Betarara, North Maewo, Vanuatu – 7 August 2026
The introduction of Business-to-Business (B2B) discussions at the National Agriculture Expo 2026 has delivered immediate commercial outcomes, with local timber company North Efate Timber securing supply agreements valued at an estimated VT1.5 million over the next six months.
Held for the first time as part of the National Agriculture Expo at Betarara, North Maewo, the B2B discussions were designed to connect farmers directly with buyers, creating new market opportunities and strengthening domestic value chains across Vanuatu's agriculture and forestry sectors.
North Efate Timber, an Industry Permit Holder based in Port Vila since 1994, participated in the B2B discussions and successfully established business relationships with 14 serious farmers from across the country.
The company, which specialises in joinery, sawmilling operations, and the promotion of locally harvested hardwoods, said the initiative came at a crucial time as it faces a shortage of timber supplies in Efate.
Mr. Christophe Kaloran, representative of North Efate Timber, said the B2B discussions had exceeded the company's expectations.
"The first-ever B2B discussions at the National Agriculture Expo have been very successful because they connected us directly with serious farmers who are ready to supply timber. We have secured commitments from 14 farmers, which is a significant outcome for our business," Mr. Kaloran said.
Through the discussions, North Efate Timber secured supply commitments for three major timber species over the next six months:
- Koyu wood: 2 cubic metres from Northwest Malekula, valued at approximately VT620,000.
- Local hardwoods (including Natapoa, Namalaus and Red Stingwood): 12 cubic metres from South Santo, valued at approximately VT600,000.
- Whitewood: 12 cubic metres from Maewo, to be supplied at two cubic metres per month over six months, valued at approximately VT400,000.
The total value of these supply arrangements is estimated at VT1.5 million, subject to the farmers' production capacity and delivery schedules.
Mr. Kaloran said the agreements would help address the company's current timber shortage while creating new market opportunities for rural farmers.
"These partnerships will help strengthen our supply chain while providing farmers with a reliable market for their timber. It is a positive outcome for both our business and the farmers," he said.
While the B2B discussions successfully linked buyers with suppliers, transportation remains one of the biggest challenges facing rural timber producers.
"Many farmers told us that the increasing cost of fuel makes it expensive to transport timber from their communities to the nearest shipping ports. This affects their ability to supply buyers consistently," Mr. Kaloran said.
To address this challenge, North Efate Timber has initiated discussions with the Department of Forests to explore possible support mechanisms that would assist farmers with transporting their timber products more efficiently.
"If we can help farmers overcome these transport challenges, they will be able to supply more timber, and businesses like ours will have a more reliable supply. It is a win-win situation for everyone," he added.
The National Agriculture Expo 2026 continues to demonstrate its value as more than just a showcase of agricultural products. Through initiatives such as the B2B discussions, the Expo is creating real business opportunities, strengthening domestic supply chains, promoting locally produced resources, and supporting inclusive economic growth by connecting producers directly with markets.
The success of North Efate Timber highlights the growing importance of structured business networking platforms in fostering partnerships that benefit both farmers and industry while contributing to the sustainable development of Vanuatu's agriculture and forestry sectors.