The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA) has announced plans to conduct a desk review of the Reserved and Restricted List of Investments before June 2025.
In a press statement, VFIPA stated that this review is part of the periodic reassessment mandated by the Foreign Investment Act No. 25 of 2019 to ensure that Vanuatu’s investment landscape remains competitive and aligned with the country’s economic development goals.
As a World Trade Organization (WTO) member and a signatory to regional trade agreements, Vanuatu is committed to fostering a balanced and attractive investment environment. However, maintaining an extensive list of restricted business activities compared to regional counterparts has posed challenges in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Key Focus Areas of the Review:
✔ Aligning investment policies with global best practices
✔ Enhancing economic diversification and growth opportunities
✔ Strengthening investor confidence in post-earthquake recovery efforts
✔ Actively engage key stakeholder including government agencies, private sector, and civil society
VFIPA emphasizes that this collaborative review process will help support local entrepreneurs, attract responsible foreign investment, and drive sustainable economic progress. Given recent global and natural challenges, a stronger investment framework is key to ensuring long-term stability and resilience.
The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency encourages stakeholders to provide input and participate in shaping a more progressive investment environment.
