2018-瓦努阿图共和国_电子贸易准备度评估（英文版）-7mb

Summary of Vanuatu Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment

Core Content

The Vanuatu Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment is part of the eTrade for all initiative by UNCTAD, aimed at helping developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs), leverage e-commerce for sustainable development. The report highlights the current state of e-commerce readiness in Vanuatu and outlines key findings and recommendations across seven policy areas.

Vanuatu is classified as an LDC and is expected to graduate from this category in December 2020. The country has a dynamic services sector, which contributes around 69% to GDP, and has shown increasing interest in using ICTs to drive socio-economic development. However, structural bottlenecks such as financial regulations, knowledge gaps, and the country's geographic remoteness are hindering the full realization of e-commerce opportunities.

Main Findings and Recommendations

Key Findings

• E-commerce Readiness Assessments and Strategy Formulation: Vanuatu has key public policies in place for sustainable development, trade, and ICT, but lacks a clear e-commerce vision, strategy, or policy. The government has shown interest in supporting the digital economy, but private sector engagement is still limited.
• ICT Infrastructure and Services: Mobile services have expanded access to ICTs, but there are persistent provincial differences due to geography. Investments and regulatory reforms have improved reliability and affordability, but a second submarine cable is needed to enhance connectivity.
• Trade Logistics and Trade Facilitation: The absence of a physical addressing system and challenging geography increase the cost of deliveries and transport. Custom clearance has improved with the adoption of ASYCUDA World, and an electronic single-window system is set to be launched in 2018.
• Payment Solutions: Low financial inclusion and reluctance to adopt cashless solutions have delayed the development of electronic payments. The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV) has introduced legal and technical reforms to support a national payment system, but more needs to be done to promote electronic payments and ensure consumer protection.
• Legal and Regulatory Framework: The 2000 Electronic Transactions Act and 2000 E-Business Act are outdated and lack specific regulations on cybersecurity and online consumer protection. There is a need to align with regional and international best practices.
• e-Commerce Skills Development: While ICT and e-commerce vendors are available, there is a lack of awareness and understanding among businesses about the benefits of e-commerce. The government and development partners have made efforts to improve ICT readiness in schools and higher education, but the private sector needs more support to develop skills and innovation.
• Access to Financing: MSMEs face significant financing challenges due to high interest rates, lack of collateral, and limited access to financial instruments. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS 2018–2023) is a positive step, but more tailored financial products for e-commerce are needed.

Key Recommendations

• E-commerce Readiness Assessments and Strategy Formulation: Move from intention to action by creating a structured public-private dialogue on the digital economy, involving key private sector institutions and regional e-commerce players. This will support the formulation of a national e-commerce strategy aligned with the "Vanuatu 2030" plan.
• ICT Infrastructure and Services: Continue public-private partnerships to invest in basic ICT infrastructure, with a focus on government capacity and schools. Explore the feasibility of a second submarine cable and support mobile network operators in upgrading and customizing services.
• Trade Logistics and Trade Facilitation: Emulate recent trade facilitation gains and implement key TFA and paperless cross-border trade measures. Improve efficiency at the wharf and enhance Vanuatu Post Limited (VPL) capacity to handle small parcels. Consider using Australia and New Zealand eFulfilment centers for direct delivery.
• Payment Solutions: Accelerate the approval and adoption of the national payment system law. Promote cashless solutions through outreach and advocacy. Continue cooperation with FATF and APG to ensure Vanuatu is on the "white list" for foreign currency transactions. Disincentivize cash and cheque use by offering tax/charge rebates for electronic payments.
• Legal and Regulatory Framework: Update the Electronic Transactions Act to align with regional trends and improve consumer and data protection. Ensure that regulations support cross-border exchanges and are in line with international best practices.
• e-Commerce Skills Development: Improve tertiary education curricula to include e-commerce and digital skills. Strengthen government-private sector partnerships for MSMEs skills development. Emulate best practices from the region to attract ICT investment and bring skills onshore.
• Access to Financing: Ensure financial institutions remain responsive to the needs of Ni-Vanuatu businesses. Encourage the private sector to lead efforts in attracting investment and venture capital. Equip MSMEs with proper status and business tools to present bankable proposals.

The Way Forward: Action Matrix

An action matrix has been developed to guide the creation of a conducive e-commerce ecosystem in Vanuatu. It reflects the priorities identified during the eTrade Readiness Assessment and includes targeted actions across the seven policy areas to address the key challenges and opportunities.

Conclusion

The Vanuatu Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment identifies Vanuatu's readiness to engage in e-commerce and outlines the necessary steps to overcome existing barriers. It emphasizes the need for stronger public-private coordination, improved legal and regulatory frameworks, enhanced skills development, and better access to financing to unlock the potential of e-commerce and digital trade in the country.