Chamber News

PTI New Zealand are pleased to once again offer the Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand Freight Support Package (FSP), with applications open from Monday 3 June 2024. The FSP is for Pacific Islands exporters challenged by increasing freight costs for their merchandise exports to New Zealand. To qualify for the programme, businesses must be registered and have an export license from one of the 16 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member countries. Additionally, applicants must be exporting to New Zealand currently or have forward export orders for 2024, provide evidence of freight costs and payments, agree to submit an impact statement and demonstrate community impact and gender-balanced employment. Applications are open, apply here: https://form.jotform.com/240728096266867 For more information please contact Tupe Lemisio, Business Development Support tupe.crawley@pacifictradeinvest.com

Dear members, Each week we will be showcasing one of our Council members, to allow you to find out more about them, and what they would like to see happen for the sector they represent. This week we talk to Ms Velenie Jacob. Council Member: Ms Velenie Jacob Business: Lokol Akaonting Solusen / Narara Consulting / Bella Trading Industry Sector: Representing Women in Business Velenie Jacob has extensive experience working in and for the private sector, having begun her career at Credit Corp and moving onto the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotions Authority. It was working with small businesses that she noticed there were gaps in her client’s financial management skills, and a real need for financial literacy training. It was here the idea to start…

Dear members, As you will be aware VCCI performed a survey by request of the Vanuatu Government to gauge the effects of the Air Vanuatu crisis on all Industry sectors. The results are in, please find the full report here (click here to view in PDF format). Top line findings (overall): 378 businesses across all industry sectors were surveyed 92% of respondents reported being affected by the ongoing Air Vanuatu crisis 70% reported a minimum of 30% drop in turn over for same period year on year Most affected business categories were: accommodation and restaurants, tour operators, transport, retail and real estate. 91% of accommodation providers reported a drop in occupancy rates in 2024, with over 50% of respondents reporting they are experiencing less than…

Dear members, VCCI is hoping to engage via service agreement contract three individuals/or consultancies, to help us with our service provision: GRAPHIC DESIGN: A professional graphic designer with skill in designing layouts, visuals and imageries for the various VCCI communication outputs. More information can be found via the Expression of Interest link below. Click here to download Expression of Interest VIDEOGRAPHY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: A professional videographer/ Photographer with skill in Filming and Photography of the VCCI project activities. More information can be found via the Expression of Interest link below. Click here to download Expression of Interest FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONSULTANT: VCCI is looking to engage a Finance and Administrative Consultant to assist the organisation in its development of Standard Operating Procedures to contribute towards…

VCCI’S AGM, held at Moorings Hotel in Port Vila last night welcomed 3 new Council members to its dynamic line up: Grace Sese from Majech Construction and Joinery, Max Zacharie from Roawia Turtle and Snorkelling Tours and Nicky Barnes from Pandanus Vanuatu. VCCI also welcomed back Lisa Dinh from Hotel Santo, Alexandre Perret from BRED Bank, Jean Marie Duffau from Au Bonne Marche, Olivier Fernandez from Gaston Chocolat and Teiva Durand from Vanuatu Beverage. VCCI President Antoine Boudier had this to say “I couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity of working with this team, who, with their passion and drive to contribute to growing the economy of Vanuatu will help lead VCCI and achieve great things together. Welcome all of you!”. Detailed profiles on…

VCCI attended a meeting this morning at External Trade, where the following opportunities were discussed. Be in touch please as soon as you can if interested! China International Import Expo 2024 Dates: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – Sunday, November 10, 2024 Venue: National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China The China International Import Expo 2024 organisers are looking for two Vanuatu exporters to feature their products at the event being held in Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Center in November this year. They will cover the costs of shipping samples and marketing for the booth. If you are export ready and wanting to engage with a potential market in China please contact Ann via email: reception@vcci.vu to register your interest. A shortlist will be prepared…

VCCI’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 25 April from 4.30 to 6pm at MOORINGS Hotel in Port Vila. If you would like to attend via Zoom please use the link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86460949072?pwd=MUhTdFIvaU5nSDJaV2VJVkVFcmp1dz09 Please find received nominations below as of midday Friday 19th April 2024: Sector For holders of a Business License Nominations as of COB 19/04/2024 1 x Tourism D3 or E 1.       Lisa Dinh, Hotel Santo 1 x Finance F1, F2, F3, or F4 1.     Alexandre Perret, BRED Bank 1 x Large Business D1 or D2 with annual turnover greater than VT50,000,000 1.       Jean Marie Duffau, Au Bonne Marche 2 x Small Business D1, D2, D4, D5, G1 or G2 with annual turnover less than VT50,000,000 1.       Olivier Fernandez, Gaston Chocolat…

The recent proposal by the Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) to introduce a fixed charge for self-generated electricity using solar power systems has sparked an intense debate among Vanuatu’s citizens. The decision, targeting customers of VUI in Santo and outer islands who use the power grid as a backup, has raised numerous concerns that demand attention. It is crucial to recognise that the Minister of Trade and Commerce recently apologised for the lack of consultation when implementing new policies that dramatically affect the economic environment and businesses in Vanuatu. The public outcry in response to the solar charge proposal clearly indicates that the consultation and communication surrounding the changes have been inadequate. Moreover, it is essential to highlight that the chronic underinvestment in the grid has…