Vanuatu_PDNA_Web

22 Tropical Cyclone Pam, March 2015
despite being the main providers of agricultural labor. Investments are needed to offer skills capacity
training and vocational training for women and so reduce their dependence on subsistence cropping
for household income. Investment in the livelihoods of women and men should be equitable, as
replacement of men’s assets only (e.g., boats) can significantly imbalance the resources available to
each gender and thus perpetuate inequality.
3.1.2 Commerce and Industry
Commerce
and industry
comprises close
to 40% of GDP
and is therefore
a key sector for
Vanuatu. The
total damage is
estimated at VT
1.2 billion, and
the economic
losses are
estimated at VT
2.2 billion.
Summary
Commerce and industry comprises close to 40% of GDP and is therefore a key sector for Vanuatu.
Tropical Cyclone Pam damaged the sector’s buildings and inputs for production, and it will continue
to affect the sector through increased costs of inputs and reduced activity in the economy. The total
damage is estimated at VT 1.2 billion, and the economic losses are estimated at VT 2.2 billion, hence
the total effect is VT 3.3 billion. The economic cost of recovery is estimated at VT 645 million and
reconstruction needs are estimated at VT 1.6 billion, bringing the total recovery cost to VT 2.3 billion.
It is important to note that the figures reported are likely to be underestimated due to the amount
of data available for inclusion within this PDNA, which was prepared in a short time frame. The
Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) distributed 497 assessment forms to retail
and wholesale businesses, women’s groups, other professional services, credit facilities and other
businesses in the capital of Port Vila and Tafea that are not engaged in manufacturing, tourism,
or communication. Three hundred and ninety-seven firms responded to the post-cyclone survey
of businesses survey (May 1, 2015), and some 122 surveys remain outstanding, predominantly in
outer Shefa. The data from 397 firms were included in the assessment. There were 1,451 businesses
registered across the agriculture, tourism, and commerce sectors as of the end of 2013.
To recover in the short term and facilitate growth, the sector will need funds to cover both rebuilding
and economic losses beyond those funds that have already been committed to by proprietors and
development partners.
Damage to poultry shade at
Chicko Farm, Efate Island
in Shefa Province. © Jimmy
Rantes, Vanuatu Dept. of
Industry.