EU Statement at the Trade Policy Review of the Republic of Vanuatu, 10 December 2025

EU Statement at the Trade Policy Review of the Republic of Vanuatu, 10 December 2025

Statement delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative, Antonio Fernandez-Martos

On behalf of the European Union, I would like to warmly welcome Vanuatu's Delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Sumbue ANTAS, Permanent Representative to the WTO, as well as his team. I would also like to thank the Discussant, H.E. Ms. Clare KELLY (New Zealand), for her introductory words.

The EU welcomes this opportunity to discuss the developments in Vanuatu's trade policies and practices since its last Trade Policy Review in 2018.

The EU would like to highlight some of the positive developments during this review period. We acknowledge Vanuatu's successful graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in December 2020. We also note the progress made in trade facilitation, notably the introduction of the Vanuatu electronic Single Window system to streamline customs procedures. We also welcome Vanuatu's reforms to enhance its FDI landscape, for example the Investment Promotion Strategy 2026-2030, demonstrating Vanuatu's commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic growth through strategic foreign investment.

At the same time, Vanuatu remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters, costing approximately 6% of GDP annually. Vanuatu's unique environment increases its susceptibility to climate change, a crucial consideration for WTO trade and environment discussions.

The EU commends Vanuatu's continued commitment to the multilateral trading system, reflected in its active engagement with the WTO, particularly in agriculture, trade facilitation, and environmental initiatives. We also appreciate that Vanuatu is one of the 128 co-sponsors of the request to incorporate the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into the WTO framework, and the EU is looking forward to work with Vanuatu on this crucial matter. The EU also encourages Vanuatu to ratify the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and join the E-Commerce Agreement.

Vanuatu's Vision 2030 policy framework plays a crucial role in enhancing trade and investment opportunities, reducing barriers, and fostering economic diversification to promote inclusive growth and stability. The EU encourages Vanuatu to proceed with its reform efforts and improve transparency and institutional frameworks.

The EU also commends the work of Vanuatu to introduce legislation on geographical indications and invites Vanuatu to consider joining the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications.

Vanuatu and the EU work together on a number of common values, interests and challenges, such as climate change and oceans. Our bilateral relationship is governed by the Samoa Agreement, signed in 2023. This agreement, which sets the framework for our trade and investment cooperation, prioritises key areas such as environmental sustainability, climate change, and inclusive and sustainable economic development. It ensures that our partnership with the Pacific States is built on a foundation of shared values and mutual benefit.

The EU remains a key trade partner and donor for development aid in Vanuatu. Following its LDC graduation, Vanuatu transitioned from the EU's Everything But Arms scheme to the Standard GSP. During the review period, Vanuatu notified the EU of its intention to accede to the existing EU-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The Council recently approved this accession, granting Vanuatu full duty-free-quota-free access to the EU market upon the exchange of formal notifications.

The EU has submitted several questions. We are particularly interested in understanding the reasons for Vanuatu's prohibition of beef imports from the EU and in its strategies for further integrating into global value chains.

On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a constructive exchange of views and wish Vanuatu's delegation every success during this Trade Policy Review. Thank you.