VCCI & GGGI empower green MSMEs in Santo
[Luganville, Vanuatu – 20 & 21 June 2023] The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI), in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) hosted a two-day program for selected impact-driven entrepreneurs in Santo, a vital economic hub in Vanuatu.
More than 20 guests and participants were formally welcomed by the VCCI project officer, Ms. Candyce Simeon and Ms. Mihwa Wi, Senior Project Management and Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist from GGGI Fiji. Ms. Candyce stated “It is great to witness the enthusiasm and commitment of our participants in driving sustainable entrepreneurship and green growth in Vanuatu. The 2023 incubator program is being implemented in Santo, recognizing the region’s importance as the second largest economic region in Vanuatu.
Speaking on behalf of GGGI’s funding partner, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Mr. Fahad Al-Dehaimi, Head of International Organizations at QFFD wished the cohort best of luck in their green entrepreneur’s journey. He said in his recorded remarks, “The incubator is designed to provide you with tools, guidance and support needed to navigate this journey. We eagerly look forward to seeing the incredible innovations that will emerge from this cohort.”
10 green entrepreneurs from Santo have been selected to be part of the four-month program this year. Each participant is receiving support through individual and group coaching led by VCCI which will support them to apply the training modules to their own green businesses.
Training modules are delivered both in-person and online with a cohort from across 6 Pacific Island countries through the online interactive webinars which enable like-minded Greenpreneurs to learn from, share experiences and ideas with each other.
As part of the two-day program, the Vanuatu Pacific Greenpreneurs Accelerator Investor pitch event took place in Vanuatu on 21st June. Promising green businesses presented their green business plans and an incredible showcase competing for opportunities to scale their ventures and make a lasting impact.
The winner of the accelerator investor pitch event was Mr. Obed Timakata, of Organic Fish + Farm Mariculture Enterprise, winning an all-expense paid trip to Fiji to represent Vanuatu during the Regional Pitch finals at the end of August. Mr. John Ken Matahu from Ituani Vocational Centre took the 1st Runner-up place, with Ms. Nadia Bani from Hia Raw Honey receiving the 2nd Runner-up certificate.
Ms. Mihwa Wi from the GGGI Fiji Office, said during her remarks, “do take advantage of all the opportunities offered to you through this program. We believe you have so much to gain by listening to and learning from each other and supporting each other during the program and beyond. With this program the more effort you put in, the more reward you will benefit from it.” Ms. Wi wished everyone all the best on behalf of GGGI and acknowledged its implementing partner, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for partnering with GGGI to implement the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network program over the past 3 years.
About Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI):
Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization that supports governments of developing countries to transition to a model of economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. GGGI delivers programs in over 40 partner countries with technical support, capacity building, policy planning & implementation, and by helping to build a pipeline of bankable green investment projects. More on GGGI’s events, projects, and publications can be found on www.gggi.org. You can also follow GGGI on Twitter and join us on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD):
Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is a Qatari public institution committed, on behalf of the State of Qatar, to implement foreign aid projects by international best practices and standards.
Since 2012, QFFD has been providing aid to many countries in accordance with the international cooperation goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Its primary goal is to achieve inclusive and sustainable development by addressing global priority issues in education, health, and economic development. In this context, priority is given to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
1. SDG 3: "Ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all";
2. SDG 4: "Ensuring fair and inclusive education for all and enhancing lifelong learning for all";
3. SDG 8: "Promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and keeping full and productive employment and decent work for all."
To realize the optimal development impact, QFFD projects are also designed to have cross-cutting co-benefits within SDG (2) on "Zero hunger" and SDG (6) on "Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" in addition to SDG (17) on "Partnerships to Achieve Goals."
QFFD cooperates with many reputable actors through strategic partnerships both locally and internationally. These include Civil Society Organizations, government agencies, UN agencies, and the private sector.
About Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI):
The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is Vanuatu’s National Private Sector organisation. Established in 1995 under the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Vanuatu Act, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is a statutory body with a 16-member Council that represents Vanuatu’s private sector. All businesses with a valid Vanuatu business license are automatically VCCI members. VCCI’s new vision statement, a stable and prosperous economy, encouraging trade, investment and providing economic opportunities for all members of society throughout Vanuatu, is proudly borrowed from Vanuatu 2030 – The People’s Plan, the country’s National Sustainable Development Plan. It clearly indicates VCCI’s intention to become an organisation that makes a unique and significant contribution to the future of the country by representing the private sector in dialogue with Government and others, and by providing effective business development services across the country.
