12/08/2026
𝗡𝗔𝗘𝟮𝟲 𝗕𝟮𝗕 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡’𝗦 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦
PORT VILA, Vanuatu
The Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Vanuatu, through its agencies including the Department of Industry Vanuatu, Department of Tourism Vanuatu and Vanuatu Cooperative Movement, continues to support women’s economic empowerment by creating platforms that connect women entrepreneurs with serious farmers, buyers and market opportunities.
At the National Agriculture Expo 2026 (NAE26) in Maewo, women entrepreneurs including Mrs. Trevina Tari of Mahalo Handicraft Hub from Ambae and Mrs. Esmie Jimmy of Green Forest Oils from Port Vila participated in the Business-to-Business (B2B) Discussions, resulting in meaningful business connections and access to serious farmers.
Both Mahalo Handicraft Hub and Green Forest Oils are recipients of support through the Industrial Development Fund (IDF), demonstrating the Government’s commitment to strengthening locally owned enterprises and supporting women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, access markets and contribute to economic development.
For Mrs. Jimmy, whose Green Forest Oils processes locally sourced nuts, including nangai, the B2B discussions created opportunities to strengthen farmer-supplier relationships and secure serious farmers to support the company’s ongoing production and market expansion.
Mrs. Tari, through Mahalo Handicraft Hub, is developing markets for traditional Ambae mats and other locally made handicrafts. Her participation demonstrates how women-led enterprises can connect traditional knowledge and cultural products with emerging markets.
The participation and leadership of these women entrepreneurs is significant in a business environment that has traditionally been male dominated. Their success provides visible examples for other women and young people that entrepreneurship can create pathways to income, employment, leadership and economic independence.
The Ministry of Trade and Commerce recognises that women’s economic empowerment is an important component of building a sustainable and inclusive economy. Supporting women to access markets, business networks, productive resources and value chains strengthens not only individual businesses but also families and communities.
Through the Department of Industry, Department of Tourism and Department of Cooperatives, the Ministry continues to facilitate opportunities that strengthen local businesses, promote value addition, improve market access and encourage inclusive participation in economic activities.
The NAE26 B2B Discussions demonstrate the practical impact of bringing serious farmers and serious buyers together. For women entrepreneurs such as Mrs. Tari and Mrs. Jimmy, these connections can translate into stronger supply chains, expanded businesses and new economic opportunities.
Ministry of Trade and Commerce remains committed to creating an enabling environment where women can participate, lead and succeed in business, and where their success contributes to building a stronger, more inclusive Vanuatu economy.
Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Vanuatu Tourism Office Corporate
Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office
Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency
Vanuatu Aid for Trade Management Unit
Vanuatu Bureau of Standards
Vanuatu Made
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Biosecurity
