The first National E-commerce Committee Meeting of 2025 was held at The Melanesian Hotel in Port Vila, marking a key step in Vanuatu’s push to build a more inclusive and digitally connected economy.
The gathering brought together government representatives, agencies, and development partners to review the country's e-commerce progress and agree on next steps.
Chaired by Mr. Joe Ligo, Acting Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce (MOTC), the meeting focused on the need for a nationwide effort.
In his opening remarks, Acting DG Ligo said e-commerce development is a shared responsibility, not confined to a single ministry.
He acknowledged the joint efforts of public institutions, private enterprises, and development partners, and outlined the current status of the National E-commerce Strategy.
Mr. Ligo said 25 percent of the strategy’s recommendations have been fully implemented, while 40 percent are underway—covering work in digital literacy, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) support, and e-payment systems. The remaining 35 percent still require urgent action.
“Let 2025 be the year we shift gears from planning to action,” he said, calling for better coordination, wider stakeholder involvement, and firm commitment to achieving the strategy’s goals.
The committee reviewed earlier decisions to ensure follow-through and discussed updates on the strategy’s progress, with attention on areas still needing work. Preparations were also made for the 2025 National E-commerce Symposium, scheduled for May 13 to 16. Discussions centred on the event’s structure and stakeholder engagement.
A legislative gap analysis was presented to assess Vanuatu’s laws on e-commerce and consumer protection. Updates were also provided on the national physical addressing system—a core infrastructure project aimed at supporting delivery services and improving digital access across the country.
Committee members also pointed to the need for a national data governance framework, a digital trust scheme for businesses, and inclusive infrastructure to help reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
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