{"id":29718,"date":"2022-06-30T05:08:31","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T05:08:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/lambay-irish-whiskey-company-a-journey-of-taste-copy\/"},"modified":"2022-12-02T09:23:36","modified_gmt":"2022-12-02T09:23:36","slug":"vanuatu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/vanuatu\/","title":{"rendered":"Vanuatu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thinking Investment? Choose Vanuatu.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bridges: <\/strong>As CEO of the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, what role does the agency play in driving foreign investment to Vanuatu?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Howard Aru<\/strong>, Chief Executive Officer of Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency | \u00a9 VFIPA<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Howard Aru:<\/strong> The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency\u2019s (VFIPA) role is to proactively promote and facilitate foreign direct investment in Vanuatu. As the only Government institution mandated with this role, great importance is placed in the work that the Agency provides. With this advantage VFIPA as an Agency should always capitalize on opportunities that are in place to effectively carry out this role. However, with limited funding to go on investment promotion missions abroad, and within the context of the \u2018new normal\u2019 imposed on us by Covid-19 since March 2020, VFIPA is now proactively utilizing digital platforms and related tools to help drive foreign investment to Vanuatu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of this progress, the Agency is pleased to announce the current development of a first ever Management Information System and Online Registration platform that will enable faster processing time for investment applications but more importantly its effectiveness and efficiency in this digital era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I, as the CEO of VFIPA, work under a Board of Directors who are mandated by the Foreign Investment Act to proactively engage in policy advocacy on issues pertaining to investment and Vanuatu\u2019s business environment. This is a stepping stone in the Agency\u2019s development as it places policy advocacy at the forefront in turn providing assurance to foreign investors who are genuine in their investment prospects in Vanuatu that the Government will support their investment and strive to provide a conducive business environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With border re-opening on 1st July, Vanuatu will continue to promote foreign investments into the foreseeable future.<\/p>Howard Aru<\/strong>, Chief Executive Officer of Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency<\/mark><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What key sectors are investors currently active in and what new opportunities do you see developing in 2022\/2023?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The COVID-19 pandemic affected all countries and has placed some businesses (particularly businesses in the tourism industry) in very difficult spots and I am optimistic that as recovery from the pandemic grows in the coming years, businesses may find new ways of operating that will ensure business continuity in Vanuatu. On a positive note, there is still interest from potential foreign investors to invest in Vanuatu and that gives us a sign that the country, although small, can still attract new business interests post pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tourists snorkeling at Port Olry Bay. | \u00a9 Vanuatu Tourism Office<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

As part of the alignment with key Government policies, the Agency supports the Government\u2019s current focus on the Primary and Productive Sectors especially after the tourism industry\u2019s hit with border closures that commenced in 2020. This does not mean that the tourism industry will not bounce back however it may take time to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Key sectors in the Agency\u2019s FDI registry show that the Services Sector holds more investment interest and this can also be affirmed with the current new registered interests in the Wholesale and Retail Industry and Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities. This should be encouraging for other industries under the Services Sector in particular the Tourism Industry. However, it is important that the Agency engages to its full potential to ensure genuine and targeted FDI can be attracted into its Primary and Productive Sectors as a means to increase development them and more importantly to maximize the full potential of Vanuatu\u2019s capabilities for production and export.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tourist & tour guide walking on cascades, Losinwei Cascades and Waterfalls Walk, Losinwei, Malekula island, Malampa Province, Vanuatu. | \u00a9 Vanuatu Tourism Office<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A female tourist and ni-Vanuatu woman dances to traditional music performance at Naone Waterfall, Maewo Island, Penama province, Vanuatu. | \u00a9 Vanuatu Tourism Office\/We Are Explorers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Ni-vanuatu chief leads tourists up to Mount Garet volcano, Gaua Island, Torba province, Vanuatu. | \u00a9 Vanuatu Tourism Office\/We Are Explorers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A ni-Vanuatu guide leads group of tourists on the walk up to Mount Benbow volcano, Ambrym Island, Malampa province, Vanuatu. | \u00a9 Vanuatu Tourism Office\/We Are Explorers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Post pandemic; what message do you have for new investors regarding business and commerce in Vanuatu?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Post pandemic, Vanuatu continues to welcome foreign investment to our shores. We want all of our investors [overseas and domestic] to be part of and make a positive contribution to society, and actively help to develop our country. Vanuatu specifically welcomes investors who commit to our investment principles and the development aspirations set out in Vanuatu 2030 | The People’s Plan, the National Sustainable Development Plan 2016 to 2030, which includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ni-vanuatu men performing Nasel Dance, Nekowiar Festival, Tanna island, Tafea Province, Vanuatu | \u00a9 Vanuatu Tourism Office<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n