Vanuatu

The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency's report for the June quarter of 2026 shows 80 approved foreign investment registrations, up 14.3% on the March quarter. Accommodation and food services had 15 approvals, up from 8. Tourism made up 18.8% of all approvals and was second only to professional, scientific and technical services. Recreation and other visitor-related services also rose, which suggests a broadening tourism supply chain where newcomers will face more competition.

Vanuatu Daily Post (citing the investment agency's FDI Trend Report) · 2026-08-08

No significant developments identified in this section for the reporting period.

Aperture editorial note · 2026-10-10

In its July 2026 Asian Development Outlook, the ADB forecasts Vanuatu's GDP to grow 4.7% in 2026 and 3.9% in 2027, with inflation at 2.0% in 2026 and 2.7% in 2027. The report describes a regional outlook made fragile by ongoing disruption in energy markets. For an entrant, this points to growing demand alongside exposure to imported fuel costs.

Asian Development Bank · 2026-07-10

On 6 July, four days before this quarter began, the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu kept its policy rate at 2.75%. It cited a steadier global economy, the recovery at home led by reconstruction and tourism, and inflation still within its target. The bank's website still showed 2.75% and no change was found during the quarter, so borrowing conditions remain loose.

Central Banking / Reserve Bank of Vanuatu · 2026-07-06

The consumer price index rose from 207.1 in the March quarter of 2026 to 209.9 in the June quarter, about 1.4% in one quarter. That is faster than the 0.6% quarterly rise reported for March. The transport index jumped about 8.8% over the same period after the government's April fuel price increase, so firms should expect higher logistics and distribution costs.

Trading Economics, compiling Vanuatu National Statistics Office data · 2026-10-10

On 3 August, the Supreme Court ruled in a case the government says restores the powers of the executive. The Prime Minister's Office called it a landmark decision. The source does not give the details of the case, but entrants should expect the cabinet to have more room to act on policy and licensing decisions.

Prime Minister's Office of Vanuatu · 2026-08-03

On 2 September, Vanuatu took France to the ICJ over sovereignty of Matthew and Hunter Islands and the maritime boundary between them. This followed the Prime Minister's 14 July briefing to independence leaders on the results of talks with France. France and New Caledonia are important partners, so firms working in fisheries, the ocean economy or French-linked supply chains should follow the case.

Prime Minister's Office of Vanuatu · 2026-09-02