The first phase of the proposed link was already signed when Culture and Tourism minister Samuel Manetoali led a delegation to Port Vila last year.
The second phase was agreed to be signed at provincial capital Lata, but Beu said this has yet to be done due to government’s non-response.
“I wrote to Manetoali oin June last year wanting to know when the second phase of the trade links would be formalised,” Beu said.
“But up until now, I have yet to receive a response from the ministry.
“This is very discouraging because my people really want to see the trade link formalised so that they could start looking at how to trade with their neighbours in Vanuatu.”
Temotu, which lies further east of the country, was much closer to Vanuatu.
The plan was if trade links were established, a shipping service would operate between the two sides.
Beu said as part of their efforts to open their market to Vanuatu, a bank will be asked to open its branch in Lata and the provincial hospital will be upgraded.
They will also look at building additional motels to cater for visitors.
Manetoali could not be reached for comments on the issue.
By Elliot Dawea
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
