Chinese Ambassador and Luganville Mayor meets to strengthen ties

The Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Li Minggang, met with Mayor of Luganville Municipal Council, John Boe Mavutu to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and promote development opportunities between China and Luganville.

Ambassador Li praised Luganville for its rapid development and highlighted the city’s potential to benefit from lessons drawn from China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP).

At this week’s meeting, he encouraged Vanuatu officials to visit Hainan for in-depth research and knowledge exchange, noting that the port’s experience could provide valuable insights for trade, investment, and economic growth in Luganville and the wider Santo region.

The Hainan Free Trade Port is a major Chinese initiative aimed at transforming the entire island province into a high-level, independent customs zone by the end of 202.

Early in 2026, Hainan FTP serves as a large-scale, open- economy testing ground for liberalizing trade, investment, and capital flows.

Its key features include zero-tariff imports, low corporate and individual taxes, and a strong focus on tourism, modern services, and high-tech industries.

The ambassador also emphasized China’s readiness to align the Belt and Road Initiative with Vanuatu’s national strategies, including the proposed Santo Economic Corridor, to better support local economic growth and sustainable development.

Mayor Mavutu thanked China for its continued support, noting that Chinese investments and business activities have significantly boosted Luganville’s economy.

He expressed optimism about further collaboration and welcomed opportunities for knowledge sharing, investment, and joint initiatives that could strengthen the city’s economic prospects while supporting the wider region’s growth.