VANUATU COUNTRY OVERVIEW

 

Vanuatu, formerly the New Hebrides, is situated in the South Pacific to the east of both Australia and New Caledonia. It comprises of eight-‐three islands, all of which fall wholly within the tropics. Average mid‐day temperatures in Port Vila are 29”c in summer and 25’c in winter.

 

Vanuatu gained independence from France and Britain in 1980 and enjoys a peaceful democratic system of government based on the Westminster system. There are several political parties hence government is usually by coalition. The court system, with the Supreme Court at the apex is strong and highly respected. As an island nation, a member of the Commonwealth and an underdeveloped nation Vanuatu enjoys preferential consideration in several key areas of trade and international assistance. (The Australian Government has an ongoing commitment to provide financial support to the Vanuatu Government).

 

 Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is the capital of the nation and is conveniently centrally situated, enjoying good telecommunication, air and sea links with the outside world but especially it’s Pacific neighbours Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. Vanuatu is one of the few countries that is considered to be pollution free.

 

There are no corporate, capital gains or incomes taxes levied in Vanuatu although revenues are raised by indirect means, principally value added tax (VAT) and import duties.

 

English is widely spoken in Vanuatu and the local language , Bislama, is derived from English and is easily learned or understood. Port Vila has an International School with students from 27 countries. It caters for students from pre-°©‐school to year 10 using the New South Wales (Australia) curriculum. The Vanuatu Government welcomes foreign investment.

 

The Australian and Chinese governments have made substantial investment in the infrastructure of Vanuatu . The relationship between China and Vanuatu is very close with Chinese Nationals able to visit Vanuatu without having to obtain a visa.

 

The Land Title system in Vanuatu is based on the Torrens Title, this system guarantees title to the registered owner investors once the have registered the transfer. Vanuatu is well served with International Banks, accounting and legal firms and with a legal system based on the British Common Law. This endorses the security for investors as legal relations are enforceable through the court system.