As the Mount Yasur volcano cracks like thunder, spewing molten rock and billowing clouds of ash, it sends a warm rush of air to tourists watching from its rim.

Port Vila - The Vanuatu Government is budgetting to spend a similar amount in the coming year to what it allocated itself for the current year as it aims to control expenditure.

The Council of Ministers has endorsed an amount of just over 14 billion vatu, or just over US$140 million.

The Department of Finance said the decision of the Council is just indicative and a final figure will not be available until the Budget debate in November.

A Vanuatu “Think Tank” says more clarity is needed over a piece of legislation which paves the way for the licencing of Company Trusts to administer customary land.

The World Expo Vanuatu Team-2 was progressing well with the promotion of Vanuatu to Chinese people in the World Expo currently underway in China.