The project aims to develop and reinforce existing institutional capacities for the formulation and implementation of trade strategies and their incorporation into national development plans.

 Results

Participation in trade negotiations and international meetings has enhanced the capacity of the Department of External Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the Trade Development Division (the NIF-NIU).

• Institutional strengthening of the Trade Development Division through the EIF has enhanced the standing of the unit and the acceptance of its role as key coordinating agency on trade‑related matters.
• A National Trade Fair was held in August 2015 to increase the visibility of local goods and services and to promote the launch of the Vanuatu Tourism Infrastructure project (VTIP).
• The Trade Policy Framework (TPF) has been established and the Trade Policy Framework Implementation Matrix (TPFIM) is updated at least three times a year at National Trade Development Committee (NTDC) meetings. The TPF and the TPIFM are strategic documents that attract considerable attention from donors for their ability to provide comprehensive updates on trade policy implementation and identify potential funding gaps.

An Australian grant of AUD700,000 under the Governance for Growth Program was approved in November 2015. The project components include support toward the beef value chain analysis, jointly with the 11th European Development Fund project, a trade-related legislations project, a tourism land zoning project, and a reform of the Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board (VCMB).