Vanuatu’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Samson Samsen, has stepped down following public concern over the administration of the Value Addition Funds, with Prime Minister Jotham Napat appointing Iavro Robson as his replacement.
The Government said Samsen’s resignation followed direct interventions by Prime Minister Napat and Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo, who stressed that public confidence, transparency and accountability must be upheld.
Iavro Robson, the VP Member for Santo Rural, has been appointed Minister for Trade and Industry with immediate effect.
The Prime Minister has directed the new minister to ensure all Value Addition Funds are properly accounted for and that any funds not used for their intended purpose are refunded in full or, where necessary, pursued through legal action.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
It said the Value Addition Funds were established to support ni-Vanuatu with viable business ideas and help stimulate the economy.
The Government noted that support through similar funding schemes had also been provided under previous administrations, including VT47 million (US$396,093) disbursed in 2023 during the Maukoro and Loughman governments to David Seule for an export venture involving Vanuatu root crops to New Zealand.
It also said business ventures linked to YTS owners, as well as many other individuals and groups across the political spectrum, had received support through similar programmes.
According to the Government, these are the types of ventures the Ministry of Trade is mandated to support to create jobs, add value to local products and grow the private sector.
The Government acknowledged that improvements were needed in the administration of the programme and said stricter due diligence, clearer guidelines and stronger monitoring were required to ensure public funds delivered results for the country.
It said Minister Robson brings experience and a commitment to good governance and expressed confidence in his ability to restore public trust, work with stakeholders and ensure the Ministry delivers on its mandate.
The Government also thanked Samsen for his service and wished Robson well in his new role.
