New space for women in handicraft launched

Jul 10, 2026 | Initiatives and Projects, News | 0

Women handicraft sellers who lost their space at the Centre Point building after the 2024 earthquake now have a new place to continue to work and support their families.

Owned by the Cheung-Leong family, the former Au Bon Marche (ABM) building in the heart of Port Vila is now the new Mamas’ Handicraft Centre. A soft launch of the new centre was held yesterday.

President of the Mamas’ Handicraft Centre, Tuiless Johnson, thanked the owners of the building for providing a comfortable space for them to continue earning an income after spending some months at Saralana Park.

The new centre has the potential to become a popular tourism destination, showcasing authentic Vanuatu-made products to visitors.

The ground floor is a marketplace for Vanuatu-made products, bringing together local businesses and handicraft sellers. Level one remains the home of the mamas, where visitors can meet the women behind the products and learn their stories. Level two is a place for learning, innovation and enterprise.

Compliance Officer of the Department of Trades, Libby Malas, said yesterday marked the beginning of a new chapter not only for the Mamas’ Handicraft Centre, but also for the future of tourism, women-led enterprise and authentic Vanuatu-made products.

“Our vision is to transform the Mamas’ Handicraft Centre into Vanuatu’s leading destination for authentic local products, women-led enterprise, cultural experiences and creative innovation,” she said.

“A place where visitors begin their journey of discovering Vanuatu. A place where cruise passengers, holidaymakers and locals alike experience the very best of what our country has to offer.

“A place where tourism directly benefits local families.

“Because when visitors choose to buy Vanuatu-made, the impact reaches far beyond a single sale. It supports a woman, her family, a village, and it strengthens our national economy.”

Mrs. Malas delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Director of the Department of Industry. She also commended the Cheung family for making the new centre possible.

“Such partnerships demonstrate what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal of empowering our communities,” she said.

Malas said that the Mamas’ Handicraft Centre is a practical example of the department’s vision.

“It provides a dedicated space where our artisans can produce, display and market their products, while preserving the rich cultural traditions that make Vanuatu unique,” she said.

“More importantly, it empowers women and families by creating opportunities to earn an income, strengthen small businesses, and participate more actively in our economy.

“We remain committed to supporting initiatives that build skills, encourage innovation, improve product quality, and promote local products to domestic and international markets.

“We believe that by investing in our local industries, we are investing in our people and in the future prosperity of our nation.”

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Vanuatu’s Titan FX Dream beyond borders shortlisted in ICMA awards October 6, 2026
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