Vanuatu - Future trends

In the late 1990s, much attention was being paid to the political struggles pitting one party against another. However, the party disputes tended to be based on regional and language interests rather than fundamental differences of opinion on economic policy. There was not much dynamism in the economy, with agricultural production and tourist numbers being relatively stable. In the future, the greatest hope appears to be held for tourism, since the country has many undeveloped possibilities. There is some potential for expansion in other sectors; for example, some localization in the fishing industry is possible, although these possibilities will depend to a great extent on a higher degree of political stability than has been seen recently. In terms of the development of human resources, especially in education and health, there will be an ongoing dependence on international aid.