On October 10, 2025, Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Hon. Mr. Jotham Napat, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management, Hon. Mr. Johnny Rasou Koanapo, visited the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR) to review the progress of the Vanuatu Sales Monitoring System (VSMS) project powered by DTI’s TaxCore.
The visit coincided with a significant milestone as the project had just completed its Initial Operational Capability (IOC) phase. This phase represents a critical step toward the system’s Full Operational Capability (FOC), the stage when the VSMS will be fully operational and capable of monitoring sales across the country.
During the briefing, the DCIR team, in collaboration with Data Tech International (DTI), presented a detailed update demonstrating that the system is ready to move into the next stage. Officials highlighted the steady pace of implementation and the system’s capacity to enhance oversight in the national tax process.
The presence of the nation’s top leaders accentuated the government’s commitment to advancing digital tools for more effective tax administration. Their visit emphasized both political support and public accountability for this high-priority initiative.
System Objectives and Achievements
Ms. Maja Miodragović, DTI Account Manager, showcased the VSMS’s achievements to date, highlighting the system’s core objectives. These include reducing tax fraud and under-reporting, strengthening tax compliance, maximizing revenue collection, promoting transparency, and supporting fair competition among businesses.
The briefing highlighted how registration and accreditation activities are advancing steadily, bringing more businesses into the system. These efforts demonstrate the VSMS’s ability to integrate with existing structures while preparing for broader implementation across sectors.
Furthermore, officials presented measurable progress in each area, indicating that the system is on track to meet its design goals. The collaboration between DCIR and DTI has been focal to achieving these objectives, combining technical expertise with operational oversight.
This stage of the project reflects the government’s dedication to transforming Vanuatu’s tax system and preparing for a fully operational, digital monitoring platform.
VSMS by TaxCore: Government Endorsement and Next Steps
Both the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance expressed their satisfaction with the progress achieved. They publicly commended the strong partnership between DCIR and DTI, framing the project as a transformative initiative for Vanuatu’s fiscal administration.
“I commend the joint efforts of DTI and DCIR,” the Prime Minister said. “I am enthusiastic about the upcoming phases and eager to see the first results. We look forward to Vanuatu’s continued progress toward digital transformation.”
Finally, the visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to digital transformation. With the VSMS moving steadily toward Full Operational Capability, the leadership’s endorsement indicates continued support for the system’s implementation and operational expansion.
The positive outcome of this visit provides a strong setting: Vanuatu is advancing in digital tax compliance, aligning practical technology deployment with governmental oversight, and setting the stage for a fully operational, transparent, and accountable system that benefits both the state and its businesses.
