Decrease Imports to Support Local Products – Director Ravo

September 28, 2024 10:33 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Adorina Massing.

The Government needs to reduce imports of food that local producers can easily supply as alternatives on the shelves of domestic markets.

Antoine Ravo, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), said the best option is to decrease imports and ensure local produce features prominently in domestic markets. He said these measures align with the Government’s long-term plans to reduce imports and enable local producers to create substitutes for imported products.

“We should reconsider how to control the importation of items, especially junk food, perhaps by increasing Value Added Tax (VAT) to prioritise the productive sector,” he said.

“Our focus should be on implementing import control measures to incentivise diversification and shift attention towards our productive sector, particularly the local products showcased at the Vanuatu Made Trade Show.”

Director Ravo further implied that at the end of the day, the benefits will triple in score and will greatly support farmers.

“We can focus on import substitution by assessing the value of goods imported internally, allowing us to support the private sector in increasing production so they can manufacture the same products currently imported and place them on our market shelves,” he explained.

“For example, they can produce the same coconut oil that we import, which could systematically drive production growth from processing to marketing and unlock larger export markets.

“The Government and private sector must collaborate more effectively to establish control measures over products entering from overseas, prioritising our Vanuatu Made goods that we see at the Trade Show, enabling us to sell our products both domestically and internationally.

“These are the areas where the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade should align their priorities to boost production in our markets and ensure a significant increase in the quality of exported goods.”

Director Ravo emphasised the importance of market opportunities, such as cruise ships and airlines, for showcasing local products globally.

“It is encouraging to learn that cruise ships are now using Vanuatu-made products, reflecting positively on the Vanuatu Made initiative that the Government has engaged with its private sector and farmers,” he said.

“There is still plenty of room for growth within the Government, private sectors, and among farmers in the productive sector.

“You can see a lot of potential by visiting the booths at the Vanuatu Made Trade Show, which present many opportunities for export processes and supporting farmers in developing their local businesses”.