22 Dec 2011

UNCTAD official notes Vanuatu advancement

4:08 pm on 22 December 2011

A senior official with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, or UNCTAD, says Vanuatu's likely graduation from Least Developed Country status next year is down to exceptional political leadership, strong democracy and effective governance.

Pierre Encontre made the comment to Vanuatu's Deputy Prime Minister, Ham Lini, during a recent visit to Geneva.

He says while the question of graduation from LDC status has been a thorny issue in Vanuatu, the country's graduation is imminent and is supported by strong economic growth and its transparent system of governance.

Mr Encontre says once recommended for graduation from the LDC grouping, Vanuatu will be accorded by a three-year transition period to ensure it is well prepared for the greater economic, trade, aid and political challenges it will face.