 and a half years. The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) have partnered to support the Department of Tourism, Land Transport associations and authority, with necessary steps to prepare bus drivers, taxis and tour operators to meet cruise tourism requirements for this momentous occasion, which will benefit businesses in and around Port Vila immensely. The Department of Tourism and the Vanuatu Tourism Office has the responsibility for the readiness plan, and a focus area is ensuring that the industry satisfy the requirements agreed to between the cruise ship companies and the Vanuatu Government. These include strict hygiene safety standards to make sure that cruise passengers…

E-BANKING EVENT 9th and 10th November – French Cultural Cr, Main Street of Port Vila

Using technology can save your business time and make payments so much easier. Did you know that with the payment apps available now from our banks and technology providers, you can pay your staff, from your phone? You can pay your bills from your phone or computer. You don’t need to stand in the line at the bank anymore. This saves you valuable time. You can also make international payments and much more. Program here attached. Come to join the technology providers at an event organised by VCCI with special sponsorship from Digicel and BRED bank on the 9th and 10th of November at the French Cultural Cr on the main road of Port Vila to learn more. Two lucky businesses who attend will also…

Covid 19 Video Updates

31 March 2020
26 March 2020