Funding to boost agriculture resilience, public finance, and rural opportunities

The European Union (EU) has disbursed the first VT 670 million (€5 million) under the Vanuatu Sustainable and Inclusive Rural Development Program, launched in June this year.

The program is part of the EU’s total pledge of VT 2.5 billion (€18.8 million) to support Vanuatu’s sustainable growth and resilience.

Signing ceremony
Minister of Finance, Hon. Johnny Koanapo, together with EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Josef Sikela, signed the rollout agreement in Port Vila.

EU priorities
Commissioner Sikela said the program will strengthen agricultural resilience against climate change, support farmers and agribusinesses, and provide rural communities with the right tools to adapt.

He added that the funds will also help advance public finance management, attract international investors, and open new economic opportunities for Vanuatu.

Vanuatu’s response
Finance Minister Koanapo welcomed the rollout, stressing that “Vanuatu is not only a recipient of this kind of financial supports, but we also have a role to play in supporting international cooperation and partnerships.”

Koanapo described Vanuatu’s ties with the EU as a long-standing, reliable, and consistent relationship, one that must remain strong.

Broader talks
Alongside the funding rollout, both parties also discussed a range of issues, including visa matters between the EU and Vanuatu.