APIBC President Simon Gorman (right) and VCCI President Antoine Boudier sign the MoU. Photo: Dev Nadkarni
The 7th Australia Vanuatu Business Forum, held from 12–13 March 2025 at the Warwick Le Lagon Hotel, marked a significant advancement in bilateral economic relations. The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, and industry specialists to explore investment opportunities, focusing on sustainable growth and post-pandemic recovery.
Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Hon. Jotham Napat, addressed delegates at a pre-forum event by reaffirming his government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment and identified sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, agribusiness, and renewable energy as prime areas for development. Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, and Disaster Management, who spoke at a session during the forum, highlighted the urgency of climate action and the critical role of the private sector in advancing Vanuatu’s resilience.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Vanuatu, HE Max Willis, reiterated Australia’s long-standing support for Vanuatu’s economic development through strategic partnerships. Mr Willis hosted a reception ahead of the conference and later joined a panel discussion, engaging with delegates on key development challenges and opportunities.
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister for Environment speaks at the forum. Photo: Dev Nadkarni
A major highlight of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the APIBC and the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Signed by APIBC President Simon Gorman and VCCI President Antoine Boudier, the MoU lays the foundation for closer business-to-business cooperation between the two countries.
Under the agreement, both organisations will work together to promote investment opportunities, facilitate networking between enterprises, support education and capacity-building initiatives, and advocate for policy improvements that enable a stronger business environment.
The MoU signed with Vanuatu is the ninth of its kind between APIBC and Chambers of Commerce across the region. Previous agreements have been signed with the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. The MoU with the Marshall Islands is scheduled to be signed during an upcoming APIBC delegation visit. Once concluded, only French Polynesia, Niue, New Caledonia and Tonga will be only four countries/territories where MoUs are yet to be signed.
The forum also featured robust discussions on infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, and digital transformation. Numerous networking sessions enabled participants to forge connections and explore joint ventures. With a shared vision for inclusive growth and regional collaboration, APIBC and VCCI plan to implement joint activities and maintain ongoing dialogue to ensure progress on shared priorities.
