The Department of Industry under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Industry, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business recently hosted a workshop on Vanuatu’s brand – ‘Vanuatu Made’ at Holiday Inn.
The main purpose of the workshop is to validate the Brand guidelines developed by Made Agency, a contracted Branding firm based in Sydney. Invited participants comprised of relevant government officials, international and regional organizations and most importantly the local manufacturing stakeholders around Efate.
In his welcoming remarks, the Director of Industry Jimmy Rantes acknowledged the presence of the participants and highlighted the proactive support from Chamber of Commerce President, Mr. Shaun Gilchrist, as well as the Governance for Growth (GfG) for funding support for the project.
“Currently, Vanuatu lacks a distinct recognisable character drawing affinity towards the country as a manufacturing center and tourism destination. This is why we have committed and engaged Richard (consultant) to assist us to develop our brand logo and guidelines for our Vanuatu Made products,” he stressed. Director Rantes further acknowledged the work of the expert completed so far.
“This is a very important step forward for the Vanuatu Government, Industry and Trade here in Vanuatu and more so the security of Vanuatu Products and the associated Intellectual Property related to it”, said VCCI President of the Vanuatu Manufacturing Association, CEO Shaun Gilchrist. He gave his assurance as the President of VCCI to continue to support and assist with all proactive and viable solutions for the people of Vanuatu.
The Brand consultant presented the guidelines and Brand logo, which was inspired by Vanuatu’s unique sandroing symbols of volcano, ocean, and sandroing.
Sandroings are an ancient form of art practiced by the people of Vanuatu and these drawings have a deep cultural meaning hence the inspiration behind the brand design. Many of the participants were in support of the progress so far. Few comments were raised regarding product labelling. Under the Vanuatu Customs regulations, labelling is non-exempt hence will be a costly process for manufacturing businesses if product labels would change.
In collaboration with relevant key stakeholders from the Government and private sectors, the Department of Industry have noted the comments and will pursue the success completion of this brand and launching of the Vanuatu Made by mid-2019.
Source: Daily Post
