Fiji businesses eye expansion opportunities in Vanuatu

August 27, 2026 11:12 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

Fiji-linked businesses already operating in Vanuatu are looking at opportunities to expand and reinvest, as the two countries seek to deepen investment, trade and business ties.

The development follows an Investment Fiji scoping mission hosted by the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA) from 27 to 29 July 2026.

Information provided to the Vanuatu Daily Post by VFIPA said the three-day mission brought together Investment Fiji, Vanuatu Government agencies, Fiji-linked businesses, the Fiji community, private sector operators and regional stakeholders to identify opportunities for investment, trade and business cooperation.

The Investment Fiji delegation was led by Head of Investment and Trade Esther Salem and Investment Aftercare Advisor Sepe Nicalcal.

An important part of the mission was engagement with existing Fiji-owned and Fiji-linked businesses operating in Vanuatu, with discussions focusing on their experiences, challenges and potential for future expansion and reinvestment.

The delegation met with established businesses, including Punjas Vanuatu, as well as companies involved in retail, wholesale, manufacturing, food and beverage, agricultural processing and other productive sectors.

VFIPA said discussions covered market conditions, supply chains, workforce requirements, regulatory processes and opportunities for expansion.

VFIPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Raymond Vuti said the mission built on cooperation between the two agencies following an investment promotion and capacity-building engagement he led in Fiji in 2025.

“This visit allows us to build on those discussions and move towards more practical outcomes, particularly in investment facilitation, business linkages, investor referrals and new investment opportunities,” Vuti said.

“Vanuatu and Fiji have strong economic and people-to-people connections, and we want to see these relationships translate into tangible investment, business expansion, employment and increased economic activity.”

Manufacturing and value-added industries were among the areas examined during the mission.

The delegation engaged with businesses including Tanna Coffee, 83 Island Distillery, Aelan Chocolate and Gaston Chocolat makers, gaining insight into Vanuatu’s manufacturing and value-added industries.

VFIPA said potential investment opportunities were identified in cocoa, kava, coconut, coffee, agriculture, agro-processing, poultry, beef, timber and food and beverage manufacturing.

It said Fiji-based companies could potentially contribute capital, technical expertise, technology, market access and regional supply-chain connections to these sectors.

Agriculture was another area identified for stronger cooperation, particularly commercial farming, horticulture, poultry, beef, cocoa, coconut and kava.

VFIPA said discussions highlighted the importance of stronger connections between farmers, processors, manufacturers and markets to support commercially viable production.

Tourism was also explored, with potential opportunities identified in accommodation, resorts, tourism infrastructure, supporting services and tourism supply chains.

VFIPA said stronger links between tourism operators and local producers could increase the use of locally produced food, agricultural products, manufactured goods and services within the tourism sector.

Improved connectivity to key tourism destinations, including Santo, was also recognised as important for supporting tourism investment and wider economic activity.

Energy was identified as another enabling sector, with reliable and affordable energy described as important for manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, ICT and other productive industries.

The mission also examined the existing trade relationship between Vanuatu and Fiji, including opportunities to increase the movement of goods and services between the two markets.

Stakeholders discussed market demand, supply gaps and opportunities for local production and value addition.

The Melanesian Spearhead Group framework was also recognised as a platform for strengthening regional trade, investment and labour mobility.

Government discussions covered issues affecting the investment environment, including business classification, licensing, customs and trade facilitation, investment incentives, duty exemptions and regulatory processes.

VFIPA said stakeholders recognised the importance of a clear, transparent and coordinated investment environment to attract new investors while supporting businesses already operating in Vanuatu.

The two investment agencies also discussed strengthening investor referrals, information sharing, investment pipelines and investor aftercare.

A key message from the mission was the need to move beyond investment enquiries and leads towards actual investment, reinvestment, business expansion, employment, production and exports.

VFIPA said this approach is consistent with Vanuatu’s Foreign Investment Promotion Strategy 2026–2030, which focuses on proactive investment promotion, priority sectors, investment facilitation, investor aftercare and stronger regional and international partnerships.

VFIPA and Investment Fiji will continue discussions on opportunities identified during the mission and explore ways to progress potential investments, business partnerships, investor referrals and capacity-building initiatives.

The agency said the two sides will continue working with government ministries, existing investors, Fiji-linked businesses, the private sector and regional organisations to help turn identified opportunities into investment projects, business expansion, employment, increased production and exports.