VCCI and Indonesian Partners Strengthen Business Relations
JAYAPURA, SUARAPAPUA.com – The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) in Canberra, Australia, marking the official commencement of the agreement between the two chambers.
The Daily Post Vanuatu reports that the MoU was initially signed on October 14, 2025, in Jakarta and subsequently formally signed by the Chairman of KADIN Indonesia. Yesterday’s signing by the VCCI was the final step required to implement the agreement.
The signing ceremony was hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra.
VCCI President Antoine Boudier, accompanied by VCCI Vice President Christophe Crowby, signed the MoU in person. The Vanuatu delegation present included Ernest Guy Sumptoh, Chargé d’Affaires of the Vanuatu Embassy in Australia, and Patrice Kuautonga, Labour Attaché and Liaison Officer for the Vanuatu Department of Labour in Australia.
The Chairman of KADIN Indonesia, who had previously signed the document, participated in the ceremony virtually as a witness, along with representatives from the Embassy and invited stakeholders.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Dr. Siswo Pramono.
“Through this MoU, we open the door to practical cooperation ranging from the promotion of trade and investment to business exchanges and knowledge sharing,” said Ambassador Pramono.
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“More importantly, we create a platform where entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders from both countries can explore new opportunities with competence and optimism.”
In response, VCCI President Boudier said that the MoU reflects confidence in the economic potential of each country and the future of bilateral relations between the two countries.
“In today’s challenging world, regional partnerships are essential. By building a structured cooperation between our chambers of commerce, we create a channel that allows businesses to explore opportunities in a representative, transparent, and partnership-oriented manner,” said President Boudier.
In discussions held in conjunction with the signing, both Chambers of Commerce acknowledged the steady growth in trade between Vanuatu and Indonesia in recent years, reflecting increased engagement between the private sectors of both countries.
The export of fishery products, cocoa, beef, and coffee to the Indonesian market was highlighted as a priority area for further expansion. There was a shared recognition of the importance of strengthening existing trade flows, addressing technical requirements such as biosecurity and certification standards through closer regulatory engagement, and identifying priority sectors where practical cooperation can be enhanced.
The discussions also covered the planning of an Indonesian business mission to Vanuatu in May 2026, aimed at promoting priority sectors and facilitating direct business engagement.
The MoU, which is set for an initial term of three years, provides a formal framework for enhancing cooperation between the private sectors of Vanuatu and Indonesia, including the promotion of trade and investment, facilitation of business relations, exchange of information, and institutional collaboration.