Independence Park and Convention Centre open space to host market vendors and businesses

January 27, 2025 10:41 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now Twitter Facebook

By Ezra Toara.

Retail businesses and market vendors in Port Vila will soon have a new location to sell their products. The designated areas include Independence Park and the open space surrounding the National Convention Centre.

Director of the Department of Tourism (DoT), Paul Pio, announced that plans are underway to relocate affected market vendors and handicraft sellers. “We are working on two relocation centres, and there is already a plan in place,” Pio stated.

An update on these relocation efforts will be provided to the subcommittee of tourism, finance, commerce, and industry.

Pio explained that the DoT is working with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to open a registry for businesses and vendors interested in using the new facilities. “We aim to gather accurate data on the total number of people willing to relocate to this area,” he said.

A sketch map has already been prepared to designate spaces for vendors and businesses in the new location. While the primary focus is on market vendors, other businesses are also welcome to use the space, subject to government-provided guidelines and certain fees.

The Director acknowledged that retail shops in the Central Business District (CBD) still have unsold stock from the holiday season and noted their interest in securing temporary spaces to clear their inventory. Registration forms have been made available for vendors and businesses to express their interest.

To ensure security, 24-hour surveillance will be provided at the new locations. Businesses are encouraged to coordinate with the VCCI, which will assist in assessing requests and finalising the relocation plan.

Pio expressed gratitude to the National Recovery Committee (NRC) for approving the relocation request. He also thanked the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for facilitating the use of Independence Park and the green space at the Convention Centre.

However, Pio clarified that the interior of the Convention Centre cannot be used due to damages that have rendered it unsafe.