In just about a month’s time, the 7th Australia Vanuatu Business Forum will get under way on 12-13 March 2025 at the Warwick Le Lagon Hotel in Port Vila. Organised by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC) and the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, the forum will focus on investment, trade, and business opportunities, while also addressing the nation’s post-earthquake economic recovery. The decision to hold the event despite recent challenges highlights the commitment of Australian and ni-Vanuatu businesses to rebuilding and strengthening economic ties.
The forum will focus on Vanuatu’s economic recovery, investment opportunities, and key business sectors. Discussions will cover the country’s post-earthquake recovery efforts, including economic resilience, financial stability, and investment prospects.
The sessions, spread across two days, will provide insights into Vanuatu’s business environment, highlighting regulatory frameworks, opportunities, and challenges for investors. Among topics explored will be the role of Australian companies in supporting Vanuatu’s labour market and supply chains, as well as strategies for strengthening bilateral trade and investment between Australia and Vanuatu.
A key focus will be on expanding Vanuatu’s agricultural economy, with particular attention to market access and industry development. Climate change and environmental challenges will also be addressed, emphasising sustainability and resilience in business operations. The event will also include discussions on future trade relations, policy development, and investment strategies to ensure long-term economic growth and stability in Vanuatu.
A detailed programme will be published on the event website shortly. Meanwhile, if you haven’t registered yet, here is a link.
Economic recovery
The devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu in December 2024 caused significant loss of life, displaced over 1,000 people, and inflicted extensive damage on infrastructure, with reconstruction costs estimated at 29 billion vatu ($237 million). In response, the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council (VBRC) has helped initiate the Disaster Recovery Visa Programme, which allows businesses to recruit skilled specialists in construction, engineering, and logistics to expedite rebuilding efforts. This programme, developed in collaboration with Vanuatu’s Immigration Services, ensures that foreign expertise supports recovery without displacing local workers.
The World Bank, backed by Australia and the United States, has stepped in with a $77 million financial aid package aimed at stabilising Vanuatu’s banking sector and ensuring access to global financial systems. Meanwhile, ANZ has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining banking services across the Pacific, preventing financial disruptions that could hinder recovery.
Tourism, a critical pillar of Vanuatu’s economy, is also receiving a boost. Virgin Australia recently announced a major flight sale, offering discounted fares to Vanuatu, signalling confidence in the country’s ability to rebound.
With the 7th Australia Vanuatu Business Forum moving forward, businesses and policymakers will have a key platform to discuss investment, infrastructure, and economic resilience. The forum’s success will be a testament to Vanuatu’s determination to recover stronger and build a more resilient future.
