David Abel Trade Commissioner to Queensland

The government has appointed former member of Parliament, David Abel, Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Queensland.

The appointment is for two years effective from September 21 when the letter from then Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Affairs, Serge Vohor, to Abel was dated and will be subject to renewal based on satisfactory performance.

“Having received your expression of interest for the above, and subsequent to Part 11 and Section 42 of the Foreign Services Act No. 20 of 2013 of the Republic of Vanuatu, I have great pleasure to appoint you as Trade Commissioner of Vanuatu in the State of Queensland, Australia,” the appointment letter reads.

The responsibilities of the Trade Commissioner will include helping develop and promote trade, investment and tourism opportunities between Vanuatu and Queensland, advise the government on opportunities for expanding trade relations between Vanuatu and Queensland, and maintain close ties with Vanuatu Diaspora Community or more specifically the South Sea Islanders in the State of Queensland.

Trade Commissioner Abel is also expected to promote trade and investment opportunities in Vanuatu to the Diaspora community or South Sea Islanders in Queensland, help support and promote the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) now in place between the governments of Vanuatu and Australia and liaise with the specific industries in Queensland in consultation with the relevant agencies of the two governments for employment opportunities permitted under the SWP.

He will also be expected to provide assistance to Vanuatu government officials traveling through Queensland.

This role however does not attract direct remuneration package from the government. However, the Trade Commissioner is expected to work closely with the Ministry and provide quarterly reports to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade through the Director General of the Ministry.

The Chairman of the Vanuatu Indigenous Descendants Association, Chief Simon Kaukare, has welcomed the appointment. He says he is extremely pleased about the appointment because David Abel is one of their members and they have long been campaigning for government recognition of South Sea Islanders of Vanuatu ancestry and for increased links with the Vanuatu South Sea Islanders descendants. And this appointment is a most welcome development.