An educated, healthy and wealthy Vanuatu

Abstract

After a decade of stagnation, Vanuatu has recorded six years of rapid growth since 2003, due mainly to growth in the tourism and construction sectors fostered by successful reforms, political and macroeconomic stability and donors' assistance. With a population growing by 2.8 per cent annually and emigration possibilities still very limited, Vanuatu has no choice but to aim for continued fast growth. Tourism is the clearest choice for such growth, but more rapid growth in agriculture would have the greatest impact on poverty reduction and employment. Faster growth in agriculture and elsewhere will require further infrastructure building, a political and business climate favourable to foreign investment and reforms in some key areas on which private sector development depends.