Vanuatu

Political relations

Vanuatu, a former French-British condominium, independent since 1980 and very attached culturally to New Caledonia, has a special relationship with France.

President Macron’s historic visit in July 2023 was a turning point in relations and cooperation was enhanced in particular with the opening of a local branch of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in 2024.

France (AFD, Pacific Fund, embassy cooperation funds) supports projects in the areas of higher education and Francophonie. One of the first projects is the development of the National University of Vanuatu, which currently offers four bachelor’s programmes and one master’s programme (248 students obtained degrees in 2025). Other projects are being conducted in scientific and business sectors.

During the cyclones of March and October 2023 and the earthquake of December 2024, France was the leading country to conduct reconnaissance flights to assess the damage and to provide humanitarian aid. France also coordinated with its partners in Australia and New Zealand to deliver emergency humanitarian relief via the FRANZ mechanism.

Economic relations

The economic relationship between France and Vanuatu is still very limited. France exported €6 million in goods to Vanuatu in 2024 (a drop with respect to previous years). A limited number of goods are imported from Vanuatu (€100,000).

French companies are working in sectors including water and power distribution (Unalco/Suez), telecommunications (Telecom Vanuatu/Orange, via the subsidiary Mauritius Telecom), a network of fuel distribution (Pacific), the production of soft drinks and beer (Tusk/Le Froid) and a bank (BRED). The French business community is also well represented in commerce, liberal professions and the small trade and crafts sector.