AGP Executive Report

Financial Oversight: Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit has warned that investors in YS Sharing Technology could lose up to VT2.74 billion if recruitment slows or the scheme stops. The unit says its inquiries are ongoing and it has made no final determination on the business’s legality. West Papua: Vanuatu and Solomon Islands’ calls for a UN human rights chief to visit Papua have won backing from church leaders there, who say an independent assessment is needed. Indonesia says its own institutions address credible allegations. Nakamal Agreement: At an Australian parliamentary hearing, officials said the pact could nearly double the eight Australian Federal Police officers in Vanuatu, with expanded support for investigations, training and policing in remote islands. Australia’s foreign affairs department said the agreement’s bar on foreign military bases reflects existing Vanuatu law.

Financial Oversight: Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit warned that investors in YS Sharing Technology could face losses if recruitment slows. Its modelling puts possible direct losses at VT2.74 billion in one scenario; a larger VT31 billion figure includes promoted returns and is not confirmed loss. Authorities are still investigating. Nakamal Agreement: At an Australian parliamentary hearing, officials said the pact could nearly double the eight Australian Federal Police officers in Vanuatu and expand policing support. They also said its restriction on foreign military bases reflects existing Vanuatu law, rather than creating a new barrier. Ocean Protection: The Bezos Earth Fund announced more than US$25 million for Pacific conservation, including work to identify and protect important marine habitats in Vanuatu.

Nakamal Agreement: An Australian parliamentary inquiry heard the treaty could nearly double the eight Australian Federal Police officers in Vanuatu. Officials said its restriction on foreign military bases reflects existing Vanuatu law; the policing partnership is the main expansion. West Papua: Vanuatu and Solomon Islands urged Indonesia to allow a UN human rights commissioner to assess the situation. Indonesia said any visit must be agreed with Jakarta. Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jotham Napat called for a united Pacific message on climate action ahead of COP31. Tax Oversight: The EU removed Panama and Vietnam from its tax non-cooperation list but kept Vanuatu on it; the next update is expected in February 2027.

Nakamal Agreement: An Australian parliamentary inquiry is examining the Vanuatu–Australia pact, which could nearly double the eight Australian Federal Police officers in Vanuatu. Australian officials said its restriction on foreign military bases reflects existing Vanuatu law; the agreement also deepens policing cooperation. Tax Scrutiny: The EU has kept Vanuatu on its tax blacklist despite progress on transparency, citing outstanding concerns over fair taxation. Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jotham Napat has urged Pacific countries to present a united call for climate action ahead of COP31.

Nakamal Agreement: An Australian parliamentary inquiry heard that the pact’s restriction on foreign military bases reflects existing Vanuatu law, while its practical impact is stronger policing ties. Tax Transparency: The EU says Vanuatu has made progress, but it remains on the bloc’s tax blacklist over outstanding fair-taxation concerns. Climate and Sovereignty: Prime Minister Jotham Napat urged Pacific unity on climate action ahead of COP31; Vanuatu’s government also rejected a French lawmaker’s remarks as neo-colonial and declared the country “not for sale.” Fisheries: A forecast strong El Niño could shift tuna stocks and fishing grounds through 2027, complicating fisheries management and threatening island economies.

Pacific Influence: China is shifting from large infrastructure loans to smaller, more frequent grants to deepen its role in the Pacific, including Vanuatu. Tax Scrutiny: The EU says Vanuatu has made progress on tax transparency, but it remains on the bloc’s non-cooperative list over fair-taxation concerns. Sanctions: A Vanuatu-flagged tanker was among vessels targeted in the latest US sanctions on Iran’s oil trade. Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Napat called for a united Pacific message ahead of COP31, as regional leaders pressed for climate action at talks in Fiji. Sovereignty: The government rejected a New Caledonian MP’s remarks, insisting Vanuatu is not for sale.

Tax Transparency: The EU has removed Panama and Vietnam from its tax blacklist, but Vanuatu remains on the list over outstanding fair-taxation concerns, despite progress on transparency. Climate Diplomacy: At Pre-COP31 in Fiji, Prime Minister Jotham Napat called for a united Pacific message on climate action and keeping 1.5°C within reach. Pacific ministers also discussed a regional renewable-energy roadmap, while an Australian package includes support for Vanuatu’s energy transition. Sovereignty: Vanuatu’s government hit back at a New Caledonian MP, condemning his remarks as neo-colonial and insisting the country is “not for sale.” Air Vanuatu: The proposed sale of an idle aircraft to a company owned by the airline chairman’s father has raised questions about governance and conflicts of interest.

Tax Transparency: The EU has removed Panama and Vietnam from its tax blacklist, but Vanuatu remains listed over outstanding fair-taxation concerns, despite progress on transparency. Shipping Sanctions: The US added Vanuatu-flagged tanker Tina 5 to sanctions targeting vessels accused of carrying Iranian oil, putting the flag in the spotlight of a widening enforcement campaign. Air Vanuatu Governance: Debate continues over the sale of the airline’s idle Islander aircraft to Unity Airlines, owned by the father of Air Vanuatu’s board chair. A recent commentary says the board directed the sale after an earlier tender drew no buyers, while acknowledging the family connection has raised questions. Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jotham Napat has urged Pacific leaders to present a united, ambitious climate position ahead of COP31. Australia also announced renewable-energy support for Vanuatu at the Pacific pre-COP meeting.

Tax Transparency: The EU says Vanuatu has made progress, but it remains on the bloc’s tax blacklist over outstanding fair-taxation concerns. Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jotham Napat called for a united Pacific position ahead of COP31, urging the region’s declaration to reflect the realities facing vulnerable countries. Pacific ministers also discussed a roadmap towards renewable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Melanesian Cooperation: Vanuatu joined other Melanesian leaders at an MSG meeting in Fiji, where they discussed regional priorities, the bloc’s future and West Papua.

Tax and Financial Oversight: The EU has kept Vanuatu on its list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, even as it removed Panama and Vietnam. A new US sanctions round also designated the Vanuatu-flagged tanker Tina 5 over alleged Iranian oil shipments. Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jotham Napat called for an ambitious, united Pacific position ahead of COP31, urging the Taku Pakasoa Declaration to reflect vulnerable countries’ needs. Australia’s Pacific renewable-energy package includes support for Vanuatu’s transition. Melanesian Cooperation: Napat joined MSG leaders in Fiji to discuss regional priorities, including West Papua and the bloc’s future role. Sovereignty: Vanuatu’s government pushed back against a French MP’s remarks, rejecting what it called a neo-colonial insult.

Sanctions: The US added a Vanuatu-flagged tanker to its latest sanctions on Iran’s oil network. The measures target the vessel, not Vanuatu, but put flag oversight in focus. Climate Diplomacy: PM Jotham Napat called for a united Pacific position ahead of COP31, with Australia announcing renewable-energy support for Vanuatu. Melanesian Cooperation: PM Matthew Wale joined MSG leaders to discuss West Papua and regional priorities; Vanuatu and Solomon Islands also agreed to accelerate work on their maritime boundary. Sovereignty: Vanuatu’s government pushed back against a New Caledonian MP’s remarks, saying the country is not for sale and condemning the comments as neo-colonial.

Climate Diplomacy: Vanuatu is pressing for a united Pacific position ahead of COP31, with Prime Minister Jotham Napat saying the Taku Pakasoa Declaration must reflect the region’s climate realities. A new Pacific energy package includes support for Vanuatu’s shift to renewable power, while leaders are demanding climate pledges turn into action. Melanesian Cooperation: At an MSG meeting in Fiji, leaders discussed West Papua and the bloc’s future. In separate talks, Napat and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale agreed to speed up work on their countries’ remaining maritime boundary. Sovereignty: Vanuatu condemned a French lawmaker’s letter proposing French administration of southern islands, calling it neo-colonial and disrespectful of the country’s independence. Constitution and Democracy: On Constitution Day, President Nikenike Vurobaravu urged leaders, Parliament, government and citizens to uphold the Constitution, rule of law and national unity. New Caledonia: Vanuatu, speaking for the MSG at the UN, backed a visiting mission to assess conditions and support self-determination amid continuing political uncertainty.

New Caledonia: Pacific countries renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to assess the territory’s political uncertainty, with Vanuatu speaking for the Melanesian Spearhead Group and backing self-determination. Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jotham Napat urged Pacific leaders to unite behind the Taku Pakasoa Declaration and carry a strong regional position to COP31. Australia also announced $7.29 million in renewable-energy support for Vanuatu, alongside an agreement to develop the country’s clean-energy workforce. Melanesian Cooperation: At an MSG meeting in Fiji, leaders discussed West Papua and the bloc’s role in advancing shared priorities. Sovereignty: Vanuatu rejected a French lawmaker’s proposal to place southern islands under French administration, calling his letter neo-colonial and disrespectful. Constitution Day: President Nikenike Vurobaravu called on leaders and citizens to uphold the Constitution, democracy, rule of law and national unity.

Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jotham Napat has urged Pacific leaders to unite behind an ambitious, inclusive Taku Pakasoa Declaration ahead of COP31, saying climate change is already damaging communities and livelihoods. Regional Affairs: At a Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting in Fiji, Napat and other leaders discussed West Papua and ways to strengthen regional cooperation. Energy: Australia announced $7.29 million to support Vanuatu’s renewable energy development and workforce, alongside a cooperation agreement. Sovereignty: Vanuatu rejected a New Caledonian MP’s proposal to place southern islands under French administration, calling his letter neo-colonial and disrespectful. Constitutional Governance: On Constitution Day, President Nikenike Vurobaravu called on leaders and citizens to uphold democracy, the rule of law and national unity.

MSG Regional Talks: Vanuatu Prime Minister Matthew Wale joined Fiji, PNG and Solomon Islands leaders at an MSG meeting in Nadi on the margins of Pre-COP31, with West Papua on the agenda and leaders discussing how to strengthen MSG coordination. Tuvalu Climate Warning: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia told visiting leaders COP31 must not become “another talk shop,” as the atoll nation faces sea-level threats with land averaging just two metres above sea level. Australia Pre-COP Scrutiny: Australia’s climate diplomacy is under pressure over costs and a thin turnout of non-Pacific leaders; Energy Minister Chris Bowen defended the event’s outcomes after Albanese departed Fiji. Vanuatu Climate Push: Vanuatu’s Ralph Regenvanu urged urgent emissions cuts, citing UN findings and the ICJ’s view that climate responsibilities go beyond domestic emissions. Vanuatu-France Sovereignty Row: Vanuatu condemned a French National Assembly member’s letter using “New Hebrides” and proposing French administration over islands, calling it neo-colonial and racist. Renewables Deal for Vanuatu: Australia announced a $7.29m renewables package and a new MoU to boost Vanuatu’s renewable energy workforce, grid planning and project delivery. Vanuatu Constitutional Call: President Nikenike Vurobaravu marked Constitution Day by urging leaders and citizens to uphold democracy, the rule of law and national unity. Sports (Regional Pride): Vanuatu won the women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva on penalties, while Fiji took the men’s title 1-0 over Vanuatu.

Pre-COP31 Pressure on Leaders: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia warned COP31 can’t be “another talk shop” as 14 world leaders toured Funafuti, with land averaging just two metres above sea level and rain disrupting plans. Climate Diplomacy Attendance Question: Australia’s Chris Bowen defended the Fiji-Tuvalu-Australia pre-COP, but reporting says only a handful of non-Pacific leaders are attending, limiting the push to keep Pacific priorities front and centre ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Vanuatu Climate Pushback on “Borders Only” Cuts: Vanuatu’s Ralph Regenvanu cited UN and ICJ guidance to argue emissions duties go beyond domestic borders, warning even small overshoots would destroy reefs, freshwater and land. Australia-Vanuatu Renewable Energy Deal: Bowen announced a $7.3m package to speed renewables and workforce support in Vanuatu, including grid modelling and early-career engineers. Constitution Day Call for Unity: President Nikenike Vurobaravu urged leaders and citizens to renew commitment to Vanuatu’s Constitution, rule of law and national unity. Sovereignty Row with New Caledonia: Vanuatu condemned a French National Assembly member’s “New Hebrides” letter as neo-colonial and racist, rejecting claims about Matthew and Hunter Islands. Sports with Political Resonance: Vanuatu won the women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva on penalties, while Fiji took the men’s title 1-0 over Vanuatu.