Government’s VT200M pack house investment targets trade and local producers

July 3, 2025 11:12 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Bruce Tamata.

The recent official groundbreaking of the Santo Pack House, declared by Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat, is expected to support value-added production for both local and export markets.

In his remarks, Minister of Trade and Commerce Samson Samsen said the Santo Pack House is an important project that will connect Vanuatu Madeproducts to domestic and international buyers.

He added that the facility will support the national economy by processing and packaging root crops, fruits, vegetables, and seafood sourced from producers across the country, enabling compliance with international market standards.

The Council of Ministers (COM) has approved the construction contract for an Australian company, which will apply Australian construction methods and systems to ensure the building meets required export specifications.

As part of the COM decision, Quality Solutions Company has been appointed to certify the facility to meet international requirements. Quality Solutions will also operate the pack house and provide training to ni-Vanuatu managers and operators to support skills development. Once a sufficient local workforce is in place, the facility will be handed over to the government and can later be transferred to a cooperative for ongoing management.

According to the Trade Minister, the project will help build national capacity in food preservation and security by enabling seasonal produce to be packaged and stored for longer shelf life.

The Santo Pack House is intended to serve as a model for future facilities around the country. It is also expected to encourage farmers to shift from subsistence to commercial production and help increase supply for the local tourism industry.

Those present at the groundbreaking included Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo, Trade Minister Samsen, Minister of Lands Rick Tchamako Mahe, Minister for Infrastructure Xavier Harry, Minister of Agriculture Ian Wilson, and Members of Parliament (MPs) from SANMA Province.

Coinciding with the Reserve Bank’s economic symposium held in Luganville, the launch of the pack house signals the government’s commitment to strengthening Santo’s role as an economic hub for national development.

The agreement for the VT200 million project stems from the National Trade Policy Framework, which was introduced in 2019 by the current PM during his tenure as Minister of Trade and Commerce. The framework aims to address trade export challenges, including gaps in quality infrastructure.