VCCI, New Caledonia Businesses Address Trade Barriers

May 6, 2026 11:06 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

Representatives from a New Caledonian trade delegation met this week with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to strengthen business ties with Vanuatu.

VCCI General Manager (GM) Wilma Sinumila clarified that despite public perceptions and commentary surrounding political issues, the Chamber is not involved in political matters. She emphasised that VCCI’s primary focus remains on promoting business investment and supporting economic growth in Vanuatu.

“I think just to clarify right at the start, the meeting was called by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce. The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce operates under the VCCI Act within the Ministry, and today’s meeting was scheduled with New Caledonian businesses visiting for the trade forum to discuss potential investment opportunities,” she said.

Sinumila highlighted that Vanuatu offers a wide range of opportunities across key sectors, including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and general services. Discussions during the meeting focused on how to improve the ease of doing business between Vanuatu and New Caledonia, given their close proximity, as well as identifying challenges and possible incentives that could attract investors not only from New Caledonia but from across the region.

She noted that several sectors have already drawn interest from visiting businesses, including construction, waste management, tourism, and food processing. In addition, she announced that VCCI is preparing for “French Week” in Vanuatu, scheduled from 14 to 19 July, which will coincide with Bastille Day celebrations. The event is expected to bring more businesses from New Caledonia to engage in direct business-to-business discussions.

“This initiative will provide further opportunities for New Caledonian enterprises to connect with local businesses and explore partnerships,” she said.

Addressing Vanuatu’s attractiveness as an investment destination, Sinumila pointed to the country’s stable political environment and strong potential for economic growth. She stressed the importance of attracting new investment to stimulate the economy, alongside supporting the growth of existing small and medium enterprises.

“We need to bring new money into the economy. While we must support our existing businesses, we also need to encourage new investors to come in,” she said.

She also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve connectivity between Vanuatu and New Caledonia, particularly through shipping links, which are expected to enhance trade and economic cooperation.

GM Sinumila further referenced regional frameworks such as the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Agreement, noting that Vanuatu, as a host country, must ensure it benefits from such arrangements by promoting trade and investment opportunities for its people.

“These discussions are about encouraging businesses to come to Vanuatu, invest, and employ our people. We have a strong workforce, and there are real opportunities for growth,” she said.

Reflecting on the reaction of visiting delegates, Sinumila said many were pleasantly surprised by what Vanuatu has to offer, particularly its vibrant market economy, fresh agricultural produce, and natural advantages for tourism and development.

“They’ve seen the thriving markets, the availability of local produce, and they are asking whether we are processing and exporting more. They’ve also recognised our proximity to the harbour in Port Vila and the potential this brings for tourism and construction,” she said.

She added that discussions also explored alternative building materials and innovative approaches to construction, highlighting untapped opportunities within the local economy.

In her overall assessment, Sinumila described the engagement as positive and productive from a business perspective, reiterating that VCCI remains focused on fostering investment rather than engaging in political discourse.

“We know that Vanuatu is a great place to invest, but we must find the right balance by offering incentives that attract investors and give them confidence to establish their businesses here,” she said.

She acknowledged challenges such as the country’s geography, with 83 islands—65 of which are inhabited—but maintained that these challenges are manageable and do not diminish Vanuatu’s appeal as an investment destination.

“We have lived here all our lives and know that it is workable. It is a beautiful country with real opportunities,” she added.

Sinumila also indicated that several visiting businesses have already expressed interest in returning for the July French Week, signalling growing confidence and continued engagement between Vanuatu and New Caledonia’s private sector.