PORT VILA, MARCH 14th, 2025. The Public Service Commission has appointed Mr. Joe Ligo as the Acting Director General of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce (MoTC) on March 14th, 2025.

In his congratulatory note, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission stated that appointment of Acting DG Ligo is crucial to strengthen the productive sector through the Ministry of Trades and Commerce and its line agencies.

“As the DG responsible, you are to ensure the mobilisation of your ministry staff to implement the 100 Days Plan of the Government within the timeframe,” he said.

Chairman Mahe reiterated that the MoTC under the leadership of Acting DG Ligo needs to strengthen and increase production of Value-added products.

“Strengthening this key area will not only reduce importation of goods but will boost local economy by generating income and employment, reduce trade deficit to improve the balance of trade and encourage industrial growth; when we have more value-added production that leads to the development of local industries such as processing and manufacturing.”

“Strengthen collaboration with PSC to establish key deliverable outcomes of 2025 for the Department Industry, Department of Tourism and Department of Cooperative. Specifically, to assist Department of Cooperative to strengthen the sale of primary products (agriculture, livestock and fisheries) through established cooperatives or create new cooperatives specifically to address this demand.”

One of the key areas the Acting Director General is expected to address is the need for manufacturers and small-scale producers to recover quickly from the damage cause by the 7.4 earthquake.

In response, Acting DG Ligo acknowledged the PSC for its trust and commitment to providing service delivery to the people of Vanuatu and affirms that under his leadership, he will ensure these priorities are implemented.