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 - March 12^th, 2026 — The Council of Ministers (COM) today approved a Cabinet paper presented by Minister for Internal Affairs Andrew Solomon Napuat to address longstanding financial liabilities facing the Vanuatu Police Force and the Government - dating back to 2016.

This decision once implemented, settles accumulated retirement severance payments and unpaid family allowances of the Vanuatu Police Force from 2016 up until this year, totalling approximately Vt1.8 billion.

 The payment plan targets Force members aged 54-62, many still in active duty despite having reached legal retirement age of 55 under the Police Act (CAP 105).

 The Ministry of Internal Affairs has been tasked by COM to prepare payment plans and table them at the next Supplementary Appropriation for Parliament's endorsement.

 "This decision ensures consistency in the Vanuatu Police Force operations and prevents further accrual of entitlements," said Prime Minister Jotham Napat, crediting Minister Napuat for tabling the long overdue paper.

 The Government acknowledges previous administrations' lack of foresight had contributed to the situation and is taking a proactive approach to ensure service consistency, restore organisational balance, and support operational effectiveness within the Vanuatu Police Force.

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.