The mission led by the Minister for Trade and Commerce (MTC), the Hon. Samson Samsen comprised of the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA), and senior officials from key government ministries and departments including the Parliamentary Committee on Economics and Foreign Policies, has successfully concluded a high-level learning and exchange visit to Fiji. The aim of the mission is to learn Investment Fiji’s experience in institutional reforms and rethinking investment promotion strategies, building and strengthening strategic partnerships in the context of current business dynamics and exploring the potential for free Trade Zone (FTZ) development in Vanuatu.

This knowledge exchange initiative is financially supported by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), following successful technical advisory assistance to VFIPA in developing its Investment Promotion Strategy (IPS) 2026-2030. Partnering with a peer country that faces similar development challenges, such as Fiji, allows for the sharing of best practices and actionable insights from an investment promotion perspective.

During the week-long mission (23-28/6/2025), the Vanuatu delegation gained first-hand insights into Investment Fijis’ transition to a fully-fledged Investment Promotion Agency (IPA), Fiji’s investment climate, policies, and the operational framework behind its successful Free Trade Zone model. The program included site visits to key industrial parks and economic zones, in-depth policy dialogues, and experience-sharing sessions focused on facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI), streamlining regulatory processes, and fostering export-oriented industrial development.

“This visit has provided valuable knowledge and practical insights on how Fiji has strategically leveraged Free Trade Zones to drive industrial growth and attract international investors,” said Mr. Raymond Vuti, CEO of VFIPA. “We are keen to assess how a similar model can be adapted to Vanuatu’s unique context to boost economic diversification, create jobs, and enhance our competitiveness in the region.”

The program’s first day featured presentations by Investment Fiji and Mr. Dushyant Thakor, Deputy Executive Director of WAIPA on strategic planning, KPI development, new industry creation, and site visits to companies, all of which helped VFIPA build practical knowledge and leads to support investment attraction to Vanuatu.

In a notable supplementary activity, Members of Vanuatu’s Parliament visited Fiji’s Export Development Zone (EDZ) to observe its structure and success. The experience is expected to inform discussions and build momentum for the passage of Vanuatu’s upcoming EDZ Bill, aimed at enhancing the investment landscape through the development of specialized economic zones.
While the primary focus of the program was on Investment Fiji’s institutional reform experience, additional visits to Government departments and regional Offices are opportunities for the VFIPA team to learn from Fiji’s broader resilience journey—particularly through programs like the Build Back Better Program following Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016—as Vanuatu makes progress to rebuild after its recent earthquake in late 2024.

In addition, VFIPA participated in the AHICE Tourism Investment Summit 2025, Nadi, Denarau as part of its broader strategy to position Vanuatu as a premier destination for tourism and hospitality investment. By engaging directly with leading investors and hotel developers, VFIPA is working to attract serious commitments that will stimulate tourism growth, create employment, and support infrastructure development.

VFIPA extends its appreciation to Investment Fiji and the Government of Fiji for their hospitality and openness in sharing best practices and looks forward to deepening bilateral collaboration on investment promotion and regional economic development. And a sincere acknowledgment to Mr. Dushyant Thakor for being with the team during the entire program and WAIPA and EIF for the funding support.