VANUATU LAUNCHES NATIONAL GARMENT AND TEXTILE STRATEGY 2026-2031

The Department of Industry under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce has officially launched the Vanuatu National Garment and Textile Strategy 2026–2031, marking a significant step towards strengthening, formalising, and growing one of Vanuatu's emerging industries.

The Strategy provides a clear roadmap to transform the garment and textile sector into a vibrant and competitive industry that creates employment, supports local entrepreneurs, and promotes Vanuatu's cultural identity through locally designed and produced clothing.

Although tailoring and small-scale garment production have existed in Vanuatu for many years, much of the industry continues to operate informally. This has limited businesses' access to formal training, finance, modern equipment, and government support. At the same time, demand for locally made clothing continues to increase, particularly among salaried workers, families, schools, businesses, churches, and seasonal workers who value quality custom-made garments.

Launching the Strategy, Hon. Samson Samsen, Minister of Trade and Commerce, highlighted the sector's importance to the country's economic development.

"I recognise the sector's potential to create jobs, support women's entrepreneurship, and express our national identity through clothing that reflects who we are," said Minister Samsen.

To support implementation of the Strategy, the Government announced several key policy initiatives, including:

• Government Procurement Reform
  A Council of Ministers decision will require all government ministries and departments to prioritise the procurement of uniforms from domestic garment producers holding a valid industry permit and Vanuatu Made certification. International suppliers will only be considered where no compliant local supplier is able to meet the procurement requirements. This measure is expected to create greater business opportunities for local manufacturers and retain more government spending within the national economyNational sizing standard: The DoI, with the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards will develop standard size categories (e.g small, medium, large) based on real body measurements collected from across the country – from Torres to Aneityum-to reflect our peoples unique shapes and ensure better fitting clothes.
• National Sizing Standard
  The Department of Industry, in partnership with the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards, will develop the country's first National Garment Sizing Standard. Standard size categories—including Small, Medium and Large—will be based on body measurements collected from communities across Vanuatu, from Torres to Aneityum. The initiative will ensure garments better reflect the unique body shapes of Ni-Vanuatu while improving consistency, quality and customer satisfaction across the industry. Establishing an industry body: An interim board of the Vanuatu National Garment and Textile Association will be launched, with the Department of Industry as secretariat. A fully elected board and chairperson will be in place by the end of the year to lead industry coordination and advocacy.

·        Promotion of Lapita-Inspired Designs
To strengthen Vanuatu's identity in fashion, the Government, in partnership with the Vanuatu Cultural Centre (VKS), will promote the use of authentic Lapita-inspired designs in locally produced garments. Tailors will be provided with fabrics featuring Lapita pottery motifs discovered throughout Vanuatu, encouraging the creation of distinctive local fashion. The initiative will culminate in an annual Vanuatu Made Fashion Show, featuring a special award recognising the best garment incorporating Lapita-inspired designs.

·        Establishment of the Vanuatu National Garment and Textile Association
An interim Board of the Vanuatu National Garment and Textile Association (VNGTA) will be established, with the Department of Industry serving as the Secretariat during its initial phase. A fully elected Board and Chairperson are expected to be in place by the end of the year, providing strong industry leadership, improving coordination among stakeholders, and advocating for policies that support the long-term development of Vanuatu's garment and textile sector. 

Addressing Key Challenges

The Strategy identifies several challenges currently affecting the sector.

One of the most significant is the lack of formal training and recognised certification. Most tailors acquire their skills through informal apprenticeships, resulting in inconsistent garment quality and sizing. This limits opportunities for businesses to expand and compete for larger commercial contracts.

The industry also relies heavily on imported fabrics, with very limited production of textiles featuring uniquely Vanuatu designs. This dependence increases production costs while reducing opportunities for product differentiation and value addition.

Competition among local tailors is another challenge. Many businesses produce similar products, particularly island dresses, creating an oversaturated market. Although demand for school uniforms, corporate uniforms, and professional attire continues to grow, many large orders are still awarded to overseas manufacturers because local producers often lack access to industrial equipment, bulk purchasing arrangements, and efficient production systems.

In addition, the absence of a coordinated industry body has limited the sector's ability to advocate for policies and investments that support sustainable growth.

Strategic Priorities

The Vanuatu National Garment and Textile Strategy 2026–2031 outlines targeted interventions to address these constraints and unlock the industry's full potential.

These include expanding accredited education and skills development programmes to professionalise the workforce; introducing national quality standards for garment production; encouraging innovation and the development of uniquely Vanuatu brands and designs; improving access to industrial sewing equipment, shared services, and bulk fabric purchasing; and strengthening industry governance through the establishment of a National Garment and Textile Council.

Together, these initiatives aim to build a stronger, more competitive industry capable of supplying both domestic and regional markets while creating sustainable employment opportunities for Ni-Vanuatu.

A Stronger Future for Local Manufacturing

By addressing structural barriers and supporting industry development, the Government envisions a garment and textile sector that contributes significantly to economic growth, strengthens local manufacturing, and showcases Vanuatu's unique cultural identity through fashion and design.

The Ministry of Trade and Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to the New Zealand High Commission in Vanuatu for its financial support towards the consultations, printing, and official launch of the Vanuatu National Garment and Textile Strategy 2026–2031.

Alignment with Ministry of Trade and Commerce Corporate Plan

The Vanuatu National Garment and Textile Strategy 2026–2031 directly contributes to the Ministry of Trade and Commerce's strategic priorities by:

• Supporting Private Sector Development through the formalisation and growth of garment and textile enterprises, improving business competitiveness and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship.
• Promoting Regulatory Compliance by introducing industry permits, national garment sizing standards, quality assurance mechanisms, and the Vanuatu Made certification framework.
• Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement through the establishment of the Vanuatu National Garment and Textile Association, fostering collaboration between government, industry, training institutions and development partners.
• Enhancing Service Delivery Visibility by providing targeted business development support, accredited training programmes, policy reforms and improved access to government procurement opportunities.
• Encouraging Inclusive Participation by supporting women entrepreneurs, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities to participate in the garment and textile value chain.
• Leveraging Digital Tools by encouraging the adoption of digital business systems, online marketing, e-commerce platforms and modern production management to improve market access and business efficiency.

Alignment with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2016–2030

The Strategy contributes directly to the NSDP Economic Pillars by advancing inclusive economic growth, employment creation and domestic manufacturing.

 Overall, the Strategy advances the Ministry's vision of building a competitive, inclusive and resilient private sector while contributing to the National Sustainable Development Plan's goal of creating a productive economy that generates sustainable employment, supports local manufacturing and promotes Vanuatu's