The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA) was honored to be the main sponsor of 2 million to the 7th Australia-Vanuatu Business Forum, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening economic ties and fostering foreign direct investment between Vanuatu and Australia. The 7^th Australia Vanuatu Business Forum was held at Warwick Le Lagoon, Port Vila, 12-13 March 2025.

This important event serves as a vital platform for engaging discussions on investment opportunities, business development, and policy advancements that promote a more business-friendly environment. VFIPA remains dedicated to streamlining investment processes and facilitating greater collaboration between key stakeholders, in terms of promoting key priorities for investment opportunities.

“As an advocate for economic growth, VFIPA is proud to support initiatives that bring together the private sector, business professionals, industry leaders, public sector representatives, and other stakeholders,” said Mr Colins Gessa, Director of Customs and Inland Revenue, at the same time, VFIPA Board Member. During his speech, Mr. Colins address VFIPA goals, embarking on several strategic initiatives which includes reviewing the Reserve and Restricted List of doing business in Vanuatu. Since the enactment of the initial VIPA Act in 1998, which was repealed and replaced by the Foreign Investment Act No. 25 of 2019, no formal review has been conducted. This reassessment is a vital step in refining Vanuatu’s economic direction and ensuring our policies remain relevant and competitive. Additionally, with the support of the PACER Plus program, VFIPA is developing a one-stop-shop initiative to centralize approvals and permits. This will eliminate the need for investors to navigate multiple government agencies, making the investment process faster, simpler, and more

transparent.  VFIPA has also in progress of developing a new Investment Promotion Strategy to identify and attract foreign investments that create employment opportunities, generate income, and support government services. This strategy is designed to align with Vanuatu’s national development goals and address the needs of both investors and local communities.  Furthermore, VFIPA automating our processes through a new Management Information System, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and ease of access for investors. This modernization effort is a key step in enhancing our service delivery and building investor confidence. This initiative is very important to VFIPA and fully supported and lead by Mr. Raymond Vuti, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA).

The Australia-Vanuatu Business Forum provides an invaluable opportunity to address key challenges, highlight positive contributions, and explore ways to drive sustainable economic development. Australia is reinforcing its commitment to Vanuatu’s economic development through a bilateral business forums and dedication to foster regional business engagement. Events like this play a critical role in shaping policies and creating opportunities that benefit both nations, which in fact, VFIPA has played an important role in continuing its strategic partnership with Australia Vanuatu Business Forum Secretariat, including Trade and Investments Team in Australia.

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