On Friday, August 1, 2025, Mr. Marcelino Pipite, First Political Advisor to the Ministry of Trade and Commerce of Vanuatu, visited Pacific Islands Centre (PIC) during his trip to Japan to attend Vanuatu National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

During the visit, a wide-ranging exchange of views took place. PIC provided an overview of the upcoming “Vanuatu Economic and Environmental Mission” scheduled for September and expressed gratitude for Vanuatu’s cooperation. PIC also requested continued support for promoting bilateral trade, investment, and tourism between Japan and Vanuatu.

Mr. Pipite conveyed his appreciation for PIC’s ongoing initiatives and reaffirmed Vanuatu’s commitment to further collaboration for the September mission. He also expressed hopes for increased investment from Japanese companies—including participation in Vanuatu’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs)—as well as aspirations to establish direct flights from Asia and improved access to Japan to promote tourism.