Wednesday, February 12, 2025
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Wednesday, February 12, 2025
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    Wednesday, February 12, 2025

    Department of Industry Explores Online Marketing to Support Local Businesses After Earthquake

    The Department of Industry is working on an online marketing platform to assist local businesses in Port Vila following the December 17 earthquake, which forced many handicraft and textile vendors to shut down or relocate outside the Central Business District (CBD).

    Port Vila has long served as a hub for small local businesses specializing in handicrafts and textiles. However, the 7.3-magnitude earthquake caused significant damage, leading to restrictions in the town center and forcing vendors to find alternative locations to continue their operations.

    After moving, Feby Ben, who has been working in the CBD for more than two years in the textile & sewing industry, expressed her concern after being displaced. “We discover how much we miss this place (CBD). Since it is where we generate most of our income, we don’t think we will earn as much money if we move somewhere else,” she said.

    Within the Ministry of Trades & Commerce, the Department of Industry, as part of the Economic Recovery Committee under the Recovery Operations Centre (ROC), is taking steps to support affected local businesses.

    Tony Tamata, Information and Communications Officer of the department, confirmed that efforts are underway to develop an eCommerce platform through the department’s Vanuatu Made website, to assist vendors in selling their products online.

    “We had developed an online marketplace two years ago, but unfortunately, it has not been active. We are now working to put it online so vendors can register and sell their products,” Tamata stated.

    The department has already submitted proposals to the Recovery Operations Centre, including plans to re-establish the eCommerce platform and provide training for local businesses. Approval is pending, but officials anticipate implementation by March.

    “This platform is not just for handicraft vendors. It extends to those producing value-added products and even musicians—everyone will have an opportunity to participate and sell their products online,” Tamata added.

    Currently, there are no confirmed plans for direct financial assistance from the government or the department to affected businesses. A rapid assessment estimates the total cost of damage to handicraft and textile businesses at over 20 million vatu, with many vendors facing challenges such as broken equipment and limited operational space.

    Approximately 220 women involved in textile businesses in Port Vila’s CBD have been directly affected by the earthquake, with many still struggling to resume their businesses.

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