Port Vila, 15 September 2025 — As part of the Vanuatu Economic and Environment Mission 2025, the session on Enhancing Trade, Investment and Tourism was held on 15 September and concluded with very productive discussions that highlighted the deepening partnership between Vanuatu and Japan.

With over 80 participants in attendance, including more than 30 members of the Japanese delegation — the majority being investors — the forum created a strong platform for dialogue on investment opportunities, trade, tourism development, and national priorities. The engagement reflected the value of ongoing collaboration and the strong partnership between the two nations.

The seminar focused on pressing issues including waste management, landfill solutions, disaster management, water waste treatment, and infrastructure — areas critical to both environmental sustainability and economic resilience. This platform fostered in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing between Vanuatu and Japanese stakeholders, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and sustainable investment across key sectors.

As a key outcome, several government line ministries expressed strong interest in the innovative products and solutions presented by Japanese companies, particularly in areas of environmental management, renewable energy, tourism infrastructure, and disaster resilience. This signals concrete opportunities for future collaboration and investment.

Representatives emphasized the importance of public–private partnerships in driving innovative solutions to environmental challenges, enhancing disaster preparedness, and strengthening trade, investment, and tourism collaboration. The engagement showcased the strong bilateral relationship between Vanuatu and Japan, underscoring mutual commitment to advancing sustainable development and economic growth.

“The collaboration between Vanuatu and Japan through this seminar is a vital step towards building resilient infrastructure and sustainable environmental practices that benefit both nations,” said Mr. Raymond Vuti, Chief Executive Officer, VFIPA. “We are proud to facilitate such partnerships that bring together expertise, investment, and innovation.”

“This has been one of the best and most successful business forums ever held in the Pacific,” said Mr. Ryuzo Saito, Director of the Pacific Islands Center (PIC). “We are delighted to have co–hosted this event with VFIPA, creating meaningful opportunities for investment and cooperation between Japan and Vanuatu.”

As one of the first forums hosted by VFIPA, this event marks an important milestone in strengthening economic diplomacy and positioning Vanuatu as a resilient and attractive investment destination. Importantly, the forum aligns with the implementation of the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Strategy 2025–2026, which seeks to drive sustainable investment, diversify the economy, and strengthen international partnerships.

VFIPA acknowledges with appreciation the presence of the Embassy of Japan in Vanuatu and the Department of Environment, whose participation underscored the importance of international cooperation and environmental stewardship in shaping sustainable pathways forward.

VFIPA, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, the Pacific Islands Center (PIC), the Embassy of Japan in Vanuatu, and the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC), organized the seminar to encourage deeper economic ties and promote sustainable development initiatives aligned with Vanuatu’s national priorities.

As part of the broader Vanuatu Economic and Environment Mission 2025, the program continues with a dedicated Environment Seminar on 16 September 2025, furthering discussions on innovative solutions for sustainable development.

VFIPA and PIC sincerely thank all participants for their valuable contributions and active engagement, which made the seminar a successful platform for collaboration and learning.