Chamber News

Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI) was excited to have its second Pacific Green Entrepreneurship network incubator cohort in Vanuatu that was successful launched on Monday 19th to 21st of June 2023. It was great to witness the enthusiasm and commitment of our participants in driving sustainable entrepreneurship and green growth in Vanuatu. This year’s program was focused on entrepreneurs especially in Santo as the second business economic hub for Vanuatu. We have 10 selected business entrepreneurs who have applied to be part of the four months Program this year. Each participant will receive support for individual coaching and mentoring as part of this program from different experience entrepreneur as their mentors which is a big benefit to this selected business participants. All the…

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…

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 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…

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…