Strengthening trade and seasonal work a key for Vanuatu in Australia

Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu has been in Australia to strengthen trade and seasonal work arrangements.

He met with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne and the Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific Anne Ruston.

Discussions focused on improving economic relations, including the kava trade.

This led to an agreement for an outreach programme by Vanuatu leaders to indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, where Kava abuse is reportedly a problem.

Mr Regenvanu also visited farms in North Sydney last week, where he was briefed on the experiences and working environment of ni-Vanuatu under the Seasonal Workers Programme.

He said Vanuatu continues to emphasize incremental increases of ni-Vanuatu to the programme and the Pacific Labour Scheme, which is trialing three year visas for workers in Australia's horticulture sector.

 

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