By Adrian Bishop From opp.TODAY

It’s just eight months since the tiny republic of Vanuatu was devastated by the severe tropical Cyclone Pam, the second most intense storm to hit the South Pacific Ocean.

Since the natural disaster in March, which left 75,000 people in need of emergency shelter and damaged or destroyed around 15,000 buildings, the archipelago has, in the words of President Baldwin Lonsdale, set to work rebuilding paradise.

Now developer, Pacific Haven Resort Limited has announced it is creating the first dedicated scuba divers academy thanks to a franchise agreement with scuba dive company Pro-Dive, that has, over 40 years, trained 400,000 divers and escorted 4million on dive and reef excursions.

Richard Butler, Pacific Haven Resort Project Manager, developer of waterfront projects since 1980 and Trade Commissioner for Vanuatu to Australia May 2012 to May 2015, says now is the time to invest and Pacific Haven Resorts is looking for international agents.

With the new $18million Conference Centre nearing completion and $60million upgrading of the international airport and AUS$88million cruise boats and containers terminal seaport underway, there is almost $500million being spent on new infrastructure in Port Vila, the capital on Efate Island.

Investment is also coming in through a 10-year Permanent Residency programme, which includes the option of property investment of at least US$100,000 in residential or resort development. Applications are dealt with promptly and can be processed in as little as 14 days.

Richard Butler tells OPP.Today that most applicants are from nearby nations. “We have a growing number from Asia, mainly China at present, but 90 % of current expats are Australian or New Zealanders.

“With the open sky policy that Vanuatu has with almost all Asian countries, Vanuatu will become, I believe, in three to five years, the Cayman Islands of the South Pacific.

The Vanuatu PR plan offers major advantages over similar schemes elsewhere, Mr Butler says. “Vanuatu is a tax-friendly nation, with no income tax, corporate tax, death duties or capital gains tax.

“We have no winter. There is fabulous organic fruit, vegetables, cattle and seafood. It is a relaxed and safe environment and investors are welcome! Overseas investor demand in Vanuatu is becoming better understood, so there is growing interest worldwide, but it is definitely not well known.”

The Vanuatu government has also passed a scheme to obtain citizenship/passport by investment into recognised resort projects. “The requirement are US$250,000 minimum investment, a US$50,000 payment to government and US$12,000 fees process, which takes 90 days.

“Ii have two projects shovel-ready looking for investors now and our company has a one stop shop.” More details are available at www.visaforvanuatu.com, says Richard Butler.

The first dedicated scuba divers academy within a resort site in The Republic of Vanuatu will be on the shores of Teouma Bay just 13 minutes from the capital Port Vila.

The Pacific Haven Resort will be a luxury waterfront tropical resort and intimate eco-tourism tropical retreat that is mainly suitable for adults. It is complemented by individual free-standing waterfront bungalows (locally called farés) of a different tropical design described as “upmarket tribal” totally in keeping with living in the tropics.

The resort features a 22 metre pool, a 45-seat restaurant and bar, tropical landscaped gardens and the dedicated scuba academy compound, close to the Pacific Ocean.

Richard Butler says, “The natural beauty and charm of this private cove on the south west portion of Efate Island is giving an unparalleled backdrop to the location of Pacific Haven Resort that will have just 23 x 1-bedroom farés spread along the shoreline as well as resort site, set amidst manicured tropical gardens assuring privacy, seclusion and intimacy.”

Pacific Haven Resort Limited is now selling off-plan bungalow and land packages. The land titles are produced and builders are ready.

The developers offer a 7.5% rental income return warranty with a 10-year leaseback. The first seven poolside homes cost US$199,950.

Read more at http://www.opp.today/why-vanuatu-could-be-cayman-islands-of-the-south-pacific/#3Ekh0kizUQV50UxE.99