High Commission of India 

Suva 

Press Release 

Launch of the Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Project in the outer islands of Kiribati 

In a milestone for sustainable economic development in the Pacific, the Virgin Coconut  Oil (VCO) Project has been officially launched in Kiribati on 1 September 2026. Funded through  the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and implemented by the United Nations  Development Programme (UNDP), the project marks a major leap forward in value addition for  Kiribati’s traditional coconut sector. 

2. His Excellency Teneti Maamau, President of the Republic of Kiribati, was the Chief Guest  on the occasion. The launch was jointly officiated by H.E. Suneet Mehta, High Commissioner  of India, and Hon. Tangariki Reete, Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.  Hon. Ruateki Tekaiara, Minister of Education; Hon. Tekeeua Tarati, Minister of Infrastructure  and Sustainable Energy; Hon. Alexander Teabo, Minister of Information, Communications and  Transport; Mr. Patrick Tuimalealiifano, Team Leader for Inclusive Growth, UNDP; Mr. Boutu  Bateriki, Chairman of Kiribati Coconut Development Limited (KCDL); and Mr. Itinnaba Renueru,  CEO of Kiribati Coconut Development Limited, were also present on the occasion. Dignitaries,  senior government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, local industry stakeholders, and  community members gathered at the KCDL facility to witness the launch of the VCO plant. 
3. In his address, H.E. Suneet Mehta highlighted India’s support for the project through a  contribution of USD 900,000 from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. He noted that  the funding will support the establishment of two Virgin Coconut Oil processing plants in the  outer islands of Nonouti and Teraina in Kiribati, alongside comprehensive training and capacity 

building initiatives. 

4. Hon. Tangariki Reete, Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives,  thanked the Government of India for its financial backing and the UNDP for executing the  project. Mr. Patrick Tuimalealiifano from UNDP stated in his remarks that the organization will  provide technical assistance to implement the initiative across the outer islands throughout  2026–2027, focusing on strengthening the agricultural and commercial value chains to ensure  sustainable economic benefits for local communities. 
5. The project aims to empower local farmers and producers by transforming raw coconuts  into high-value virgin coconut oil, thereby generating sustainable income streams, creating jobs,  and promoting export-oriented micro-industries in the outer islands. By harnessing advanced  yet accessible processing technologies, the plant ensures the optimal utilization of coconut  resources while adhering to international quality standards. 
6. The VCO plant stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between India, the  UNDP, and the Government of Kiribati. Through South-South cooperation, India remains firmly  committed to supporting demand-driven, sustainable development projects that directly benefit  local communities, enhance climate resilience, and foster economic self-reliance in the Pacific.
7. A key highlight of the project is the conversion of local copra and raw coconuts into  premium, high-value organic virgin coconut oil for domestic and international markets. It will  directly benefit local farmers, women’s cooperatives, and rural enterprises by securing better  market prices and establishing reliable processing infrastructure. 
8. Photographs from the event are attached. 

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