PIFS E-Biz Plus backs E-commerce businesses in Vanuatu

September 24, 2024 10:14 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Adorina Massing.

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) has joined forces with industry trade leaders in the Pacific to support e-commerce in Vanuatu and other Pacific countries.

During the Vanuatu E-commerce Symposium yesterday, PIFS Project Manager of the E-Biz Plus programme, Mattia De Biasi, said during the Infrastructure and Innovation session that the initiative began in 2018 when Trade Ministers came together and realised that the Pacific is lagging behind other regions in the world in terms of e-commerce.

“There are not many people buying goods through E-commerce, and there are not enough businesses selling online, which the Ministers are focused on changing,” he said.

The PIFS E-commerce programme is a demand-driven initiative focusing on E-commerce acceleration and targeting the Pacific private sector.

The pilot programme, currently being implemented in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, is generously financed by the European Union through the SPIRIT project. The programme’s management receives funding contributions from Australia.

PIFS E-Biz has long supported entrepreneurs with a vision for digital business in the Pacific, allocating funding through grants and resources.

The training programmes have led to the creation of an online Community of Practice, providing Pacific entrepreneurs with access to training material, resources, information, direct support from mentors, and network support.

Mr. De Biasi highlighted several successes in Vanuatu in terms of support through funds and coaching for businesses interested in E-commerce.

Earlier this year, PIFS organised an E-commerce training course uniting Pacific entrepreneurs from Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the FSM.

The E-commerce training course granted eight e-commerce grants of up to VT645,000 (5,000 EUR).

All participants have the opportunity to apply for grants of VT645,000, with two grants available in each country. Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Samoa, and FSM grant winners will receive coaching and ongoing support from e-commerce experts.

“In terms of toolkits, we aim to provide short and easy guides for businesses to enter e-commerce,” De Biasi added.

The PIFS E-commerce Business Toolkits are simple, step-by-step, example-based guides for a hypothetical business wishing to explore the use of online tools to sell products and services in a specific industry and geographical context.

“The idea of creating those guides is to make it easy for people to understand the first steps to enter tourism.”

Acting Minister of Trade and Commerce and current Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo said the Government of Vanuatu’s establishment of the National E-commerce Committee demonstrates its commitment to building a digital economy.

“The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been instrumental in providing resources and guidance to businesses looking to venture into e-commerce,” he said.

“The Vanuatu Innovation and Digital Economy Association has been actively involved in organising digital training programmes, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital marketplace.

“The Telecommunications, Radio Communications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) and Vanuatu Post Limited have provided infrastructure and logistical support to E-commerce projects, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery services.

“Additionally, the Vanuatu Internet Governance Forum and Smart Sistas have played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the benefits and opportunities of e-commerce among the local community. Yumiwork, with its digital hub services, has been a valuable resource for businesses, offering access to business coaches and trainers who provide guidance and support in navigating the E-commerce landscape.”

Minister Koanapo said the collective efforts of these entities have created a vibrant and thriving E-commerce ecosystem in Vanuatu, promoting economic growth and empowerment for businesses and individuals alike.