Prime Minister Hon Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau has officially launched the new company VANUEX LTD on 7^th February 2023, which will be conducting business/trade through Digital technology. He has pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic outlook is within the same level of Digital transformation.

Most country’s economy are moving towards Digital and Vanuatu is going in the same direction.

The announcement was made along side MP Jessy Luo, MP for Malekula Hon Anatole Hymak and Minister of Agriculture Hon Nako Natuman.

4 billion VT projects to be funded from Chinese funds that were never used. Prime Minister Hon Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau Maau’koro has announced a total of 4 billion projects from the aid money that was never utilised by the previous government. The 2 billion for 2021 will be injected into road projects for Efate and Santo while a further 2 million for 2022 will be go towards the construction of a new school of nursing collage in Santo and up grading health facilities.

The Prime Minister made the announcement after signing off all documentations that were later dispatched to Chinese Embassy last week. When he came into office after his election as PM, he found out that 2 billion Chinese grand for 2021 and another 2 million for 2022 was never put to use. The Prime Minister Maau’koro said it is best to target only two islands and make an impact and move to other islands next. This does not mean the government has ignored other islands completely under this grand. We have 2023 and 2024 still to be utilised and the Public Works will still continue working on our roads.

Port Vila, Vanuatu -10^th March 2026 – The Government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, where the US/Israeli conflict with Iran has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil supply route for the Asia-Pacific region. About 80% of the region's oil passes through this strait, which has been impassable since March 2, 2026, halting oil exports from the Gulf of Arabia.

 The Government has engaged with Pacific Energy, Vanuatu's primary fuel importer and supplier, to assess potential impacts on national fuel supply.

Pacific Energy has confirmed:

- Current stocks are sufficient to cover usual consumption.

- The company's supply program, based on a three-month rolling forecast, is secured, and no shortages are anticipated in the foreseeable future.

 However, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on oil production and transport facilities have led to increased oil prices and freight rates on the international market. The duration and level of these increases are currently unpredictable.

 The Government will maintain regular engagement with fuel suppliers and stakeholders to ensure continuity of fuel supply. The public is advised that there is no current need for concern regarding fuel availability. Unnecessary stockpiling is discouraged, as supply arrangements remain stable.

 The Government will provide updates should global developments significantly affect fuel supply or prices.

Port Vila, Vanuatu - February 23^rd, 2026 —The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Hon. Jotham Napat, today emphasized the need for economic transformation as the central goal of the Government, at a first-ever government forum that his office is spearheading – bringing together government ministers, director generals, and senior officials.

 In his address, Prime Minister Napat reflected on the Government's first year in office, highlighting achievements in stability, control, and credibility. "We have achieved a lot together, and that work matters," he said. "Without it, nothing else is possible."

 Looking ahead, the Prime Minister stressed that the world has changed, with climate shocks, global conflict, and rising costs impacting Vanuatu. "Doing 'business as usual' is no longer safe," he said, emphasizing the need for a stronger economy to protect people, create jobs, and fund essential services.

 The Government has been working on a new strategy that puts economic transformation at its centre, recognizing the critical role of health and education. The strategy aims to build on existing foundations, including infrastructure, energy systems, and telecommunications, and will focus on three key areas: the economy, healthcare, and education. One of its key objectives is to clarify the NSDP and outline clear outputs before the country reaches its 50^th anniversary mark.

 "We want to make sure that we have clearer structure in place which also allows all of you to have a voice at the table on an ongoing basis," Prime Minister Napat said, inviting feedback and ideas from participants.

 The forum is part of a consultation process, seeking input from government officials and stakeholders to shape the Government's strategy. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a whole-of-country effort, involving businesses, communities, and individuals in Vanuatu's development journey.

 "We must be disciplined and work together to achieve our goals," he said, calling for alignment among coalition partners, ministerial leadership, and a commitment to support each other.

 In the coming days, each government ministry will work on refining their service targets and outputs, ensuring they are specific, measurable and achievable by 2030 when the country celebrates its 50^th anniversary.