Vanuatu PM Sariboh Tabimasmas opts for an increase in tourists from China

Vanuatu Prime Minister Sariboh Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas says he wants to see more tourists from China coming to Vanuatu.

His ambitions were made known to the visiting Chinese deputy minister of the International Department of Chinese Communist Party, Guo Zezhou, when he made a courtesy call on his office in Port Vila on Saturday.

It was during the course of their discussion that Prime Minister Salwai gave an overview of how Vanuatu’s formal economy is dominated by the tourism industry and agriculture sector and spoke of his ambition to advance Vanuatu’s international airport to cater for direct long-haul flights that will bring in more tourists from China.

 “During my term as prime minister, I want to see more tourists from China visiting our country and I want to see an improvement in relations in this sector, particularly in areas where China could boost its assistance in the areas of civil aviation and infrastructure,” Prime Minister Salwai told the visiting Chinese minister.

The office of the Prime Minister says visiting Chinese dignitary was also interested in the recent political developments in Vanuatu that led to Mr Sariboh Salwai Tabimasmas’ election as prime minister.

When he was asked how he managed to convince a large number of political parties to work with, Mr Salwai said that resembles with the notion of change made through the people’s choice when they elected two-third of 52 MPs who are new in the current 11th legislature.

“We had a snap election and now political parties have to make sacrifice and forgiveness for the sake of unity of the people of Vanuatu”, he said.

He told the CCP minister that the formation of his grand coalition was unexpected but what is now important is to focus on challenges such as political instability and tax reforms.

Mr Sariboh Salwai Tabimasmas, also briefed Minister Guo, among other issues, on the 100-Day Plan of his coalition government, saying it includes constitutional reforms which are aimed at increasing government ministries and addressing the issue of political instability.

In his brief response, Mr Guo said the scenic beauty of Vanuatu and the natural well-being of the people of Vanuatu alone are already convincing enough to attract tourists from China. Therefore, he agrees that Vanuatu and China should facilitate air transportation between the two countries.

The office of the prime minister says the CCP minister concluded with an invitation for the prime minister and his RMC members of parliament, as well as leaders from other political parties, both in the government and the opposition, to visit China.
Loop Vanuatu