Digital adoption is fuelling Pacific export growth with 79 per cent of exporters using online channels to generate revenue.
This was one of the key findings from Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia’s third export survey.
Digital trade is currently estimated to be worth about $43 billion to the Australian economy alone. To enable exporters in Vanuatu to take advantage of growing digital trade market, PTI Australia will be delivering an E-Commerce Workshop in Port Villa on Friday 1 March.
PTI Australia’s General Manager – Exports, Jeremy Grennell said that although businesses in Vanuatu and the Pacific had to contend with high trade costs due to geographic remoteness, platforms like Amazon Marketplace significantly lowered the barriers to entry.
“The trade sector has been dramatically shifted through digital innovations, online platforms are making it easier for businesses in Vanuatu to connect with international buyers and reach new global markets.
“It’s important that Vanuatu exporters look at how online channels fit into their business strategy. Our recent Pacific Islands Export Survey found that only 36 per cent of exporters in the Pacific have their own website, platforms like Amazon provide a great entry point for businesses in Vanuatu looking to reach international markets.
“With the launch of Amazon Australia’s market place we can see the potential for this platform to drive exports for Vanuatu. That’s why as part of PTI Australia’s Digital Trade program we know it’s important to bring to Vanuatu experts that can add real value and empower businesses in Vanuatu with the tools to succeed. This workshop will help businesses to understand how e-commerce might fit with their strategy.”
Photo supplied. Caption: PTI Australia’s General Manager – Exports, Jeremy Grennell