Vanuatu kicked off 2026 with a concerted push to strengthen its economic foundations, unveiling a clear policy agenda for trade and commercial growth and launching its first ever Foreign Investment Promotion Strategy, both of which are designed to attract capital, diversify economic activity and enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the Pacific region.
In mid-January, the Ministry of Trade and Commerce convened its first executive meeting of the year to set priorities aimed at broadening trade links, supporting local industry and improving the business environment. Officials outlined a multi-pronged approach that emphasises regulatory streamlining, export facilitation and stronger alignment with international norms to make Vanuatu a more attractive partner for regional and global markets. Key areas of focus include enhancing trade facilitation measures, improving licensing processes and engaging diaspora networks to expand commercial engagement beyond traditional partners.
At the same time, government authorities officially launched the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Strategy 2026–2030, a milestone framework aimed squarely at increasing the country’s appeal to foreign direct investment. The strategy, developed by the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA), sets out a roadmap to draw capital into priority sectors such as sustainable tourism, agriculture, value-addition industries and renewable energy, while reinforcing investor services, legal protections and aftercare support. The document positions Vanuatu as a competitive destination for long-term capital, signalling to international investors that the government is serious about facilitating business and reducing entry barriers.
The twin initiatives reflect Vanuatu’s broader development ambitions to diversify its economic base and deepen trade and investment linkages. By integrating improved trade policies with a dedicated strategy to attract foreign capital, Port Vila is seeking to position the country as a hub for value-added production and services in the Pacific. This is especially pertinent given regional dynamics, where small island economies face competition for investment but also opportunities in sectors such as eco-tourism, agribusiness and renewable energy.
Business stakeholders have welcomed the policy signals, noting that a more transparent and proactive investment framework, combined with active trade facilitation, could help catalyse job creation, technology transfer and sustainable growth. The challenge now lies in translating strategic vision into tangible investment commitments and commercial outcomes that can support Vanuatu’s economy over the coming decade.
