  
  
WT/TPR/M/417  
15 February  2022 
(22-1371) Page: 1/68 
Trade Policy Review Body  
9 and 11 November 2021  Original: English  
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
MAURITIUS  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MAURITIUS  ................................  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  9 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  13 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MAURITIUS AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  .... 61 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  66 
7  ADOPTION OF TPRB'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2021  ................................ .....................  68 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Mauritius  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 417/Add.1  and will be available 
online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTO RY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fifth Trade Policy Review of Mauritius was held on 9 and 11 November 2021. The 
Chairperson, H.E. Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana ) welcomed the delegation of Mauritius , 
headed by Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Af fairs, Regional Integration and International Trade ; 
H.E. Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady , Permanent Representative of Mauritius  to the WTO; the 
rest of the delegation; and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Cleopa Mailu (Kenya).  
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy online connection, allowing for a wider participation of the membership, in 
particular of officials who could not make the journey from Port Louis given the current 
circumstances.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The report by Mauritius  is contained in document WT/TPR/G/ 417, and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/ 417. 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Iceland; 
Singapore; the United  States; the European  Union; Japan; Canada; and India. The following 
delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: Thailand ; and Turkey.  
1.5.  At the time of the previous Review in 2014 (carried out jointly with that of Djibouti), Members 
had praised Mauritius' reform efforts to facilitate trade and improve its business environment. The 
reforms contributed to its relatively good eco nomic performance despite the challenges faced  as a 
small island country. Members had enquired about Mauritius' regional integration strategy, its "blue 
economy" and fisheries policies, and its priorities in tourism. They had urged Mauritius to refrain 
from using its import permit system to protect domestic production, and to further strengthen its 
intellectual property regime and work towards participation in WIPO treaties.  
1.6.  The Chairperson first focused on Mauritius' economic developments since its last Re view. The 
Secretariat report notes that Mauritius' openness to trade ha d been one of the reasons for its 
economic success. About two decades of liberalizing reforms ha d transformed Mauritius into an 
almost duty -free economy, with the notable exception of s ugar. The reforms ha d further diversified 
the economy away from its main manufacturing industries, namely sugar, and textiles and clothing, 
towards a service -oriented  economy, and the country aims to become an investment gateway to 
Africa.  
1.7.  The Chairperson  further highlighted that du ring the period covered by th e Review, Mauritius 
further has liberalized its trade regime by, inter alia, dismantling non automatic import licensing 
procedures on many products. However, for some sensitive agricultural products, the import permit 
system is still used for self -sufficien cy purposes. The implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement has played an important part in the reforms undertaken by Mauritius.  The country also 
has concluded free trade agreements with China and India, both of which entered into force this 
year.  
1.8.  As a result of the reforms, Mauritius has experienced  steady economic growth by about 3.6% 
per year on average from 2014 to 2019. However, due to the COVID -19 pandemic and the related 
global measures, including lockdowns and closures of businesses and  borders, its GDP has declined 
by 15% in 2020. The Secretariat report also notes that the pandemic reinforced  a tendency towards 
greater state involvement in the economy, mainly in industries considered critical to the national 
interest. It appears  that a good performance by the tourism industry with the resumption of foreign 
travel is likely to contribute to the recovery of the economy.  
1.9.  The advance written questions submitted for th e Review have shown the wide range of topics 
of interest to Members regarding Mauritius' trade and investment regimes. Numerous questions 
were raised concerning transparency and good governance, state -owned enterprises, customs 
matters including tariffs, in centives and subsidies, intellectual property rights, government 
procurement, agricultural and fisheries policies, and policies on services.  
1.10.   Mauritius received 160 advance written questions from seven  Members for th e Review, all of 
which were sent within t he established deadline. Prior to the meeting, Mauritius had already provided WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  written replies  to all of these questions and the Chairperson was looking forward to hearing Mauritius' 
updates on these matters in the two -day meeting.  
1.11.   The meeting was a good op portunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system.  
1.12.   It was also an opportune moment for Mauritius to update the membership on the impact of 
the COVID -19 pandemic on it s economy and the measures it had taken in response.  
1.13.   The Chairperson closed her introductory remarks by wishing Mauritius a very successful fifth 
Trade Policy Review  and wished the meeting a fruitful exchange.  
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MAURITIUS 
(HON.  MR ALAN  GANOO)  
2.1.  I wish to express our gratitude and appreciation to Ambassador Dr Cleopa Mailu for being the 
discussant for our Trade Policy Review. Our appreciation also goes to the WTO Secretariat  and in 
particular to Mr Jacques Degbelo and his team for the preparation of the Secretariat report, and the 
constructive engagement with our team in this context.  
2.2.  This Trade Policy Review is taking place in exceptional circumstances in view of the COVID -19 
pandemic. Yet we thought it important to have a Ministerial delegation to attend this exercise as a 
re-affirmation of our support for the multilateral trading system.  
Impact of COVID -19 
2.3.  As a Small Island Developing State open to the world economy, Maurit ius has been hit hard by 
the COVID -19 pandemic. The lockdowns imposed in 2020 and 2021 have effectively prevented the 
spread of the virus in the local community. However, economic activities have been severely 
affected. Our GDP contracted by 14.9% in 2020.  All sectors of the economy, except financial services 
and ICT, registered negative growth. The tourism sector, which contributes directly and indirectly 
around 23% to the GDP and is an important pillar in terms of foreign exchange earnings and 
employment,  was the most severely impacted.  The sector contracted by around 80% in 2020.  
2.4.  The deficit in the current account of the balance of payments increased to 12.7% of GDP in 
2020 compared to 5.1% in 2019. In the face of this situation, Government stepped in to provide 
significant support to businesses and individuals through the Wage Assistance Scheme and the 
Self-Employed Assistance Scheme, to preserve jobs and secure businesses.  
2.5.  The Budget Speech 2021 -2022 announced three core strategies, namely to recover fro m the 
crisis, to revive all our industries, and to improve our social resilience. Government 's objective is to 
give an exceptional boost to investment through infrastructure development and further improve 
the ease of doing business. In addition, a new eco nomic architecture is being shaped with the 
development of new sectors such as the green energy industry, the biotechnology and 
pharmaceutical industry, and the knowledge industry.  
2.6.  With the timely implementation of the measures announced, and the reopening  of borders to 
tourists, we expect GDP growth to be between 5 -7% in 2021.  
Trade Policy issues  
2.7.  In spite of the difficult situation, Mauritius remains fully committed to a fair and equitable 
rules-based multilateral trading system. We remain fully committed to deeper economic integration, 
bilaterally, regionally and globally. Indeed, Mauritius has continued to open up markets at the 
bilateral and regional levels. Our intention is to consolidate and diversify market opportunities in 
trade in goods and services; improve competitiveness and the investment climate as well as enhance 
economic cooperation with as many countries as possible.  
2.8.  Whilst we understand that all countries must find a balance betwe en domestic realities and 
global concerns and that this is always a delicate balance, Mauritius believes that we should remain 
wary of protectionism.  
2.9.  Mauritius was among the first countries to have ratified and implemented the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agree ment. It joined the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) negotiations in 2016, which 
was aimed at opening up the services market, and participated actively in the discussions on 
domestic regulation. Our schedule of commitment on domestic regulations was circ ulated to WTO 
Members on 09 July 2020. We have also been participating actively in the negotiations on fisheries 
subsidies, investment facilitation and MSMEs.  
2.10.   An assessment of the e-commerce ecosystem in Mauritius has been made with the support of 
the UK T echnical Assistance Program to consider our eventual adherence to the ongoing discussions 
on e-commerce on an informed basis. We thank the UK for this assistance and are proposing to 
deepen this study on the kind of framework we would agree to move in this  direction.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  2.11.   The year 2021 has, in this regard, been an exceptionally rich one for Mauritius with the coming 
into force of four trade agreements, covering a combined 70% of the world population.  
2.12.   First, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Probably the most ambitious 
FTA in the world since it encapsulates a Continent, spanning 55  countries and a population of 
1.3 billion people. As an African country which has always favoured the acceleration of regional 
integration of the continent, Mauriti us will continue to actively participate in the second phase of the 
negotiations with that objective.  
2.13.   Mauritius and China have also established a Free Trade Agreement which covers trade in 
goods and services, investment and economic cooperation; an Economi c Partnership Agreement 
with the UK in the wake of BREXIT to ensure the continuity of trade. In addition, a Comprehensive 
Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement with India entered into force on 1  April of this 
year.  
2.14.   In parallel, we are currently d eepening the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the 
European Union, which came into force in 2012, to include new areas such as trade in services and 
investment, intellectual property rights, sustainable development, competition policy, agricultur e 
and transparency in public procurement, amongst others.  
2.15.   Services remain of very high interest to Mauritius as a small island state with limited resource. 
Thus,  Mauritius has continued to engage with COMESA and SADC partners, with a view to opening 
up th e services market in these regions, as the focus had so far been on trade in goods.  
2.16.   At the domestic level, Mauritius has continued on the path of reform and liberalisation. 
Between 2014 and 2019, in a pre -pandemic period, the economy grew on average by 3.5%. Exports 
growth of goods and services remained subdued because of the international economic environment. 
The simple average tariff was down to 1.3% in 2021, one of the lowest rates in the world as 
compared to 2.3% in 2014. By maintaining a policy of tariff liberalisation, the percentage of tariff 
lines attracting zero customs duty in Mauritius has increased from 88.87% in November 2013 to 
93.82 % in January 2021. The tariff structure has been simplified with all specific duties, in particular 
for text iles and garments eliminated to zero, from an ad valorem equivalent as high as 488% for 
some tariff lines. Export restriction applied on scrap metal has been eliminated.  
2.17.   Our Trade Policy Review in 2014 made reference of the intention of Government to overh aul 
the Intellectual Property framework. Indeed, a new comprehensive law on Intellectual property was 
adopted in 2019. It provides for the protection of new rights such as the utility model, geographical 
indications, plant varieties and layout designs of integrated circuits. The new legislation is expected 
to come into effect in January 2022.  It further provides for the establishment of an empowered 
Industrial Property Office to administer all industrial property rights. An Intellectual Property  Council 
that would ensure a coherent and consistent approach to IP policies in Mauritius would also be 
established.  
2.18.   Mauritius acceded to the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) in 
September 2020 and will soon initiate procedures to  join the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the Madrid 
Protocol and The Hague Agreement.   
Business and Regulatory Reforms  
2.19.   Our immediate response to the C OVID -19 pandemic was to ensure survival of businesses. 
Our next strategy is geared towards economic recovery b y ensuring that businesses thrive i n a new 
and modern environment. Prior to the pandemic, Mauritius engaged in a vast business environment 
reform programme. This was recognised in the World Bank 's ease of doing business report 2020 
where Mauritius ranked 1 3 out of 190 countries. The 2021 Index of Economic Freedom, published 
by the Heritage Foundation, also ranked Mauritius 13th globally, compared to 21st in 2020. Mauritius 
remains among the leading countries in Africa on these indexes. We trust that many more from the 
continent can soon be in the top 20 rankings.  
2.20.   Two Business Facilitation legislations were enacted within a span of two years, in 2017 and 
2019. This required amending over 54 statutes combined with numerous regulations, which gave 
the impetu s for further in -depth reforms across several agencies. The prime objective of these legal 
amendments was to streamline licensing and allow increasing use of technology.  In this view, we WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  have engaged into a transformational journey to build more resilience , improve competitiveness, 
and modernise our jurisdiction by further broadening and expediting the reform programme.  
2.21.   We are accelerating the digitalisation of public sector services delivery by revamping and 
investing in major projects. These projects inc lude the National Electronic Licensing System; a Smart 
Port comprising of a Maritime Single Window and an Integrated Single Window for Trade; a new 
Companies and Business Registration System; a new Land Administration and Valuation Information 
Management S ystem; a modern notice -based movable collateral registry and automated systems 
for utility agencies.  
2.22.   These systems will be supported by modern technologies and fitted with digital payment 
systems and single sign -ons.  
2.23.   In view of the pandemic, we are being guided by the "Require Once Principle ", information 
sharing among public agencies, and the principle of "documents should move, not people ". An online 
Business Obstacle Alert Mechanism is also being implemented to address issues faced by the 
business commu nity. 
2.24.   A Coordinated Border Management Unit has also been set up comprising relevant Ministries 
and government agencies working together under one roof as a one -stop-shop to expedite the 
clearance of goods. Recently, a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Information  Management Portal has been 
launched. The aim is to facilitate trade by providing operators with all the SPS related information 
that they may require to comply with the regulatory obligations in relation to trade of plant and 
animal products and to proces s applications online.  
2.25.   In addition to digitalisation, our second strategy to improve the investment climate is to 
modernise our rule -making process in line with Good Regulatory Practice and our network of 
business -related legislations. We will soon implem ent a legislation for Regulatory Impact Assessment 
in Mauritius.  
2.26.   With the support of EU, we are also conducting a major review of some of our principal 
legislation related to the following sectors: trade and logistics, construction and land use, tourism, 
and health and life sciences. A Business Regulatory Reform Council is also being set up. Last but not 
least, and with the objective of increasing access to finance by MSMEs, we are working towards a 
secured transaction reform for Movable Asset Base d Lending.  
2.27.   The Government is accentuating efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Mauritius. 
Acquisition of property by foreigners has been simplified. The validity of an occupation permit for 
foreign professionals and investors has been extended f rom 3 to 10 years. A professional and a 
retired non -citizen is now allowed to invest in businesses. The number of schemes covered by the 
non-banking financial services sector has been expanded to include several new products.  
Economic Diversification  
2.28.   Mauritius has adopted a diversification strategy. While consolidating our existing sectors such 
as agro -industry, textile and clothing and tourism, we have also opened up our economy to new 
sectors such as ICT, the development of a knowledge hub and medical hub, the film industry, the 
"blue economy ", transhipment and bunkering, innovation and research. The manufacturing sector is 
being transformed from traditional manufacturing to higher value -added  activities. New segments 
such as vaccine and pharmaceutical pr oduction are also being promoted. Appropriate regulatory 
framework along with a package of incentives to investors have been devised to support the 
development of these sectors.  
2.29.   Innovation in all sectors is at the core of Government 's strategy for the econ omy. Government 
is providing support for businesses, particularly MSMEs, to innovate and reinvent themselves. 
Incubators are being supported to grow innovative ideas and transform them into feasible projects. 
Several schemes have been put in place by the M auritius Research and Innovation Council.  
2.30.   Government has also come up with a National Training and Reskilling Programme. Disruption 
innovations in IT and financial services have led to the introduction of a Regulatory Sandbox License 
which allows projects  for which no regulatory framework exists to be implemented in test WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  environments. This has been beneficial for the on -boarding of several fintech projects in the financial 
services landscape, but the scheme is not limited only to financial services related  activities.  
Financial Services  
2.31.   Regarding financial services, the attractiveness of Mauritius is further enhanced by its 
reputation as a well -regulated international financial centre. Mauritius has a wide range of 
International Investment Promotion and Pr otection Agreements and Double Taxation Avoidance 
Agreements with a number of countries, which remove impediments to cross border investment 
flows and provide certainty to investors.  
2.32.   Significant reforms have also been implemented to comply with internation al tax standards in 
terms of substance, transparency and fair taxation. The fiscal regimes of Mauritius are fully compliant 
with international tax standards as prescribed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and 
Development (OECD).  
2.33.   The OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes rates 
Mauritius as a compliant jurisdiction , so does the EU. These underscore the robustness of our legal 
and regulatory framework and the effectiveness of our system in parallel.  
2.34.   Mauritius  has also joined the Inclusive Framework of the OECD in November 2017 and has 
committed to implement the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting minimum standards. Mauritius signed 
and ratified the Multilateral Convention amending 50 of its 51 tax treaties to com ply with the BEPS 
minimum standards.  
2.35.   An ambitious reform of the financial sector is being implemented including the revamping of 
our Anti -money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism Legal framework in July 2018.The 
Financial Intelligence and Anti -Money Laundering Act (FIAMLA), was amended by the Finance 
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 and the Anti -Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing 
of Terrorism and Proliferation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act in 2019 and 2020. Existing legislation 
was also amended and a new framework for implementing the mandatory United Nations targeted 
sanctions, including Chapter VII sanctions were introduced in May 2019. These actions are testimony 
of the commitment of the Government to maintain high standards in  the sector in full compliance of 
international standards.  
2.36.   In the past years between 2018 -2021, Mauritius has moved from a compliance level of 14 out 
of the 40 FATF Recommendations to 39 out of 40. The necessary political commitment remains in 
place to sus tain implementation in the future.  
2.37.   Mauritius would no longer be subject to increased monitoring by the FATF, a global 
acknowledgement of the synergy between the Mauritius public and private sector institutions and 
their common effort to combat money launde ring and terrorism finance. However, anti-money 
laundering and combating of terrorism financing will continue to feature high on the Agenda of 
Government and Mauritius will continue to take bold actions to protect the integrity of its financial 
system incl uding the global business sector.  
Infrastructural Development  
2.38.   I mentioned earlier our ambition to upscale infrastructure development as a wider part of the 
Mauritius Greening Agenda. The modernization of the infrastructural landscape of Mauritius is in 
alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and aims at combatting climate change. This is 
a high priority  for Government. Since the last TPR, Mauritius has taken one major step to decarbonize 
the transport industry through the implementation of an alt ernative public mode of transport with 
environmentally sustainable approaches, through the Metro Express Project and encouraging the 
use of electric vehicles.  
2.39.   This project namely through the Integrated Transport System and Urban Terminals is 
expected to trigger a multiplier effect on the economy. It is expected to raise the standard of living 
of Mauritians, bolster job creation and business start -ups and provide avenues for development for 
other sectors of the economy.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  2.40.   Green is indeed very high on our national agenda. At COP  26 last week, my Prime Minister 
enunciated the following measures:  reducing gas emissions by 40 % by 2030;  achieving 60 % of 
green energy in our energy mix by 2030;  phasing out coal in electricity generation before 2030;  
promoting a circular economy involving 70 % of waste from landfills by 2030;  promoting smart 
agriculture and island wide tree planting programmes ; and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.  
Sustainable Development  
2.41.   Since 2015, Government is promoting the d evelopment of sustainable smart cities across the 
island to create master -planned mixed -use working, living and leisure space that will be 
environment -friendly. As of now, 11 major smart city projects have been approved and are under 
implementation. While creating new smart cities, Government is also ensuring that existing cities 
are rejuvenated. In this perspective, an Urban Regeneration Programme is also being implemented. 
Regeneration plans for  two major cities, including the capital city Port  Louis, hav e been approved.  
2.42.   To counter the impact of climate change leading to flash floods and heavy storm water run -off, 
Government is investing massively in a National Flood Management Programme. Investment is also 
being incentivized in renewable energy projects with the adoption of a biomass framework and 
greening of the transportation fleet.  
2.43.   We are taking all the necessary steps to pursue our reform agenda, in -spite of the COVID -19 
pandemic. However, the magnitude of the impact on our economy shows how vulnerabl e Mauritius 
is, as a Small Island Developing country to external shocks. SIDS, therefore deserve special 
consideration at the WTO.  
2.44.   As I conclude my presentation on the reform agenda pursued by Mauritius since the last Trade 
Policy Review, I have also highl ighted the measures taken by the Government to address the impact 
of the pandemic, in particular to secure jobs and preserve businesses.  
2.45.   The future challenge will be how to accelerate economic recovery post pandemic and to 
combat climate change challenges.  Mauritius as a Small Island Developing State, we cannot do this 
alone. Solidarity of the international community will be the key to unlocking the future for small 
island developing states like Mauritius.  
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  H.E. Ambassador Dr  Athaliah  Molokomme Chair  of Trade Policy Review Body; the Honourable 
Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the 
Republic of Mauritius (Head of Delegation); H.E.  Mrs Usha Dwarka -Canabady, Pe rmanent 
Representative of the Republic of Mauritius to the United Nations Office in Geneva ; excellencies ; and 
distinguished delegates.  
3.2.  At the outset, I would like to thank the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB), 
Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme for her opening remarks, and Hono urable Mr  Alan Ganoo, Minister 
for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius for his 
comprehensive presentation, both of which set stage for our discussion today. I would also li ke to 
thank you Chair, for demonstrating confidence in me to serve as a discussant for this fifth Trade 
Policy Review of Mauritius. It is really an honour and privilege for me to participate in this Review.  
3.3.  I commend the Government of the Republic of Maur itius and the WTO Secretariat for their 
detailed reports, covering the period 2015 -2020. Indeed, the reports provided an excellent basis for 
our engagement.  
3.4.  Let me now proceed by giving a general overview of the Mauritian economic environment over 
the revi ew period and by extension, the unprecedented year 2020 and the current year 2021.  
3.5.  As you are all aware, Mauritius is a small island developing country with an approximate 
population of 1.3  million people, and one of the world's largest exclusive economic zones. Prior to 
the C OVID -19 pandemic, its average GDP growth was 3.5% annually above the world average. Its 
openness to trade has been one of the reasons behind its economic success, also supported by its 
long tradition of parliamentary democracy , good governance, and strong institutions.  
3.6.  Mauritius, like many WTO Members, has been seriously impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic, 
resulting in sharp and sudden contractions in output of key economic sectors such as tourism, trade 
and manufacturing.  
3.7.  Over the review period, the main drivers of growth for the country were the services sector, 
particularly tourism, financial services, information and communications technology (ICT) services, 
and construction. Mauritius continues to transform its economy away  from the sugar, textiles and 
clothing sectors towards a service -oriented economy.  
3.8.  As a result of steady economic growth over the review period, Mauritius ' per capita income 
reached about USD  11,000 in 2019, while unemployment declined to 6.7%. However, p andemic -
related measures resulted in a 15% drop in GDP and a decline in per capita income to USD  8,700 in 
2020. This took Mauritius back to the 2016 GDP level with negative growth in most of the sectors.  
3.9.  According to the Government report, the textile indu stry contracted by 31%; the construction 
sector by around 25%; and the wholesale and retail trade sector contracted by around 12%. The 
tourism sector was the most affected and declined by around 80%; and the arts, entertainment and 
recreation activities de creased by around 31%. In contrast, the financial services sector registered 
a meagre growth of 1% compared to above 5% during the past few years.  
3.10.   In view of this, Mauritian Government put in place a wide range of measures to mitigate the 
impact of COVID -19 on the economy and the population. These included measures such as 
Commercial Banks Moratorium, Leasing Equipment Modernization Scheme, Enterprise Modernization 
Scheme (EMS), Revolving Credit Fund and SME Interest Free Loan Scheme among others.  
3.11.   The econo my is expected to recover with a better performance of the tourism industry arising 
from the resumption of foreign travels.  The real GDP was projected to grow in 2021 between 5 -7% 
with the resumption of economic activities and rollout of the vaccination pr ogramme.  
3.12.   Let me now give a brief overview of trade and investment regimes as highlighted by the 
reports.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  3.13.   The tourism sector remains Mauritius' flagship sector standing at 8% of GDP in 2019 and was, 
until the pandemic, one of its fastest -growing economic a ctivities. While the sector expanded over 
the review period, it faced a number of challenges that include shortage of skilled labour at the 
domestic level and fierce competition from similar island destinations in the region.  
3.14.   It is worthy noting that Maur itius' open capital regime and its growing importance as an 
international investment hub, have contributed to the development of its financial services, which 
account for about 13% of GDP. Some of the challenges for this sector include the risk of money 
laundering and financing of terrorism as well as other forms of abuse of the financial system. 
Moreover, individual countries are becoming increasingly restrictive and often amend their laws 
resulting in regulatory uncertainty in the industry. In view of mak ing Mauritius a high value -added 
and reputable financial services centre in the region, the Government has prioritized to reform the 
sector and implement international best practices.  
3.15.   As regards the information, communication and technology and e-commerce sector, this is a 
key driver of the Mauritian economy with a 5.8% contribution to the GDP in 2019 and employing 
around 27,000  people. The contribution of this sector to GDP has remained more or less constant 
over the review period,  but the value -added in the sector has been increasing. One of the biggest 
challenges facing the industry is shortage of skilled manpower, which needs to be addressed by the 
Government.  
3.16.   Over the review period, the manufacturing sector posted minimal avera ge growth of 0.8%, 
owing to a decline in investment in the export -oriented enterprises, as well as productivity and 
competitiveness challenges particularly in the sugar and textiles industries. Besides, the sector is 
confronted with a deficiency in technol ogical uptake resulting in low research, development and 
innovation, increasing labour costs and an outdated fleet of production machinery and equipment.  
3.17.   As regards the agricultural sector, it contributes about 3.9% to GDP, with sugarcane 
production still  playing an important, yet declining, role. Mauritius has a dualistic agricultural sector 
with an export -oriented sugar industry and a self -sufficiency -oriented food crop and livestock 
subsector. Mauritius is a Net -Food Importing Developing Country (NFIDC) , and imports about 77% 
of its food requirements. The gap between local food production and consumption continued to widen 
during the past five years resulting in an increasing dependency on imported food. Therefore, for 
the country to reduce dependency on imported food and achieve food self -sufficiency, there is need 
for policies and programmes that support the agricultural sector, more especially the 
agro-processing sector.  
3.18.   The fisheries sector remains relatively small contributing about 1.2%  of GDP, but provides 
significant employment in fish processing, which relies on catch imported from outside the vast 
Mauritian exclusive economic zone, for further processing and export.  
3.19.   Trade in goods and services as a share of GDP declined from 105% in  2014 to 90% in 2019 
and 76% in 2020. The fall in 2020 was mainly attributable to the COVID -19 pandemic, while the 
decline between 2014 and 2019 reflects, inter alia, the continuation of the downward trend in 
merchandise exports and a stagnation of service s trade.  
3.20.   Let me now highlight some of sectoral and trade policies and practices and their impact on 
the multilateral trading system.  
3.21.   We note that Mauritius put in place various input subsidy schemes and provided price support 
for sugar, as well as for sens itive crops regulated by the Agricultural Marketing Board. The sugar 
import tariff was gradually raised from zero to 100%, which is still within Mauritius' binding of 122%.  
3.22.   Support to the fishing sector included tariff and value added tax (VAT) exemptions  on certain 
inputs and equipment, as well as financial assistance to registered fishermen and cooperatives.  
3.23.   Mauritius continues to pursue active trade diplomacy, including through the East African 
Community (EAC) -COMESA -SADC tripartite agreement, and the African Continental Free Trade 
Agreement, it has also started negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement 
with the European Union in 2019. In 2021, Mauritius concluded two free trade agreements with WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  China and India, which contain new com mitments on trade in services. In total, Mauritius participates 
in eight regional trade agreements, all of which were notified to the WTO.  
3.24.   It is noted that Mauritian Government underscores the importance of trade facilitation reforms 
in enabling access to essential inputs for sectors driving the economy, such as tourism, 
manufacturing, transport, and business services. In this regard, Mauritius was prompt to ratify the 
WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2015 and is already implementing it fully in all but category 
four, and notified its technical assistance needs for full compliance. However, technical assistance 
has not been forthcoming, compromising its full compliance with the agreement, according to the 
Government report.  
3.25.   The Government put in place sev eral trade facilitation measures that include the Mauritius 
Trade Easy portal which provides information on import and export procedures and applicable 
charges and the Government's new Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanism platform that allows operators 
to repor t exporting or importing obstacles among other measures. Mauritius also initiated reforms 
aimed at reducing the cost of doing business such as, eliminating certain application fees, reviewing 
the cost of permit fees, reducing port and cargo handling charge s and facilitating electricity 
connection for businesses.  
3.26.   It is noteworthy that, Mauritius continued with its tariff liberalization, launched about two 
decades ago, which resulted in decline of simple average applied Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff 
rate from 6.6% in 2007 to 2.3% in 2014, and to 1.3% in 2021. Overall, the duty -free tariff lines 
increased to 93.5% of the total tariff lines with non -zero rates representing the remaining 6.5% of 
tariff lines.  
3.27.   Over the review period, Mauritius reduced tariff rates on glassware and electrical machinery 
and equipment to support its manufacturing sector. Overall, the reforms have contributed to 
widening gaps between Mauritius' generally low applied tariff rates and its WTO binding 
commitments at high rates and wi th limited scope.  
3.28.   Mauritius levies 15% VAT on all goods and services; and excise duties on 557  tariff lines. The 
Maurice Ile Durable (MID) levy is collected on fossil fuels as part of the country's strategy to reduce 
the demand for this product and, inter  alia, increase the share of electricity generated from 
renewable sources from 24% in 2020 to 35% by 2025 and 60% by 2030.   
3.29.   Non-automatic import licensing procedures were removed on many products. However, for 
some sensitive agricultural products, the impo rt permit system is still used for self -sufficiency 
purposes. Also, Mauritius is in the process of revamping its Trade Remedies (Anti -dumping and 
Countervailing Measures) Act of 2010.  
3.30.   We note that during the review period, Mauritius continued to simplify e xport registration 
procedures and controls. The Freeport Scheme continues to provide incentives to companies 
engaged in the light processing of imported goods before re -exportation, mainly to other African 
countries.  
3.31.   We further note that several export sup port schemes remain in place. Since 2017, companies 
engaged in exports of goods have been taxed at 3% instead of the general corporate tax rate of 
15%. The Trade Promotion and Marketing Scheme provides air freight export subsidies on all 
products except fo r machinery, live animals, and chemicals to most markets worldwide, while the 
Freight Rebate Scheme provides sea freight export subsidies for agricultural products. A new Export 
Credit Insurance Scheme was launched in 2015.  
3.32.   We acknowledge the Government's  Africa Strategy which encourages Mauritian entrepreneurs 
to invest in other African countries; it participates as an equity partner in the capital invested by 
Mauritian investors and has signed agreements with several African countries on the establishmen t 
and management of special economic zones.  
3.33.   It is noted that Mauritius maintains several investment -incentive schemes which intensified 
with the COVID -19 crisis, and which include reductions in corporate tax, exemptions of tax on 
dividends paid to sharehol ders, subsidized business loans, and direct investments in a wide panoply 
of Mauritian businesses.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  3.34.   As relates to intellectual property, a new industrial property Act was enacted in August 2019, 
consolidating existing provisions on the protection of patent s, industrial designs, and trademarks, 
and providing for the protection of new rights such as utility models, layout designs of integrated 
circuits, plant varieties, and geographical indications. The Act establishes the Intellectual Property 
Council, compr ising representatives from government authorities and the private sector involved in 
the generation, enforcement, and protection of intellectual property rights.  
3.35.   In December 2019, the total value of direct investment channelled abroad through the 
so-called Global Business sector stood at USD  39 billion, nearly three times the country's GDP. In 
2018, following concerns expressed by trading partners, changes were brought to the way tax credits 
are granted to Global Business corporations that reside in Maurit ius but conduct business mainly 
outside Mauritius.  
3.36.   We note that the Mauritian Government pursued an ambitious reform agenda to improve the 
trade, investment and business environment, and invested massively in infrastructural development 
which resulted into  the improvement in the ease of doing business ranking from position 20th in 2014 
to 13th in 2019.  
3.37.   We further note that the Government enacted two Business Facilitation Acts in 2017 and 2019 
respectively, amending over 50 legislation, to reduce the cost of doing business and to align 
Mauritius with best practices in doing business. Concurrently, the trade infrastructure to speed up 
information exchange and provide relevant clearances was also upgraded with the introduction of 
electronic systems for p rocessing of import and export permits and the setting up of a coordinated 
border management mechanism.  
3.38.   In conclusion, I wish to commend the Government of Mauritius for the immense progress 
achieved over the review period. Even though, the progress has bee n threatened by C OVID -19 
pandemic, the economy has demonstrated resilience, signifying good post -pandemic recovery 
prospects. I therefore encourage Mauritius to continue working closely with the international 
community in addressing the highlighted challen ges so that we recover better together from this 
crisis.  
3.39.   I thank you all for listening and wish you fruitful discussions in the remaining sessions of this 
Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
ICELAND  
4.1.  Iceland w ould like to w elcome the distinguished delegation of Mauritius to their fifth Trade 
Policy Review. I would like to express appreciation to the WTO Secretariat as well as to Mauritius for 
the reports prepared  for this Trade Policy Review, as well as the discussant for his excellent framing 
of the issue s for our discussion today.  
4.2.   First, regarding our bilateral relations, I would like  to recall  that in 2009 Mauritius and the 
EFTA States (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) signed a joint declaration the enhance 
economic relations between the m with the aim to promote and investment cooperation.  
4.3.  As all, Mauritius economy has been seriously impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic with the 
GDP contracting by 14,9% in 2020 as key economic sectors such as tourism, trade and 
manufactu ring all suffered the effects of the pandemic.  
4.4.  Iceland welcomes the measures and economic initiative taken by the Government of Mauritius 
to counter these challenges, however new challenges have emerged which related to trade and 
trade -related activities. It is now widely recognised that women are likely to be harder hit than men 
by trade disruptions caused by the pandemic.  
4.5.  Iceland welcomes Mauritius support to the Buenos Aires Declaration in 2017 and the work 
following on enhancing women´s economic advance ment in the Informal Working Group on Trade 
and Gender, important tool in advancing women's economic empowerment is sharing of best 
practices of respective experiences relating to policies and programs to encourage women's 
participation in national and int ernational trade and thus promoting sustainable socioeconomic 
development. The trade policy review provides an excellent opportunity to do that.  
4.6.  Iceland has submitted in advance written questions on the participation of women in the 
economy of Mauritius an d welcomes Mauritius' replies as the answers will be useful as the answers 
will be useful as we gather best practices.  
4.7.  Iceland appreciates Mauritius ' active engagement in the WTO and the ir continu ed support for 
the multilateral trading system . We wish the delegation of Mauritius every success for their  Trade 
Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.8.  Singapore extends a warm welcome to Mr  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional 
Integration and International Trade, and his delegation who are participating virtually. Let me begin 
by expressing our appreciation to Mauritius for its Government report and statement. Our 
appreciation also goes to the Chair Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme, discussant Ambassador 
Dr Cleopa Mailu, as well as the Secretariat for their valuable insights. Allow me to make three points.  
4.9.  First, Singapore and Mauritius share warm economic relations. In 2020, Singapore's bilateral 
trade with Mauritius totalled USD  72 million, making Mauritius S ingapore's 17th largest trading 
partner in Sub -Saharan Africa. Bilateral trade in services also totalled USD  407 million in 2019, 
amounting to 9.7% of Mauritius's total trade in services. With Mauritius keen to transform itself into 
a services -oriented eco nomy, we see further room for cooperation in areas such as financial services, 
ICT, and transport and logistics. Singapore's Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social 
Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited Mauritius in 2017. During the visit, S enior Minister 
Tharman and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth witnessed the signing of an MOU 
between Mauritius and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise. The MOU has contributed to enhancing 
our bilateral co -operation across a wide spectrum of sec tors, including education, light -rail 
transportation, and water management. We look forward to strengthening collaboration with 
Mauritius.  
4.10.   Second, Singapore commends Mauritius' unwavering efforts to re -engineer its economy. In 
response to the challenges a rising from the COVID -19 pandemic, Mauritius implemented a range of WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  measures which targeted those worst -hit by the pandemic. These included SMEs, tourism and 
hospitality businesses, and self -employed individuals. To ensure it can emerge stronger from the 
pandemic, Mauritius undertook digital transformation strategies, including the Digital Mauritius 2030 
Strategic Plan, which will better position Mauritius to embrace the digital transformation, including 
addressing issues like cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. We are also pleased to note that 
Mauritius had implemented a national single window for trade facilitation. We look forward to 
receiving more information on Mauritius ' plans to connect its national single window with that of 
other WTO Members . We similarly welcome Mauritius ' adoption of innovative ideas such as the 
Regulatory Sandbox License Scheme, as well as amendments in its e -commerce legislation to 
promote growth in the ICT sector.  
4.11.   Singapore looks forward to continuing our collaboration w ith Mauritius at the WTO. We are 
pleased to note that Mauritius was the fourth  country to ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement 
(TFA) and now fully implements all its "Category A" commitments.  Singapore also welcome Mauritius' 
participation in the va rious Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), including the JSIs on Investment 
Facilitation for Development and Services Domestic Regulation. Mauritius ' continued support for the 
JSIs reflects its progressive trade policy and will help to ensure that the WTO r emains relevant. We 
would also like to encourage Mauritius to join the JSI on E -Commerce, which we believe will spur 
further growth for its SMEs, especially in the digital economy.  
4.12.   Finally, my delegation would like to acknowledge the valuable contribution s of Ambassador 
Dwarka -Canabady and her very capable team in Geneva, especially in their role as coordinator of 
the African Group. We look forward to continuing working with Mauritius and its Mission in Geneva 
to strengthen the WTO and the multilateral tra ding system. We wish Mauritius a successful fifth 
Trade Policy Review.   
UNITED  STATES  
4.13.   The United  States is pleased to welcome Minister Ganoo and the rest of the delegation to the 
fifth Trade Policy Review of Mauritius.  We welcome the Secretariat and Government reports and 
appreciate the opportunity to gain a clearer sense of changes to trade and investment policies in 
Mauritius since the last Review in 2014.  
4.14.   We would like to first acknowledge the efforts Mauritius has un dertaken to use its trade policy 
to strengthen its linkages with its regional partners. Mauritius ratified the African Continental Free 
Trade Area in 2019, is a member of the Common Market for Eastern Africa, and the Southern African 
Development Community.  The United  States has been a long -time supporter and advocate for 
regional integration in sub -Saharan Africa, and applauds Mauritius for its efforts to break down 
barriers to trade and investment within sub -Saharan Africa. Mauritius has been active in pur suing a 
number of trade arrangements in recent years, including with China and India.  
4.15.   The United  States and Mauritius enjoy a constructive bilateral relationship.  In 2020, the value 
of the United  States imports from Mauritius was USD 242 million with the t op import categories in 
woven apparel, at USD  69 million. In addition, we note significant diversification as precious metal 
and stone (diamonds) imports comprised USD 56 million of imports, prepared meat and fish (tuna 
and skipjack) USD  39 million of impo rts, and knit apparel accounting for USD  19 million of imports.  
4.16.   The United  States remains committed to assisting developing countries to use trade as a tool 
for economic growth. Mauritius is eligible for the United  States' preference programs including the  
African Growth and Opportunity Act, which allows for benefits including for specific textiles and 
apparel, and our Generalized System of Preferences. We are pleased that Mauritius has taken 
advantage of the Unites  States' preference programs and that appr oximately 10% of Mauritius' 
exports are destined for the United  States.  
4.17.   We note that Mauritius maintains a market -based economy with a strong, dynamic private 
sector, elements that have proven to hold the key to economic prosperity. The World Economic 
Forum Global Competitiveness Report ranked Mauritius highest in Africa in openness and it is one of 
the most prosperous countries in sub -Saharan Africa, with a GDP per capita of USD  8,623 in 2020.  
4.18.   We believe that there is a clear connection between the level of prosperity that Mauritius has 
been able to obtain and its clear focus on developing strong institutions, maintaining low tariffs, and WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  a liberal and transparent trade regime. That said, we app reciate the challenges Mauritius has faced 
as a small island state with an important tourism sector, during the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.19.   The United  States acknowledges Mauritius' active participation in the WTO and its current 
leadership as coordinator of the Af rican Group. We appreciate Mauritius' willingness to engage in 
consultations with the United  States and other co -sponsors of the transparency and notification 
proposal to understand the resource, time and capacity challenges that prevent Members from 
makin g good faith attempts to meet their notification obligations.  
4.20.   It is also quite notable that Mauritius is up to date on its notifications, as was highlighted in 
the Government report. In that respect, Mauritius exemplifies best practice in meeting its 
transparency obligations. We would welcome further engagement from Mauritius in our efforts to 
ensure the Trade Facilitation Committee plays in positive role in ensuring the lessons learned during 
the COVID -19 pandemic are captured so that we can build resilien ce for future crises, and in the 
SPS Committee where we are seeking to ensure that Committee carries out meaningful work to 
better enable Members to respond to new opportunities and address emerging pressures for the 
international trade in food. We would w elcome the participation of Mauritius in our Ministerial 
initiatives.  
4.21.   We would also like to take this opportunity to note the constructive and positive role the 
Mission of Mauritius continues to play across the full range of issues under discussion here in Geneva.  
We want to express our appreciation to Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady and your Mission's team for 
all their efforts.   
4.22.   The United  States recognizes the progress Mauritius has made in working to create a more 
open economy and we have s ubmitted a number of questions to better understand Mauritius' 
processes and mechanisms. We look forward to reviewing Mauritius' responses to our written 
questions.  
4.23.   The United  States greatly appreciates the opportunity to participate in this Trade Policy Review 
and looks forward to continuing our dialogue and our constructive work at the WTO.  
THAILAND  
4.24.   Thailand is delighted to participate in the fifth Trade Policy Review of Mauritius and wish es to 
extend a warm welcome to the Mauritian delegation led by H.E . Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade.  
4.25.   We would like to thank you, Chair, for your opening remarks, and the discussant, 
H.E. Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu of Kenya for the insightful analysis of Mauritius' tra de policies. We also 
appreciate the comprehensive but concise reports prepared by the Government of Mauritius and the 
WTO Secretariat.  
4.26.   Thailand commends Mauritius for her successful transformation from a monocrop to a 
well-diversified economy, which contri buted to her resilient and steady GDP growth against the 
backdrop of global economic slowdown during 2014 -2019. Nevertheless, Mauritius, like many other 
countries, has witnessed a significant decline in GDP in 2020 due to the COVID -19 pandemic. We 
truly be lieve that the paths to recovery lie upon the facilitation and liberalization of trade and 
investment, and thus welcome Mauritius' adoption of trade facilitation measures and increased 
number of duty -free tariff lines.  
4.27.   The trade and economic ties between Thailand and Mauritius have been on a good term with 
the average total trade value accounting to USD  85.45  million between 2014 and 2019. Major traded 
products are vehicles and parts thereof, plastics and articles thereof and seafood. In 2020, due to 
the C OVID -19 pandemic, the bilateral total trade value merely amounted to USD  57.97  million, 
decreasing by 35.71% from 2019. Thailand firmly believes that there remains a number of potential 
areas that both countries could explore and work together to promote m utual interest and further 
strengthen the economic relations between the two countries.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.28.   Moreover, Thailand congratulates Mauritius for her substantial improvement to create an 
open, transparent, and predictable investment climate. This hard effort has undoubtedly resulted in 
Mauritius' improved ranking on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business from 20th in 2014 to 13th 
position in 2019. Thailand encourages Mauritius to continue pursuing the improvement of her 
investment regime in this direction.  
4.29.   Thaila nd applauds Mauritius for her active and constructive engagement in the WTO. Chief 
among them are submitting timely notifications under different WTO agreements, joining the Joint 
Statement Initiatives on Domestic Regulations, Investment Facilitation for D evelopment and MSMEs.  
4.30.   Thailand also appreciates Mauritius' active role as the African Group Coordinator in the WTO 
ongoing negotiations on fisheries subsidies and is committed to work together with Mauritius and all 
other Members to deliver a balanced and meaningful outcome for the future health of the ocean and 
the livelihoods of the communities who depend on it.  
4.31.   In this Review, Thailand submitted a number of questions on various areas of Mauritius' trade 
and economic policy. We would like to thank Mauriti us in advance for her response and will study 
them with interest.  
4.32.   In closing, Thailand would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the 
leadership of Ambassador Usha Chandnee Dwarka -Canabady as well as our thanks for the kind 
collabo ration and support that the Permanent Mission of Thailand can always expect from the 
Permanent Mission of Mauritius. Thailand wishes Mauritius every success in the fifth Trade Policy 
Review.  
TURKEY  
4.33.   Turkey welcomes the delegation of Mauritius headed by H.E.  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. We would like to thank the Secretariat and the 
Government of Mauritius for their detailed reports as well as discussant Ambassador  Mailu of Kenya 
for his invaluable com ments.  
4.34.   As stated in the reports, two decades of liberalization efforts have transformed Mauritius into 
an almost duty -free economy. Its openness to trade has been one of the reasons behind its economic 
success. Average GDP growth in Mauritius since its las t Review in 2014 was 3.5% annually. Thanks 
to its successful economic policies, Mauritius has been classified as a high -income country by the 
World Bank in 2020.  
4.35.   We commend Mauritius' efforts to transform its economy from a monocrop to a well -diversified 
one. The Government's reform agenda to improve the trade, investment and business environment 
resulted in substantial improvement in its ease of doing business ranking.  
4.36.   Mauritius is an active member of the WTO. During the review period, it has been an activ e 
participant in the ongoing negotiations. Turkey welcomes the ratification of Trade Facilitation 
Agreement in 2015.  
4.37.   Turkey's approach to African countries is based on a holistic and inclusive partnership. Today, 
we have 43  Embassies in Africa and host 37  Embassies from African countries in Ankara.  
4.38.   We have Free Trade Agreement, Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement and Agreement 
on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments with Mauritius.  
4.39.   Flights of Turkish Airlines to Mauritius began in 2015 and contributes not only to people to 
people contacts but also to the opening policies of Mauritius. We are ready to explore ways to further 
develop our cooperation in all fields with Mauritius.  
4.40.   In order to strengthen our cooperation, we recently appointe d an Honorary Consul General in 
Port Louis. We expect this appointment to facilitate our contacts.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.41.   In conclusion, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the delegation of Mauritius, 
Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady and her team for the excellent p reparation for this Review, as 
well as their constructive contributions to our work in this Organization.  
4.42.   We also thank the delegation of Mauritius in advance for their replies to our questions on 
specific aspects of its trade policy. We wish Mauritius a v ery successful Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.43.   I would first like to welcome the delegation of Mauritius, led by the Honourable Mr  Alan Ganoo, 
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. I would also like to thank 
the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Mauritius for their reports, which form the basis for our 
discussion today. Let me extend our appreciation to the discussant, H.E.  Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu 
(Ambassador of Kenya) for introducing us to the country's Trade Policy Review. The EU would also 
like to acknowledge the positive approach and constructive role played by H.E.  Mrs Usha Chandnee 
Dwarka -Canabady  on behalf of the African Group in Geneva.  
4.44.   This is the fifth Review of Mauritius, and I would like to start by noting that the European  Union 
shares the Secretariat 's views on Mauritius ' performance, especially on the measures taken to 
contain the negative impact of the C OVID -19 pandemic.  
4.45.   Mauritius was one of the most hit countries in Africa and as a small island open economy is 
vulnerable to external shocks. The EU understands that Mauritius may adopt a more targeted 
approach to support viable firms to adapt to post C OVID -19 environment, while gradually reducing 
its assistance to enterprises that were already unviable prior to the pandemic.  
4.46.   Mauritius is an original Member of the WTO and continues to play an active role here, in both 
the multilateral and plurilateral work, including the Joint Statement Initiatives on Investment 
Facilitation for Development and services domestic regulation. The EU notes with satisfaction 
Mauritius ' progress in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and its positi ve record of 
WTO notifications.  
4.47.   As the Coordinator of the African Group, Mauritius is in a key position to help the WTO move 
forward, especially at this time of the WTO reform. The EU expresses its appreciation of the 
contribution of Mauritius in finding solutions and working on new rules to ensure that international 
trade contributes to the economic recovery of its Members, and facilitate their integration in global 
supply chains.  
4.48.   The EU notes that Mauritius has a sound business regulatory framework. We n onetheless urge 
the Government to enhance transparency in the transactions of public entities, especially those with 
the Government as a sole or majority shareholder. Mauritius should involve civil society in a 
constructive dialogue on trade policy questio ns through strong linkages with private sector and 
Government.  
4.49.   The EU is Mauritius ' main trading partner, accounting for 24.7% of Mauritius ' total trade in 
2020. The EU remains the largest destination for Mauritius ' exports (33.2%) and the main source of 
its imports (21.6%). The interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), provisionally applied since 
14 May 2012, leads to 100% of Mauritius ex ports entering into the EU markets duty free. While 
there has been a decline in our bilateral trade volume since 2020, this is attributable to the pandemic 
and has affected Mauritius ' trade with all major trading partners.  
4.50.   Negotiations started in October  2019 with a view to deepen this agreement into a 
comprehensive EPA covering the full range of trade -related issues, including trade and sustainable 
development as well as reinforced institutional provisions and civil society dialogue. The future 
agreement w ill be the first comprehensive, modern FTA in Sub -Saharan Africa. It will increase 
alignment of the trade policy of Mauritius to the international standards.  
4.51.   The EU is supporting Mauritius in a wide range of areas, including electronic licensing, land 
use and construction, trade and logistics, tourism, healthcare and life sciences, intellectual property. 
The EU also provides capacity building in trade policy making and negotiations.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.52.   The EU notes the active engagement of Mauritius in the negotiations to fina lise the Africa 
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in addition to being already party to the two existing African 
continental trade blocs, namely the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the 
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (CO MESA).  
4.53.   The AfCFTA will improve Mauritius ' access to other African markets, and will further add to 
the competitive positioning of Mauritius as a platform to trade and invest in Africa. The EU is already 
providing support to the AfCFTA Secretariat and can extend its support to Mauritius through its 
national and regional programming to help Mauritius take full advantage of the opportunities offered 
by the AfCFTA.  
4.54.   In its advance written questions, the EU has raised a wide range of issues, notably timeframe 
for the different legislation mentioned in the Government report, including an update on the 
Intellectual Property law, clarification of government procurement matters (namely with the State 
Trading Corporation), and policies for foreign investment in the to urism sector.  
4.55.   We are also interested in learning more about the special economic zones and integration 
process with Africa, actions taken to increase competitiveness and addressing the growth model for 
sustained and more inclusive economic development.  
4.56.   the EU acknowledges with satisfaction Mauritius ' substantial progress since the previous 
Review in 2014 despite the challenges faced by the country and reiterates its will to cooperate closely 
with the Mauritius in its economic recovery.  
4.57.   We look forward to a constructive exchange of views and wish a successful Review to the 
Mauritian delegation.  
JAPAN  
4.58.   Japan would like to welcome the delegation of Mauritius, headed by the Honourable 
Mr. Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Interna tional Trade, as well as 
Ambassador  Dwarka -Canabady, Permanent Representative to the WTO. Japan would also like to 
thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Mauritius for their informative reports, and the 
discussant, Ambassador  Mailu of Kenya, for his insightful remarks.  
4.59.   We commend Ma uritius for achieving economic growth by maintaining an open market, while 
we understand that Mauritius' trade in goods and services has declined significantly due to the impact 
of COVID -19, according to the Secretariat's report.  
4.60.   Today, Japan would like t o comment on three points: (i)  our bilateral economic relationship; 
(ii) engagement in the WTO; and (iii)  domestic and regional policies for promoting trade and 
investment.  
4.61.   First, we acknowledge that economic relations between Japan and Mauritius have been  
growing stronger since the last TPR. For example, the opening of the Japanese Embassy in Mauritius 
in 2017 marked a major step forward. We also recognize that the oil spill from a cargo ship that 
occurred last year in Mauritius had a tremendous impact on its economy and natural environment 
and have been working to strengthen relations between our two countries. Last December, the 
Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Mauritius and agreed with his counterpart to further 
strengthen bilateral ties on a wide range of issues, including a plan to send the Public -Private Sector 
Joint Mission from Japan for promoting trade and investment between our two countries. We are 
glad to note that bilateral cooperation at the private sector level has also become mor e active in 
recent years.  
4.62.   Second, we welcome Mauritius ' active engagement in the negotiations at the WTO. In 
particular, we value its participation and contribution to the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs) on the 
Services Domestic Regulation and the Inves tment Facilitation for Development. In addition, we 
welcome the fact that according to the Secretariat's report, the WTO Standing Coordinating 
Committee of Mauritius has designated electronic commerce as one of Mauritius' priorities in the 
ongoing WTO nego tiations.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.63.   Third, we appreciate Mauritius' efforts on trade and investment facilitation. We appreciate the 
Government of Mauritius making the promotion of trade in services a priority and its efforts to open 
up the Mauritian market.  
4.64.   We commend Mauritius fo r achieving the number one ranking in Africa in the World Bank 
Group's "Doing Business 2020". We further note that Mauritius has been promoting investment from 
Mauritius in African countries through the establishment of the Mauritius Africa Fund. We look 
forward to seeing Mauritius continuing to play an active role in this way in promoting trade and 
investment throughout the entire African region.  
4.65.   We would also like to share that Japan will co -host the Eighth Tokyo International Conference 
on African Develo pment (TICAD 8) in Tunisia next year. Japan expects the discussions at the meeting 
to contribute to further promoting African economies, including the Mauritian economy.  
4.66.   In conclusion, we appreciate Mauritius' active participation in this Trade Policy Revi ew today, 
despite its postponement due to the COVID -19 pandemic. We also commend the efforts made by 
Mauritius to improve its trade environment since the last Review. We wish the delegation of Mauritius 
a successful Trade Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.67.   Canada joins  other WTO Members in welcoming the Honourable Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade , and the other members of the 
delegation from Mauritius today. We are very pleased to participate in the fifth Trade Pol icy Review 
of Mauritius. We thank the Mauritius Government and the WTO Secretariat for their reports.  
4.68.   We recognize the many opportunities to expand our bilateral trade relationship, particularly 
given the strong ties of the Mauritian -Canadian community to  your country. Our countries share a 
common objective of sustaining and developing our knowledge -based economies to ensure our 
citizens are well -prepared for the challenges of the future.  
4.69.   I would like to recognize the impressive economic transformation in  Mauritius over the last 
few years, particularly the transition to an upper middle -income economy with growing 
manufacturing, agroindustry, financial, ICT and tourism sectors. Canada recognizes the sustained 
efforts of the Government of Mauritius to position the country as a strategic player in the financial 
services sector globally, and its commitment to developing the fintech ecosystem.  
4.70.   The Mauritian Government is to be commended for its focus on health, education, social 
protection and the empowerment for women and youth as a means to reduce poverty and address 
social exclusion. Canada is committed to improving international collaboration in higher edu cation 
and recognizes the importance of research and innovation in advancing sustainable economic 
growth.  
4.71.   In this period of unprecedented health and economic challenges due to COVID -19, the 
predictability and stability provided by the World Trade Organiza tion (WTO) and the rules -based 
international trading system is crucial for both Mauritius and Canadian businesses and workers, as 
well as the path towards economic recovery. It is key to supporting a strong, sustainable, and 
inclusive economic recovery fro m the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.72.   In terms of participation by Mauritius in the WTO 's work and in the multilateral trading system, 
Canada would like to first commend the constructive role the Ambassador of Mauritius has played 
here in Geneva, including in her role as a group coordinator.  
4.73.   In relation to the WTO 's deliberative function, Canada appreciates the good WTO notification 
record of Mauritius over the past decade. Such transparency ensures all WTO Members and their 
stakeholders remain updated on our respective  trade policies, and any changes to them.  
4.74.   We would like to commend Mauritius for its participation in the joint statement initiatives on 
investment facilitation for development and on services domestic regulation. Canada appreciates the 
support for the Bue nos Aires declaration on Women and Trade by Mauritius and encourage it to join WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions. We also encourage Mauritius to 
consider joining the Multi -Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement as soon  as possible.  
4.75.   Canada welcomes the co -sponsorship by Mauritius of the December 2020 Declaration on 
Micro, Small and Medium -Sized Enterprises, which endorsed six recommendations and declarations 
in support of MSMEs integration into international trade.  We en courage Mauritius to formally join 
the Informal MSME Working Group.  
4.76.   Canada recognizes the continuing concerns of climate change and rising ocean levels and 
associated impacts on the Mauritian economy as a small island developing state, compounded by 
climat e shocks as well as human -caused ecological disasters.  Canadians continue to engage with 
Mauritius in the global effort to concurrently build the "blue economy " and combat climate change. 
I note the recent offering by the University of Mauritius of a joint  BSc degree with the University of 
Prince Edward Island in Applied Climate Change and Adaptation, the first degree of this kind offered 
by the University of Mauritius with an international partner.  
4.77.   We look forward to a constructive exchange of views on all  aspects of the trade regime and 
economy of Mauritius. We appreciate the responses from Mauritius to our questions and wish the 
delegation the utmost success during this Trade Policy Review.  
INDIA  
4.78.   I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the delegatio n of Mauritius led by 
H.E. Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of 
Mauritius, special welcome to the delegation of Mauritius to the WTO in Geneva which is very ably 
led by sister Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady, Permanent Representative of Mauritius.  
4.79.   India is pleased to participate in the Trade Policy Review of Mauritius today . My delegation 
would further like to commend the Government of Mauritius and the WTO Secretariat for their 
comprehensive reports and would also thank the discussant H.E.  Dr Cleopa  Mailu of Kenya for his 
insightful remarks.  
4.80.   As reflected in the Secretariat's report during the period under review, the main drivers of 
growth for Mauritius were the services sector, particularly tourism; financial services; information 
and communication technology services; and construction.  
4.81.   Long ongoing liberalizing reforms have shown commitments from Mauritius to lead Mauritius 
to an open economy and their commitment towards opennes s to trade .  
4.82.   Mauritius ' role as an investment hub with strong institutions and trade -facilitated business 
environment. All th ese have supported economic growth in Mauritius.  
4.83.   However, the negative impact of COVID -19 has resulted in a drop of 15% in the GDP last 
year, particularly affecting the tourism industry, an important sector of the economy for Mauritius. 
The econom y is, however, expected to recover , and all of us are there to support vulnerable 
economies during this period of crisis.  
4.84.   As part of its diversification efforts, we also note Mauritius' particular focus on harnessing the 
opportunities emerging on the African continent, particularly through the East African Community 
(EAC) -COMESA -SADC tripartite Agreement that was concluded in 2015, and the rec ently concluded 
African Continental Free Trade Agreement.  
4.85.   India and Mauritius enjoy multifaceted partnership that is underpinned by historic linkages 
and close people -to-people contact. India is one of the Mauritius' largest trading partner s, though 
our trade has reached USD  690 million just before the pandemic but it has significant potential to 
go further up; and it is in this regard  that Mauritius and India signed a Comprehensive Economic 
Cooperation and Partnership Agreement this year on 22  February a nd this has come into force on 
1 April 2021. It has been subsequently notified to  the WTO as well.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.86.   The India and Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement is 
the first trade agreement signed by India with an African country , and it covers trade in , both, goods  
and services, and in encompasses  issues of TBT, SPS, rules of origin, dispute settlement, etc. This 
trade agreement will further cement the already deep and special relations between the two 
countries.  
4.87.   Indian companies hav e invested over USD  200 million in Mauritius in the last five years,  and 
we are committed to harness the full potential of our bilateral trade, economic , and development 
partnership for the mutual benefit.  
4.88.   We would like to thank Mauritius for the ir replies  to the questions posed by my delegation 
that will be studied carefully by  my Capital . These questions covered many issues including trade in 
goods, services, agriculture, and trade facilitation.  
4.89.   The deep linkage and bonding of India with Mauritius can also be seen on a recent significant 
event , which in fact happened last week, that our Prime Minister met the Prime Minister  of Mauritius 
at the launch o f the Initiative  for the Resilient Island Stat es, and this occasion was also join ed by 
the Prime Ministers of Fiji as well as Jamaica. It is a very significant process and particularly  in the 
time when we are talking about climate change, it shows the concern India has for small island 
nations  and we are striving for working for the welfare of the world's most vulnerable countries in 
the era of climate change.  
4.90.   Finally, we welcome Mauritius ' long-standing support to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system . It has been an active Member  and participan t in the world across the full WTO agenda. It 
has been playing an  important role on the African Group coordination this year.  
4.91.   We look forward to working with Mauritius in further expanding and fostering our trade and 
investment ties for our mutual benefit  and we wish the delegation of Mauritius, ably led by sister 
Usha Dwarka -Canabady, a productive and successful  Trade Policy R eview.  
JAMAICA  ON BEHALF  OF THE ACP GROUP  
4.92.   Honourable Alan  Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International 
Trade, it is truly a distinct honour for me to extend congratulations on behalf of the ACP Group, to 
you and the members of your delegation on  the fifth Trade Policy Review  of Mauritius . We thank the 
delegation for its detailed report. The AC P Group also extends commendations to the Chair, as well 
as H.E. Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu of Kenya for the insights provided and excellent steering of the 
discussions today. We appreciate the work of the Secretariat and express our gratitude for its 
compreh ensive report.  
4.93.   Mauritius undoubtedly is among the top performing Members within the ACP Group and has 
played an active role in advancing the Group 's work on many issues ranging from commodities, 
culture, climate change, fisheries, and maritime security in the multilateral trade arena. Cognizant 
of the shared vulnerabilities, we recall the demonstration of support and solidarity Mauritius 
displayed as a fellow Small Island Developing State (SIDS), as well as a fellow member of the ACP 
family, to our sister i sland Dominica, following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika.  
4.94.   At the wider ACP level, Mauritius currently serves as the Chair of the ACP 's Adhoc Group on 
Tax Matters in  Brussels, and constructively engages in the work of the Committee of Ambassadors 
and other Sub -Committees to develop the Group 's positions on many crucial issues. I recall that 
Mauritius served as ACP Group 's Coordinator here in Geneva in 2012 and remains an effective 
advocate for developing countries and LDC 's issues, even while simultane ously serving as 
Coordinator for the African Group. Moreover, throughout its membership of the WTO, Mauritius has 
actively and constructively engaged in ongoing WTO negotiations and its regular work.  
4.95.   It, therefore, is good to see my sister in arms, Ambassador  Usha Canabady and other 
members of the Mauritius team, continue this excellent legacy of championing not only the concerns 
of Mauritius, but the wider ACP Group. Under her leadership, the ACP and African Group enjoy a 
cordial relationship that i s producing results for all our Members. Ambassador  Canabady, it has been 
a pleasure working alongside you; this is also a show of the longstanding good relations between 
Mauritius and its OACPS partners, including my own country, Jamaica.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.96.   Prior to this p andemic induced crisis, the World Bank classified Mauritius as a high-income 
country based on a per capita Gross National Income of US D 12,900 in 2019, an increase of 5.1% 
from previous year. This is a testament to the upward economic trajectory that Mauritius has been 
following for several decades through diversification of its economy away from sugar, and textiles 
and clothing towards a dynamic services sector. In fact, many Mauritius ' transformation of its sugar 
industry is widely admired. We note t hat the services sector in Mauritius, including inter alia tourism, 
like many developing states, is among the main drivers of economic growth.  
4.97.   The country has also pursued new manufacturing sectors and services such as 
pharmaceuticals, engineering, financ ial services, and ICT related services such as robotics, Analytics, 
edu-tech, health-tech, and fintech. Mauritius ' focus on building a service -oriented economy is 
consistent with the ACP Group 's belief that services can play a key role in the achievement o f other 
national objectives such as infrastructural improvements, increased competitiveness, and trade 
facilitation. We, therefore, commend the government 's efforts to leverage the island 's natural 
beauty, growing importance as an international investment hub and strong institutions to transform 
its economy, and promote the expansion of trade.  
4.98.   However, the COVID -19 pandemic, with its multidimensional impacts particularly on 
developing countries, brought into sharp focus the interconnectedness of the intern ational 
community. Mauritius, like so many SIDs that rely on tourism earnings, saw a significant contraction 
in that and other related subsectors. We are optimistic nonetheless by the Secretariat 's report which 
indicates that the economy is expected to rec over.  
4.99.   The ACP Group also commends the Mauritian Government for demonstrating resilience by 
adopting concrete steps, such as the implementation of the "Project C OVID -19 recovery through 
trade ", to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on its economy and pop ulation.  
4.100.   This interconnectedness of the international community also offers tremendous 
opportunities. We commend the government 's foresight in pursuing policy initiatives that have 
positioned Mauritius on a path to becoming an innovation -driven economy.  
4.101.   During the period under review, Mauritius undertook important reforms to further develop 
and enhance its ICT sector, such as the enactment of legislation related to data security, protection 
of privacy, intellectual property rights, and cybersecurity.  This has served to increase the 
attractiveness of Mauritius on the international scene and contributed towards the establishment of 
several foreign companies in Mauritius. This dynamism is unleashing new opportunities in cloud 
computing and digital health tech nologies. We hope to learn from their experiences in future.  
4.102.   For all Members of the ACP Group, the expansion of trade is key to supporting our national 
socio-economic goals and objectives. This expansion must be supported by efficient and effective 
systems  and processes. As such, the ACP Group applauds the efforts undertaken by Mauritius to 
modernize its harbour facilities in Port Louis to foster trade and economic activity.  
4.103.   For instance, a maritime single window was implemented to improve customs clearanc e prior 
to entry; a measure in line with Mauritius ' ambitious strategy to transform into a "blue economy ". 
Indeed, the Government is committed to constantly improve and upgrade services provided by the 
harbour at competitive rates. Continued action in this direction is encouraged.  
4.104.   The ACP Group also takes note of action by the Government to eliminate trade barriers and 
to enhance trade competitiveness, through several reforms and digitalization. The ACP Group 
commends the commitment of Mauritius to impl ementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), 
and welcomes the update that Mauritius has fully implemented all 27 measures notified under 
category A.  
4.105.   In addition, several measures were introduced to reduce transaction costs and facilitate 
trade, includ ing enhancing the customs management system; the setting up of Coordinated Border 
Management Unit to enhance cooperation between the Customs department and other Ministries; 
and the implementation of an E -payment system for importers to pay duties and taxe s. We look 
forward to further exchanges with Mauritius of their best practices in this regard.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.106.   Mauritius has made significant strides in pursuing open and freer trade. We salute Mauritius 
for its commitment to promote trade ties at the regional level and b ilaterally, through for instance 
the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), the China -Mauritius Free Trade Area (FTA), the 
Economic Partnership agreement with the UK, and the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation 
Partnership Agreement with India. These  actions demonstrate the country 's high value on 
strengthening its participation and integration into the global economy.  
4.107.   The ACP Group remains encouraged by these efforts which are consistent with our shared 
goals and objectives to pursue opportunities f or the benefit of all developing countries. We also 
convey our special thanks for Mauritius ' contribution of Ambassador  Shree  Baboo  Chekitan 
Servansing, who served as a member of the Appellate Body and did the WTO extremely well.  
4.108.   I wish Mauritius continued  success in its economic, social and development objectives 
encapsulated in its national Vision 2030 plan. Finally, on behalf of the Group, we wish the delegation 
of Mauritius a successful fifth Trade Policy Review.  
EGYPT  ON BEHALF  OF THE AFRICAN  GROUP  
4.109.   I deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group, in which we extend  a very warm 
welcome to H.E.  Mr Alan Ganoo, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and 
International Trade of Mauritius,  and esteemed  delegation from Port  Louis a nd in Geneva. We thank 
the Government of Mauritius and the WTO Secretariat for their comprehensive reports, as well as 
H.E. Ambassador  Dr Cleopa  Mailu of Kenya for his insightful comments as discussant.  
4.110.   We congratulate Mauritius for its robust growth -oriented development over the years, which 
has propelled it among upper -middle income  countries . In over half a century its per capita income 
rose fr om a mere USD 400 to a remarkable sum of around USD 11,000 by 2019, becoming the 
second highest in Africa while decreasing its unemployment rate to 6.7%.  
4.111.   The Secretariat report demonstrates that trade openness in Mauritius is key to its economic 
success. I ndeed, sound  liberalization reforms transform ed Mauritius into an almost duty -free 
economy and helped the country achieve an average GDP growth of 3.6% during the period from 
2014 to 2019.  
4.112.   Despite the reversed economic gains due to the pandemic, we are con fident that the 
Mauritian economy has the necessary fundamentals for a strong recovery continuing its promising 
development path. In this regard, we praised the country's "Vision 2030"  development plan as an 
important vehicle to effectively address unemplo yment, eradicate poverty, further open trade, and 
encourage innovation.  
4.113.   The World Bank 's recent Ease of Doing Business index shows that Mauritius achieved an 
all-time record ranking of 13th out of 190  economies, climbing 36  positions since 2016 . This 
outstanding achievement is testimony to the sublime wide -ranging economic reforms towards a 
more conducive and open trade and investment environment.  
4.114.   In this vein, the Secretariat report signalled  the high and rising FDI and well noted several 
positive cha racteristics of trade and overall economic policy including Mauritius ' open capital regime 
and the new Industrial Property Act adopted in 2019, which contributed to a healthier , enforceable  
intellectual property system.  
4.115.   According to UNDP, Mauritius recorde d positive stri des in its H uman Development Index, as 
it currently ranks 66 among 189 countries and remains well positioned to continue on this track.  
4.116.   However, this comm anding economic performance should not eclipse the structural 
challenges facing the Mau ritian economy . For example, the Secretariat report notes that Mauritius 
heavily relies on imports for its food security and its industrial inputs.  
4.117.   Mauritius is an active Member in the WTO and with timely notifications adding transparency 
to its trade regime.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.118.   Mauritius almost fully implemented the Trade Facilitation Agreement in compliance with its 
obligations . The country's simple average applied ta riff rate has declined from 6.7% in 2007 to a 
mere 1.3% , although it slightly increase d for agricultural products.  
4.119.   In addition, Mauritius is voluntarily implementing  liberalization stri des including those 
pertaining to public procurement as well as the env ironment.  
4.120.   On the continental front, we would like to commend the active participation of Mauritius in 
the AfCFTA negotiations and its positive contribution to the advancement of African integration.  
4.121.   I seize this opportunity to heap praise  on our Excellency and dear sister Ambassador Usha 
Dwarka -Canabady and her brilliant team of experts for their active role and diligence in coordinating 
the positions of the African Group, especially in such an important time as we approach MC12.  
4.122.   Finally, the African Group wishes Mauritius a successful and fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
4.123.   Turning to a brief statement in my national capacity, Egypt and Mauritius share warm 
bilateral economic relations and share a stake  in regional and continental economic integ ration , as 
both are members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and signed 
the African Continental Free Trade Area.  
4.124.   During the review period , bilateral trade values doubled and investment continued to flow. 
However, figures are ra ther mo derate  given our shared ambition to explore significant trade and 
investment opportunities, and thus we look forward to deepe n bilateral economic cooperation.  
4.125.   Let me conclude by wishing Mauritius what I'm sure would be  a very successful and fruitful 
Trade Policy Review.  
ANGOLA  
4.126.   Dear Chair, Excellency, Ambassador  Dr Athaliah  Lesiba  Molokomme ; H.E. Mr Alan Ganoo, 
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius;  dear 
discussant, Excellency, Ambassador  Dr Cleopa Kilonzo  Mailu; Excellency, Ambassador  Ms Usha 
Dwarka -Canabady ; and c olleagues . The delegation of the Republic of Angola would like to warmly 
congratulate the Republic of Mauritius on the public presentation and discussion of their fifth Trade 
Policy Re view.  
4.127.   We have carefully studied the 59 -page Official report from Mauritius, a very detailed 
document, reviewing with proficiency and transparency the country's economic, financial, trade, and 
commercial policies since the last TPR assessment in 2014.  
4.128.   Angola acknowledges the negative impacts of the global pandemic crisis, imposing 
two severe lockdowns, contracting Mauritius ' GDP in 2020 (around 15%), increasing the public debt, 
and harming important economic trade sectors, namely in services, transporta tion, and tourism that 
declined around 80%.  
4.129.   Notwithstanding, the economy of Mauritius has been showing exceptional resilience and 
capacity for recovering, grounded in the valuable results of an ambitious long -term reform agenda, 
that aims to improve trade , the business environment, digital economy, and promote sound financial 
services.  
4.130.   As a result of that, on 1 July 2020, Mauritius was classified by the World Bank as a 
high-income country based on a per capita Gross National Income of USD  12,900. A great 
achievement that Angola can only but praise as a twofold paradigm, for the development of African 
countries and developing small island states.  
4.131.   The Angolan delegation is also grateful for the report from the WTO Secretariat that provides 
a thorough review of Mauritius' economic and trade evolution since 2014, fully documented with 
pertinent data, statistics, and graphics.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.132.   The last decade's political and economic reforms have resulted in the further liberalization of 
the Mauritius trade regime for goods. It  is particularly relevant to pay attention to Mauritius' views 
on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), as an essential enabler for increasing its integration and 
participation in the global trading system.  
4.133.   Angola has also acknowledged, from the Secreta riat review report, the set of notifications to 
the Mauritius Government on agriculture, fisheries, tobacco production subsidies, and rules of origin 
in the framework of sectorial applications of the Agreement on Trade -Related Investment Measures 
(TRIMs).  
4.134.   However, we emphasize that there is not a particular or national set of cases in these 
recurrent notifications, but general trends that the COVID -19 pandemic has reinforced through the 
evident unilateral tendency towards greater state involvement in the e conomy, mainly in industries 
considered critical to the national interest.  
4.135.   These trends, combined with the debates on trade flexibilities in periods of profound global 
crisis, demand novel reforms and consensus, from TRIMs to TRIPS, that Angola hopes to b e 
appropriately addressed by the forthcoming WTO 12th Ministerial Conference.  
4.136.   Although the Republic of Angola and the Republic of Mauritius have been founding members 
since 1993 of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and since 1996 o f the 
Southern African Development Community (SADC), our bilateral trade is still very limited. In 2019, 
Angola exported to Mauritius USD  499 thousand, despite only through one product, plastic lids, but 
even this modest figure reduced in 2020, as exports reached only USD  130 thousand. In 2019, 
Mauritius exported industrial products and furniture worth merely USD  196 thousand.  
4.137.   The imports increased in 2020 to USD  2.25 million, since Angola bought significant amounts 
of diversified products, as access to other traditional markets was hampered due to the pandemic 
crisis. Engaged in a focused effort to diversify the economy, Angola would like to invite public and 
private companies, entrepreneurs, and investments funds from Mauritius to develop new trade and 
relations.  
4.138.   Angola would like to work on finding ways of taking advantage of Mauritius ' key role in the 
Indo-Pacific Region, reinforced by the new Mauritius free tr ade agreements with India and China.  
4.139.   We would also like to have a more substantial trade presence in Mauritius, and welcome 
Mauritius investments, technical and training cooperation in Angola, namely in sustainable tourism, 
maritime management, e -commerce,  and capital markets.  
4.140.   Dear Chair, Dear discussant, Dear Head of the Mauritius delegation, thank you for your 
attention. Congratulations to the Republic of Mauritius for an engaging and elucidating Trade Policy 
Review.  
KAZAKHSTAN  
4.141.   Kazakhstan warmly welcomes  the delegation of the Republic of Mauritius led by Hono urable 
Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. We express 
our gratitude to the Government of Mauritius for its informative report and statement. We al so thank 
Ambassador  Mailu of Kenya for his insightful comments as a discussant and the WTO Secretariat for 
its comprehensive report.  
4.142.   We have the pleasure to observe and state that Mauritius, since its last trade review pursued 
a sound economic performance  and further enhanced its trade openness.  
4.143.   We commend the Government of Mauritius for implementing an ambitious reform agenda to 
further strengthen trade, investment, business environment, and infrastructure development.  
4.144.   Particularly we appreciate the goal s of Mauritius set out in the Industrial Policy and Strategic 
Plan for the period 2020 -2025 to confront a deficiency in technological uptake, increasing labour  
costs, an outdated fleet of production machinery, and dependence on textile and clothing.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.145.   We also note that in order to transform Mauritius into an Ocean State by promoting the "blue 
economy" as one of its main pillars of development, the Government of Mauritius has launched the 
"Vision 2030" Strategy aimed at consolidation of traditional activiti es, development of aquaculture, 
maritime services, marine biotechnology, and oil and gas exploration.  
4.146.   From the multilateral trading perspective, we welcome Mauritius' prompt ratification of the 
WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement within the review period and its hard work on the full 
implementation of the TFA by launching a series of trade facilitation measur es such as introduction 
of e-payment and single window, continuous enhancement of the customs management system, 
and strengthening coordinated border management and agency cooperation as well as other trade 
facilitation measures.  
4.147.   In this regard, we are ple ased to see that Mauritius is among the best performers in Africa 
in terms of business climate, thanks to all these mentioned reforms. Thus, the World Bank advanced 
Mauritius from 20th position in the Doing Business index in 2014 to 13th position in 2020. The World 
Economic Forum also ranked Mauritius favourably. In 2019, Mauritius came 52nd of 141 counties, 
the highest position in Africa, and one of the most open countries in the world. Strong and 
transparent public institutions stand out with clear proper ty rights, strong judicial independence and 
an efficient government. Private institutions are rated as highly accountable with effective auditing 
and accounting standards and strong investor protection of private companies.  
4.148.   We recognize Mauritius' construc tive engagement in the WTO work, with timely notifications 
adding transparency to its trade regime. Particularly Mauritius' active participation both in its national 
capacity as well as coordinator of the African group in the ongoing negotiations on Fisher ies 
Subsidies, WTO response to COVID -19, Services Domestic Regulation, Investment Facilitation for 
Development, and MSMEs are very commendable.  
4.149.   In conclusion, we would like to congratulate the delegation of Mauritius and the WTO 
Secretariat for the hard wo rk and efforts that went into the preparation of this TPR. I also like to 
express our high gratitude to Ambassador and my dear sister Usha Dwarka -Canabady and her team 
in Geneva. We wish the delegation of Mauritius every success for their fifth Trade Polic y Review.  
CABO  VERDE  
4.150.   It is with great satisfaction that my country, the Republic of Cabo  Verde, welcomes the 
fifth Trade Policy Review of its sister Republic of Mauritius. First of all, we would like to welcome the 
esteemed delegation led by the Honourable  Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional 
Integration and International Trade of Mauritius. This high -level presence clearly demonstrates 
Mauritius' commitment to the WTO, and also its involvement in the multilateral trading system 
negotiations  for the development and social welfare of the people of Mauritius and Africa.  
4.151.   I would also like to congratulate Ambassador Mr  Cleopa Mailu of Kenya for his excellent 
presentation and comments. In addition, I would like to congratulate our dear sister 
Amba ssador  Ms Usha Dwarka -Canabady for her dynamism and invaluable contribution within the 
African Group and her team here in Geneva.  
4.152.   Given the geographical position of our island countries, Cabo  Verde and Mauritius are like 
two lungs connected to the same hea rt. The development of a credible policy of democratic good 
governance has allowed our countries to establish a climate conducive to investment and business 
development.  
4.153.   It is transparency, good governance and democracy that are the cornerstone of the grow th 
and social progress of a country, in this case Mauritius.  
4.154.   Despite the COVID -19 crisis, the economic and social performance of Mauritius suggests real 
will on the part of the authorities to change the current trends through vigorous reforms to improve 
competitiveness by creating a more attractive climate for foreign direct investment in the country.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.155.   We would like to acknowledge the efforts that have been made by the authorities in 
combating COVID -19, with vaccination coverage of 88% of the population; thi s has boosted 
consumer and business confidence.  
4.156.   Furthermore, we are bound to note that, in recent quarters of the year, most economic 
sectors, including manufacturing, construction, information technology and financial services have 
recorded encouraging po sitive results.  
4.157.   The economic miracle of Mauritius today demonstrates that there is nothing easy about the 
development of any country regardless of its geographical location. Mauritius remains one of the 
exemplary African countries and a benchmark in terms of political stability and security of foreign 
direct investment.  
4.158.   The immense contribution of the country to the establishment of the African Continental Free 
Trade Area deserves special attention.  
4.159.   In conclusion, we invite all Member States and multilatera l partners to support the reforms 
undertaken by Mauritius to meet the challenges of the crisis resulting from the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.160.   My country wishes its sister Republic of Mauritius every success as a developing island 
country.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.161.   The Philippine delegation warmly welcomes and congratulates the Mauritian delegation led 
by Minister Alan  Ganoo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International 
Trade and Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady of the Permanent Mission of Mau ritius in Geneva on 
their fifth Trade Policy Review. We also thank Ambassador  Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu of Kenya for his 
insightful comments as discussant, and the WTO Secretariat for a comprehensive report.  
4.162.   The Philippines has a modest bilateral trade with Mau ritius valued at USD  35.72  million in 
2019, which gradually declined to USD 15.26  million in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID -19 
pandemic. Among the Philippine top exports to Mauritius include prepared foods of cereals, metal 
furniture, and yellowfin tu nas. While Philippine major imports from Mauritius are boards, panels and 
consoles with electrical apparatus, yellowfin tunas, and medicaments.  
4.163.   We note from the Secretariat report that Mauritius is a small, open, island economy with a 
population of close t o 1.3  million people. It is one of the world's largest exclusive economic zones 
(EEZs). The Philippines notes Mauritius' location in the middle of the Indian Ocean helps it to develop 
the redistribution of goods arriving from the Middle East and Asia among  the other African markets, 
as well as the re -exportation of African products to Asian markets.  
4.164.   Mauritius experienced steady economic growth before the COVID -19 pandemic with an 
average of 3.6% GDP growth in 2014 to 2019. However, due to the COVID -19 pand emic, the 
Mauritian economy experienced an unparalleled impact of 15% drop in GDP in 2020.  
4.165.   According to the Mauritius' Government report, the World Bank classified Mauritius as a 
high-income country based on a per capita Gross National Income, before the impact of the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Per capita income reached USD  11,095 in 2019 before dropping to USD  8,674 
in 2020.  
4.166.   Mauritius maintains an open economy with a low simple average applied MFN tariff of 1.3% 
in 2021, and where 93.5% of the tariff lines are z ero. The Philippines acknowledges Mauritius' 
ambitious reform agenda to improve its trade, investment and business environment, and its 
investments in infrastructure development. This resulted in a substantial improvement in its ease of 
doing business rank ing from 20th in 2014 to 13th position in the world in 2019.  
4.167.   Mauritius, as a founding member of the WTO remains committed to the multilateral trading 
system. It has been actively participating in the ongoing negotiations on several important issues 
since t he last Trade Policy Review. Mauritius' priorities in ongoing WTO negotiations focused on WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  fisheries subsidies, investment facilitation for development, and e -commerce. It also participated 
actively in the discussions on services domestic regulation, and MS MEs.  
4.168.   The Philippines commends Mauritius support and co -sponsorship of the MSME package of 
declaration/recommendations, which aims at enhancing MSMEs' access to market and regulatory 
information, as well as promote the inclusion of MSME -related dimensions in domestic rulemaking.  
4.169.   At the IGDC, which I chair and coordinate, Mauritius has also been an active participant in 
the work of the Group dedicated to developing country issues, and we commend Mauritius' 
leadership role in the IGDC, especially in its role  as the coordinator of the Africa n Group.   
4.170.   I would especially like to thank Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady for emphasizing the 
importance of developing countries in general and the Africa n Group in particular to remain 
constructively engaged in WTO capacity building activities, including through her sharing of insights 
on the recent WTO publication launched earlier this year by the Director -General entitled 
"Strengthening Africa's capacity to trade".  
4.171.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to enhancing the mutually beneficial economic 
relations with Mauritius, and we welcome the continued engagement of Mauritius in the IGDC.   
ZIMBABWE  
4.172.   First allow me to warmly welcome H.E.  Mr Alan Ganoo , Minister  of Foreign Affairs, Regional 
Integration and International Trade and his delegation, including of course, our colleague and dear 
friend Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady. My delegation wishes to express its appreciation to both 
Mauritius and the Secretariat for their efforts in compiling the two reports before us. Allow me also 
to express my appreciation to you Chair, as well as to our discussant, H.E.  Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu 
of Kenya.  
4.173.   We note with much admiration that Mauritius has embarked o n an ambitious trajectory to 
build a strong, resilient and highly development -oriented economy: and that, notwithstanding the 
inherent vulnerabilities associated with its status as a small island developing state, compounded 
over the past 24  months by the impact of COVID -19, it has made significant and highly 
commendable progress.  
4.174.   Indeed, before the pandemic, over the five-year period 2014 to 2019, the country registered 
average economic growth of just under 4%, reflecting marked progress in key service in dustries 
including tourism, construction and, of course, the financial services sector; that period has also 
seen impressive growth in the manufacturing, renewable energy and ICT sectors.  
4.175.   Although COVID -19 has caused an unprecedented dip in economic perfor mance across the 
board, this solid and more diversified base signal, we believe, excellent prospects for recovery and 
sustained economic growth as we move beyond the pandemic.  
4.176.   We commend the Government of Mauritius for the dynamism and depth of its broade r 
economic reform agenda, including the effort directed towards improving the overall business 
environment.  The country 's consistently high ranking in the World Bank 's Ease -of-Doing -Business 
Index reflects the success of the tough but effective reform measures implemented.  
4.177.   In the not very distant past, the Mauritian economy was pretty much rooted in a single 
agricultural commodity.  Today, on the basis of focused and v ery astute strategic planning, sustained 
implementation of agreed reforms and, of course, a great deal of hard work, the country boasts an 
enviably diverse  industrial and economic make -up and  has become one of Africa 's best -functioning 
and most competitive  economies.  
4.178.   We commend Mauritius for its open -trade policy and for the various trade -facilitating 
measures implemented during the review  period , on documentation, inspection requirements, the 
reduction of the average applied MFN tariff rate, and the intro duction of the National Single Window 
Mauritius Trade Link during the review period.   WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.179.   Perhaps a few words about Zimbabwe 's relationship with Mauritius. In terms of bilateral and 
regional cooperation, Zimbabwe enjoys long -standing trade links with Mauritius . It was Mauritian 
sugarcane farmers who, in the early 20th century, helped to build Zimbabwe 's own cane -growing 
and refining industries. And there are, still today, very close links between the sugar producers of 
our two countries.  
4.180.   Mauritius and Zimbabwe both enjoy membership of multiple regional trade and integration 
blocs, including SADC, COMESA and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.  
4.181.   Although still relatively modest, bilateral trade between our two countries does have 
significant potential to grow, both in terms of value and the general diversity of products traded.   
4.182.   As Zimbabwe, Mauritius and indeed other Southern and East  African nations emerge from 
the impact of C OVID -19, and as we all strive to recover lost ground, our primary focus, certainly in  
terms of trade, must surely be on our neighbouring countries and fellow SADC/COMESA partners 
where already existing trading -relationships and trading preferences offer immediate potential to 
enhance the movement of goods and services.  
4.183.   Zimbabwe looks forw ard to deeper and more diversified bilateral engagement with Mauritius 
and we will certainly be working hard in that direction. Allow me to conclude,  by once again 
welcoming Honourable Minister  Alan Ganoo and his delegation to Geneva and to wish them a ver y 
successful fifth Trade Policy Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.184.   Brazil would like to thank the Government of Mauritius, represented by H.E.  Minister 
Alan Ganoo, for engaging in its fifth Trade Policy Review and providing Members with an overview 
of the country 's economic performance and adherence to the multilateral trading system.  
4.185.   We would also like to express our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat for its thorough and 
comprehensive report, as well as to the Chair, Ambassador Dr  Athaliah  Lesiba  Molokomme, and th e 
discussant, Ambassador  Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu, for your contribution to a successful trade monitoring 
exercise.  
4.186.   As the reports have pointed out, Mauritius has experienced continued and consistent GDP 
growth (by about 3.6% per year on average over 2014 -2019), and an increase in its per  capita 
Gross National Income (GNI), to about USD  12,900 in 2019, which made it a high -income country 
according to the World Bank. The main drivers of growth were the services sector, reflecting the 
transformation of the Maurit ian economy in a service -oriented economy.  
4.187.   The COVID -19 crisis has had a significant impact on the Mauritian economy, especially in its 
tourism industry. However, the economy is expected to recover, driven by the resumption of foreign 
travel.  
4.188.   For the revie w period, Mauritius continued to advance trade and customs reforms. Its 
two-decade -long liberalization strategy has transformed Mauritius into an essentially duty -free 
economy.  
4.189.   Mauritius is an active Member of the WTO and supporter of multilateralism. We appreciate 
Ambassador's Usha  Dwarka -Canabady openness as an interlocutor and engagement in this 
Organization.  
4.190.   Mauritius continued to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, simplifying export 
registration procedures and controls. In line with its o verall openness to trade, Mauritius has also 
pursued an active trade diplomacy, improving market conditions for products and services through 
trade agreements and partnerships.  
4.191.   Mauritius has taken steps towards its consolidation as an international investm ent hub. 
Supported by its open capital regime and by double tax avoidance treaties, Mauritius' financial 
services now account for about 13% of GDP. We also note with satisfaction the adoption of policies WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  to encourage Mauritian entrepreneurs to invest in ot her African countries, which have resulted in a 
significant expansion of the outflows of foreign investments through Mauritius into other countries 
in Africa.  
4.192.   We welcome developments in the Intellectual Property front, with the adoption of an 
ambitious Int ellectual Property Development Plan (IPDP), reforms to its IP law and the promotion of 
innovation across all sectors.  
4.193.   The sugar and ethanol sectors are an important area of bilateral cooperation and dialogue. 
Mauritius has been an associate observer at the  Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries 
(CPLP) since July  2006, and the promotion of the Portuguese language is also an important aspect 
of bilateral exchanges.  
4.194.   Trade flows between Brazil and Mauritius are relatively modest compared to their potential.  
Notwithstanding the temporary impacts caused by the COVID -19 economic crisis, we believe there 
is a wide range of trading opportunities to be harnessed. We wish Mauritius a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
SOUTH  AFRICA  
4.195.   We would like to congratulate the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and 
International Trade of Mauritius, Honourable Mr  Alan Ganoo, and H.E.  Mrs Usha Dwarka -Canabady, 
Permanent Representative of Mauritius , as well as the rest of the Mauritian delegation for  the 
fifth Trade Policy Review. We also thank the discussant, H.E.  Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu for introducing 
this Review.  
4.196.   South  Africa and Mauritius share strong commercial bonds, including through economic and 
trade relations and cooperation in various for ms. Our two countries have consolidated bilateral trade 
relations under the SADC Protocol on Trade, with the trade in goods between our nations fully 
liberalised.  
4.197.   It is largely through this regional integration effort that bilateral trade between Mauritiu s and 
South  Africa has consistently grown. The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement of 2013 between 
our countries, and the M OU on Competition Policy of 2016 are among other the legal treaties that 
bind us.  
4.198.   As the two reports attest, South Africa was the bi ggest export market for Mauritian produce 
in 2020, at 12% of total exports. 42% of total exports of Mauritius to Africa in the year 2020 were 
destined for South Africa. These exports include apparel, cotton, plastics, staple fibres, machinery, 
sugars and c onfectionary, and so on.  
4.199.   South  African imports, on the other hand have grown to account for 7 .7% of total imports 
into Mauritius, with South  Africa ranking as the third largest import source of total imports into 
Mauritius. Of the total imports from the A frican continent, Mauritius imports 63% of these from 
South  Africa. These imports include vehicles, iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, machinery and 
equipment, and various agricultural products like citrus and nuts.  
4.200.   We believe that our joint commitment to r egional integration through the 
COMESA -EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA) and the recently launched African 
Continental free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will propel our trade relations to even greater heights 
and contribute towards making our res pective economies more resilient to global economic shocks, 
including those due to pandemic like C OVID -19.  
4.201.   South  Africa shall continue to cooperate on areas of mutual interest through these 
developmental regional integration initiatives to ensure that our respective economies achieve the 
necessary structural reforms that set us and the rest of the African Continent on a qualitative 
industrialization path.  
4.202.   The TPR of Mauritius is taking place when the world is still reeling from the effects of the 
COVID -19 crisis. The world is witnessing one of the worst economic crises ever due to the COVID -19 WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  pandemic. The Mauritian economy was also severely affected with the Mauritian GDP contracting by 
14.9% in 2020, while public sector gross debt reached 84.3% of GDP  at the end of December  2020.  
4.203.   The support of the Africa n Group for a targeted and time -limited TRIPS Waiver aims to 
address vaccine inequity, promote diversification of production of vaccines, diagnostics and 
therapeutics and promote sustainable economic recovery. We thank Ambassador  Canabady for her 
leadership on this issue as the Coordinator of the Africa n Group.  
4.204.   As we approach MC12, it is worth pointing out that the aspirations of developing and least 
developed Members among the WTO membership, and the  Africa n Group, have been severely set 
back by the C OVID -19 pandemic and its effects. In this regard, South  Africa stands firm with 
Mauritius as the Coordinator of the Africa n Group in her efforts to highlight the call for an equitable 
global economic reco very, with the WTO at the fore towards attaining the UN SDGs. This necessitates 
a WTO that puts the needs and interests of developing and least developed economies at centre of 
the multilateral trading system.  
4.205.   The economic growth and development of Mauriti us is intricately tied to ours, and in this 
regard our two nations share a common destiny within the family of African Union members, 
including a shared interest in realising the economic  development dreams of the majority of 
developing and least developed  Members of the WTO. In this regard , we affirm our commitment to 
build on and strengthen our bilateral relations and cooperation in multilateral matters of common 
interest.   
CHAD  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.206.   First of all, allow me to extend a very warm welcome to the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, 
Minister  of Foreign Affairs, Regional  Integration and International Trade of Mauritius. His presence 
honours this assembly and reflects the commitment at the highest level o f the Government of 
Mauritius to the international trading system.  
4.207.   Let me also welcome our sister Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady for her leadership and 
commitment to the African Group here in Geneva. Honourable delegations, dear colleagues, on 
behalf of t he LDC Group, the Republic of Chad would like to warmly congratulate the delegation of 
Mauritius on its fifth  Trade Policy Review at the WTO. We also commend Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu 
of Kenya for his excellent work as discussant, as well as the WTO Secretar iat for preparing the Trade 
Policy Review report.  
4.208.   Mauritius is an important player in world trade. As highlighted in the Secretariat report, and 
despite the impact of the pandemic on economic activity, Mauritius is an open economy and foreign 
trade plays a n important role in its economic development, contributing to sustained growth as 
evidenced by the average annual growth rate of 3.6% over the 2014 -19 period.  
4.209.   Like the other WTO Members, Mauritius faces a delicate economic situation owing to the 
effects of  the COVID -19 pandemic, which continues to affect various parts of the world. The GDP 
growth rate of the Mauritian economy contracted by 15%, as at the end of 2020, compared to the 
previous year. However, for 2021 a recovery in growth is forecast and this is very welcome.  
4.210.   We commend the Mauritian authorities for two decades of continuous reform and success in 
keeping the island on the path of economic diversification and thus increasing its attractiveness for 
investors. Indeed, it is through regulatory legi slative action, both ambitious and enlightened, that 
the capital opening regime and the growing importance of Mauritius as an international investment 
centre have contributed to the development of these financial services, which today account for 
about 13%  of GDP.  
4.211.   These impressive achievements demonstrate clearly the function of the trade development 
accelerator. Sugar, textiles, clothing, financial services and tourism are the main pillars of the 
economy.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.212.   Indeed, although sugar cane production continues to  play an important role, albeit declining 
in the plantation economy, sectors creating more added value have become established and are 
visible on a tour of the island in the form of hotels and technoparks that offer better paid jobs.  
4.213.   In practice, this tran slated into an average per capita income of USD  11,095 in 2019. And 
this fell, as it did all over the world, to USD  8,674 in 2020 because of the pandemic.  
4.214.   Regarding trade relations with LDCs, Mauritius has trade relations with the majority of LDCs, 
especia lly on the African continent, together with which it belongs to a number of regional integration 
schemes, including the African Continental Free Trade Area.  
4.215.   Like Mauritius, the LDC Group would like to see an enhanced, rules -based, transparent, 
inclusive mu ltilateral trading system that meets objectives. We also aspire to sustainable growth 
and development benefiting our people.  
4.216.   The LDC Group takes this opportunity to renew its congratulations to Mauritius on its 
initiatives and the reforms that it has initi ated. We wish it every success in this Trade Policy Review 
and also for the future.  
CHINA  
4.217.   China would like to extend our warm welcome to the delegation of Mauritius, led by 
Mr Alan Ganoo, Hono urable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Int ernational Trade 
to the fifth Trade Policy Review. I would like to thank the discussant, H.E.  Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu 
for his insightful remarks. My thanks also go to the Secretariat for their hard work to prepare this 
exercise, with the high -qualified doc ument.  
4.218.   China highly commends Mauritius for its achievements in economic and social development. 
Mauritius ranked the 12th of 190 countries in World Bank report regarding ease of doing business in 
2020, and also ranked among the "Very High Human Development" countries in United Nations 
Development Programme in 2019. According to IMF, Mauritius has "a record of good governance  
and strong institutions".  
4.219.   As is said in the Secretariat report, Mauritius' openness has been one of the reasons for its 
economic success and experienced steady economic growth during the review period before the 
COVID -19 pandemic. However, under the cont ext of the pandemic, the high reliance on foreign trade 
and tourism also brought Mauritius unproportionate and shocking loss with a 14.9% GDP contraction 
in 2020. China sincerely hopes Mauritius could yield a strong economic rebound this year and after.  
4.220.   China acknowledges and appreciates Mauritius' active engagement and contribution to the 
multilateral trading system. First, Mauritius is the original member of the WTO, and has paid 
tremendous effort in the implementation of the various obligations under th e WTO agreements 
through amending laws and regulations like Customs Act, the Copyright Act, Industrial Property Act 
and so on.  
4.221.   Second, Mauritius has been constructively participating in the ongoing negotiations and JSIs 
like fisheries subsidies, Services Domestic Regulation and Investment Facilitation for Development.  
4.222.   Last but not least, Mauritius is notably the current coordinator of African Group. With this 
chance, China would like to commend Ambassador  Usha Chandnee  Dwarka -Canabady for her hard 
and exce llent job in group coordinating, as well as her great contribution in various configurations 
representing the African Group and to this Organization.  
4.223.   In the context of regional integration and cooperation, China commends Mauritius for its 
positive contribution to the regional economic integration of African continent through participating 
SADC (Southern African Development Community), COMESA (Common Mar ket for Eastern and 
Southern Africa) and AfCFTA.  
4.224.   China has remained the second largest trade partner of Mauritius for many years. Influenced 
by the pandemic, the total trade volume experienced 14.1% decline in 2020. However, during the WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  first three quarter s of 2021, due to global economic recovery and the entry into force of the 
China -Mauritius FTA in 1  January  2021, the bilateral trade volume dramatically climbed by 35%, 
exceeding USD  600 million.  
4.225.   Mauritius is so far the only African country that China ha s signed FTA with. We are confident 
that the FTA will provide more solid institutional guarantee for deepening economic and trade 
relations between the two countries.  
4.226.   On investment, by the end of 2020, Mauritius' cumulative investment in China exceeded 
USD 15.5 billion, establishing about 2,500  enterprises in China. On the other hand, China's 
cumulative FDI in Mauritius totalled USD  1.5 billion. In 2020, China's investment in Mauritius 
recorded USD  184 million, soaring by more than 500%.  
4.227.   As Mauritian Prime Minister , Pravind  Jugnauth , said in the opening ceremony of 12th Expo 
Central China in May, the FTA created new developing space in bilateral trade and investment 
cooperation, and he hoped the enterprises in both countries could seize these opportunities. China 
is also confident that the economic bond could be further enhanced under fully implementation of 
the bilateral FTA and Belt and Road Initiative.  
4.228.   In conclusion, I would like to express, once again, my appreciation to the delegation of 
Mauritius for th eir hard work in preparing for the review, and I wish them a very successful Trade 
Policy Review.  
ARGENTINA  
4.229.   We would like to associate ourselves with the Members that have welcomed the delegation 
of Mauritius, led by the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and 
International Trade. We welcome Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady's leadership in this 
organization, promoting not only her country's interests but also amplifying the voice of developing 
countries.  
4.230.   We appreciate the  reports prepared by Mauritius and the Secretariat, which provide a 
comprehensive overview of this Member's trade policies. We also thank Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu 
for his observations and comments, which have enabled us to deepen our understanding of Maurit ius' 
trade practices and the economic environment in which they are operating.  
4.231.   Mauritius is a valued trading partner of Argentina. Bilateral trade between our countries 
amounted to USD  50.8 million in 2020. This year, Argentina was the leading Latin Americ an supplier 
of Mauritius and the seventh Latin American destination for its exports. To Mauritius we mainly sell 
cereals, prepared animal fodder, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous seeds and fruit, and 
industrial or medicinal plants. Mauritius provides us with optical, photographic and cinematographic 
goods, surgical medical products and textile products.  
4.232.   In recent years, Mauritius has made significant efforts and structural changes to diversify its 
economy. These efforts have made it possible t o convert it from a purely agricultural economy into 
one with emerging but promising industrial sectors and a growing tourism services sector.  
4.233.   We further note that, despite having been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic, Mauritius 
has maintained the mo mentum of transformation, demonstrating the ability to face economic 
adversity and thus creating a path of adaptability, innovation, consensus -building and good 
macroeconomic and political management.  
4.234.   Furthermore, Mauritius is a clear example of a country that works responsibly and 
constructively within the WTO to strengthen the rules -based multilateral trading system and, at the 
same time, seeks to complement this system with a wide network of bilateral and regional trade 
agreements that project the Maurit ian economy into Africa and the rest of the world.  
4.235.   Looking ahead to the next WTO Ministerial Conference, we particularly appreciate Mauritius' 
contributions towards reaching an ambitious agreement on fisheries subsidies and achieving WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  balanced outcomes in a ll areas by placing economic development at the centre of the WTO's 
considerations.  
4.236.   Lastly, we wish to emphasize that Argentina wishes to continue expanding trade relations 
with Mauritius, considering South -South cooperation as a key pillar for strengtheni ng these ties on 
the basis of the principles of complementarity, equality and solidarity.  
4.237.   Let me conclude by again thanking the distinguished delegation of Mauritius, you, 
Ambassador  Mailu, and the Secretariat, for this new opportunity to exchange views on  Mauritius' 
trade policies. We reaffirm the importance of all aspects of this exercise and we wish the Minister of 
Foreign Affairs and all his delegation a successful conclusion to this review.  
DJIBOUTI  
4.238.   Madam Chair, let me begin by congratulating you on th e way you lead the Trade Policy 
Review Body and this review in particular.  
4.239.   On behalf of the Republic of Djibouti, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the high -level 
delegation of Mauritius led by the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional 
Integration and International Trade.  
4.240.   My delegation is pleased to be able to participate in this meeting with the objective of 
evaluating and guiding Mauritius' trade policies.  
4.241.   Djibouti thanks the delegation of Mauritius and the WTO Secretariat for the quality reports 
provided. My delegation's thanks also go to Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu of Kenya for his excellent and 
useful commentary as discussant.  
4.242.   Djibouti takes this opportunity to congratulate the delegation of Mauritius on the outst anding 
work undertaken for this review and wishes to extend its support and encouragement to Mauritius.  
4.243.   In 2013, Djibouti had the pleasure of a joint review with Mauritius, which remains an example 
of development for our region. My delegation has followed with great interest the presentation made 
by Minister  Ganoo, who has shared the progress and achievements of Mauritius as well the economic 
development challenges faced by the country, particularly because of COVID -19. 
4.244.   A Member of the WTO since its creatio n in 1995, Mauritius has succeeded, despite the size 
of its economy, in defining in an exemplary manner the main strands of sustainable and diversified 
development by making international trade a key factor in its economic development.  
4.245.   Mauritius has been a ble to achieve economic transformation through the implementation of 
a series of reforms conducive to foreign direct investment, the development of tourism, and exports.  
4.246.   Djibouti welcomes the strategies put in place by Mauritius to address the various chal lenges 
mentioned in the reports made available to us for this review, including by strengthening its 
regulatory frameworks and modernizing its infrastructure.  
4.247.   Djibouti notes the efforts undertaken by Mauritius for the development of its industrial and 
financial sectors, but also observes some fragility and some difficulties linked to establishing a sound 
and reassuring basis in these areas. My delegation encourages Mauritius to persevere in the pursuit 
of satisfactory sustainable solutions. Furthermore, my delegation congratulates Mauritius on the 
measures implemented in relation to improving the business climate and recognizes its role as a 
model in this area, particularly through the adoption of a business facilitation law and the 
establishment of an elect ronic licensing system to accelerate investment applications.  
4.248.   Moreover, the economy of Mauritius appears to be strong in general. Indeed, the country 
distinguished itself during the COVID -19 pandemic by the measures adopted to support the 
economy. These ac count for 34% of the GDP of Mauritius, which is ranked fourth globally among 
countries that have been able to adopt such measures.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.249.   Madam Chair, in conclusion Djibouti commends the dynamism of the delegation of Mauritius 
to the WTO under the leadership of A mbassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady and her team for the 
excellent work they are doing daily coordinating the African Group here at the WTO. My delegation 
reiterates its best wishes for success to Mauritius and hopes that the country and its distinguished 
deleg ation will have fruitful exchanges in the ongoing work of this session. Thank you for your 
attention.  
VIET NAM 
4.250.   Viet Nam would like to join other Members in warmly welcoming the delegation of Mauritius 
led by the Honourable Mr  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreig n Affairs, Regional Integration and 
International Trade to its Trade Policy Review. Viet  Nam congratulates the efforts of the Government 
of Mauritius and the WTO Secretariat for the detailed reports.  
4.251.   We would also like to express our gratitude to the Chai rperson, H.E.  Dr Athaliah  Molokomme 
for her introductory remarks and the discussant, H.E . Dr Cleopa Kilonzo  Mailu of Kenya for his 
insightful observations.  
4.252.   Viet Nam is delighted to note that as a result of steady economic growth before the 
COVID -19 pandemi c, Mauritius, being a small island, was classified as a high -income country by the 
World Bank in 2020 and was among the "very high human development" countries in 2019. Viet  Nam 
commends Mauritius for these important achievements despite the various challe nges.  
4.253.   It should also be highlighted that, as stated in the Government's report, the diversification 
of the country has strengthened the resilience of the economy.  
4.254.   There has been an expansion in real GDP of 3% in 2019 with most economic sectors 
registered positive growth. Moreover, the unemployment rate in Mauritius dropped consistently since 
2016.  
4.255.   Viet Nam acknowledges the significant structural reforms over the ye ars and the measures 
adopted by Mauritius to mitigate the impact of COVID -19, with its promotion of innovation across 
all sectors and its openness to trade.  
4.256.   Viet Nam would like to commend the commitments of Mauritius, as a founding Member of 
the WTO, to th e multilateral trading system, with its implementation of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement, its active participation in the ongoing negotiations on several important issues 
particularly fisheries subsidies, MSMEs and its compliance with notifications oblig ations.  
4.257.   Though the magnitudes of our two countries' economies are different, however, we share 
similar features in economic development path, starting with agriculture, followed by textile, 
manufacturing and services. Even though, our bilateral trade excha nge is not extensive, there are 
examples of partnerships between certain Mauritian and Vietnamese companies in manufacturing 
sector in which Mauritius has invested in a number of projects in Viet  Nam.  
4.258.   We believe there is still room for the two countries' further collaboration in the upcoming 
time.  
4.259.   In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to H.E.  Ambassador Usha 
Chandnee Dwarka -Canabady and her team at the Mission for their active engagement and 
contribution to the work of the WTO, pa rticularly in promotion of the interest of the African Union 
Members as well as other developing countries. And I wish them a successful Trade Policy Review.  
MEXICO  
4.260.   On behalf of Mexico, I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Mauritius,  
led by the Honourable Alan  Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International 
Trade, and wish to thank Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu for his insightful comments.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.261.   I would like to highlight the very valuable and constructive work that the team of the Mission 
of Mauritius, led by Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady, is doing as part of the activities of this 
Organization. Ambassador  Dwarka -Canabady, in addition to representing Mauritius and serving her 
country's trade interests well, has managed  to discharge the responsibility of coordinating the 
African  Group with excellence and skill.  
4.262.   The Mauritian economy has been characterized by remarkable economic transformation, 
moving from a low -income economy based on agriculture to a middle -income diver sified economy 
with growing industrial, financial and tourism sectors.  
4.263.   Mauritius has achieved steady growth in recent decades, which has resulted in a more 
equitable distribution of income, an increase in life expectancy, a reduction in infant mortality, a nd 
a much improved infrastructure.  
4.264.   This has resulted in a strong and market -oriented economy, with sustained growth that, as 
in the rest of the world, was interrupted in 2020 ( -14%) by the COVID -19 pandemic. However, it is 
hoped that, as of 2021, it will once again register significant growth rates. This is reflected in the 
fact that Mauritius' per capita GDP is one of the highest in Africa.  
4.265.   It is also worth mentioning Mauritius' determination to maintain an open trade regime, with 
an average tariff p rotection rate of 1.3% and in which almost 94% of tariff lines are duty -free. 
4.266.   For its part, the services sector is of great importance to Mauritius, accounting for 77% of 
its GDP in 2020, with a strong emphasis on the contribution of the financial services  and tourism 
sectors. However, by its nature, the latter underwent a severe contraction on account of the effects 
of the pandemic.  
4.267.   We welcome the Industrial Policy and Strategic Plan for Mauritius, which aims to increase 
the contribution of the manufacturi ng sector to 30% of GDP by 2030, from 12% in 2020. However, 
the use of local content measures could be challenged in terms of consistency with WTO rules.  
4.268.   Also noteworthy is the use of export subsidies, both for agricultural products and 
manufactures, a pol icy that runs counter to the international trend and calls made not to use them.  
4.269.   Mexico welcomes the progress made by Mauritius since its last review, especially taking into 
account the negative effects of one of the most serious global economic crises. We  have no doubt 
that Mauritius will continue on the right track, consistent with its commitments and obligations under 
the WTO agreements.  
4.270.   Mexico hopes to continue working closely with Mauritius on the various activities that unite 
us with a view to strengt hening the multilateral trading system.  
4.271.   In this regard, we appreciate Mauritius' active participation in the joint initiatives on services 
domestic regulation and investment facilitation, while urging Mauritius to join the initiatives on 
e-commerce and MSM Es. 
4.272.   Before concluding, I would like to thank the delegation of Mauritius for its work in the context 
of its fifth  Trade Policy Review. We wish Mauritius a successful continuation and conclusion of this 
review.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.273.   I would like to extend a wa rm welcome to the delegation of Mauritius, headed by Honourable 
Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. We 
appreciate the comprehensive report s by the Government and the WTO Secretariat . Our thanks also 
go to the discussant Dr  Cleopa  Mailu for his thoughtful remarks.  
4.274.   Russia values traditional ly friendly relation s with the Republic of Mauritius and is interested 
in developing  mutually beneficial c ooperation in various fields.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.275.   Today, Russia and Mauritius  have a  small but  stable  bilateral  trade about  of about  
USD 10 million. Russian in particular exports to Mauritius  electrical equipment; jewels; timber; 
fertilisers; raw materials for the jewe llery industry; products from various metals; inputs consist 
mainly of textiles; sugar; semi -finished products from precious metals; and precious stones.  
4.276.   The agenda for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation was approved by the 
leaders of our count ries on  the sidelines of  the Russia -Africa Summit  and the Economic Forum in 
Sochi in 2019, with the good potential in assisting  Mauritius in developing export  and transport 
infrastructure facilities , information systems,  and sea  transport.  
4.277.   Among other promising  areas of  collaboration  are oceanographic research including seaboard 
mapping exploration and extraction of minerals; exploration of marine biological resources , reserves 
and fish migration patterns; meteorological research , drawing maps of the se a currents, and 
specialized training.  
4.278.   Mauritius has always been one of  the most popular tourism destinations among Russians , 
which was largely facilitated by the Intergovernmental Agreements on the Mutual Abolition of Visa 
Requirements  signed in 2015. Unfo rtunately, the COVID -19 pandemic has had a profound 
detrimental  effect on the touris t industry around the world . We hope that the resumption of air traffic 
between Moscow and Port  Louis, in the near future, will make it possible to  resume and intensify  our 
cooperation in this area.  
4.279.   Speaking of COVID -19, I would like to highlight Russia's humanitarian assistance in 
overcoming its adverse effects and help Mauritian plans to fight the pandemic. This year , 
60,000  doses of the Russian Sputnik  V vaccine registrated by the Mauritians authorities in 
March  2021 were delivered to Port  Louis.  
4.280.    On the multilateral level, Russia  commend s Mauritius ' strong and consistent support for the 
WTO and the multilateral trading system. Mauritius actively promotes trade li beralization and  
meaningfully participates  in the WTO's negotiations including on investment facilitation for 
development and domestic regulations of trade in services.  
4.281.   I would like to highlight the personal contribution of Madame  Dwarka -Canabady, who is 
actively engaged in coordinating the approaches of the  African Group Members to the main issues 
of the WTO agenda.  
4.282.   In conclusion, we would like to wish Mauritius a successful Trade Policy Review.  
CENTRAL  AFRICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.283.   Welcome to the delegation of Mauriti us led by the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. My country expresses its solidarity to 
Mauritius on the occasion of its fifth  Trade Policy Review.  
4.284.   My country also congratulates Ambassador  Cleopa Mailu of Kenya for his work as discussant 
and the WTO Secretariat for the preparation of the Trade Policy Review report. I take this opportunity 
to hail the important role of the Ambassador of Mauritius, my sister Usha  Dwarka -Canabady, and 
her entire te am in the diplomatic space of Geneva and, in particular, their key role in safeguarding 
and giving due consideration to the multilateral trading system.  
4.285.   My country fully supports the vision of Mauritius, which is a strong supporter of the WTO 
rules while e ngaging in an open, transparent, inclusive and non -discriminatory multilateral trading 
system. My delegation also welcomes Mauritius' vision regarding the observance of multilateral trade 
rules, its determination to comply with notification requirements an d its commitment to honouring 
its WTO obligations.  
4.286.   As highlighted in the Secretariat's report, on the basis of the numerous liberalization reforms 
initiated, Mauritius now imposes hardly any customs duties. Its openness to trade has been one of 
the reasons  for its economic success, which is also based on a long tradition of parliamentary 
democracy, good governance and robust institutions.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.287.   Like the rest of the WTO membership, Mauritius faces a challenging economic situation owing 
to the consequences of the COVID -19 pandemic, which continues to affect various parts of the world. 
As a result, a tapering off can be observed in the share of trade in goods and services, whose GDP 
fell from 105% in 2014 to 90% in 2019 and to 76% in 2020.  
4.288.   It was  also noted that during the period under review the main drivers of growth were the 
services sector, in particular tourism, financial services, information and communication 
technologies, and construction.  
4.289.   The reforms undertaken by Mauritius have allowed f urther liberalization of its trade regime 
for goods with generally low tariff protection, with a particular focus on trade in services.  
4.290.   However, the COVID -19 pandemic has reinforced the tendency to increase state intervention 
in the economy, mainly in sect ors considered essential to the national interest.  
4.291.   We also note that as a result of sustained annual economic growth of about 3.6% on average 
over the 2014 -19 period, per capita income in Mauritius reached approximately USD  11,000 in 2019 
and the unemployment rate fell to 6.7%.  
4.292.   However, measures arising from the pandemic led to a fall of 15% of GDP and a fall in per 
capita income from USD  8,700 in 2020. We hope for an upturn in the Mauritian economy subject, 
inter alia, to good results from the rec overy expected in the tourism sector.  
4.293.   We also hail the good economic performance of Mauritius, which has continued its tariff 
liberalization, with the simple average applied MFN tariff falling from 6.6% in 2007 to 2.3% in 2014, 
and to 1.3% in 2021. Tariff protection for agricultural products rose from 1.8% to 3.2% over the 
review period, whereas tariff protection in the manufacturing sector declined to less than 1%, with 
duty-free lines accounting for 93.5% of all tariff lines.  
4.294.   The situation of Mauritius in  the middle of the ocean, Madam Chair, the Indian Ocean, I 
should say, allows it to develop the redistribution of goods from the Middle East and Asia to other 
African markets as well as the re -export of African products to Asian markets. We welcome the fac t 
that the Government of Mauritius has continued to streamline the export control registration process. 
The freeport scheme continues to provide incentives to companies engaged in the light processing 
of imported goods before re -export mainly to other Afri can countries via Mauritius.  
4.295.   Finally, my delegation welcomes the Africa Strategy put in place by Mauritius, including the 
Government's encouragement of Mauritian entrepreneurs to cultivate and invest in other African 
countries and the signing of agreements  with several African countries on the establishment and 
management of special economic zones. As a result, outflows of foreign investment through 
Mauritius into other African countries have increased significantly. We welcome this dynamic 
approach and all  efforts made by Mauritius in various areas.  
4.296.   Lastly, the Central African Republic looks forward to working on a fruitful deepening of its 
trade relations with Mauritius.  
4.297.   My delegation takes this opportunity to renew its congratulations to Mauritius on its 
initiatives and the reforms that it has initiated. We wish you every success in the future and for this 
Trade Policy Review. Thank you.  
GABON  
4.298.   My delegation looks forward to participating in this session devoted to the fifth  Trade Policy 
Review of Mauritius  and warmly welcomes to Geneva the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius, and the whole 
team accompanying him.  
4.299.   My delegation would therefore like to express its appreci ation to Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu 
of Kenya, for his presentation on the economic situation and trade policy of Mauritius. It also WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  expresses its sincere thanks to the WTO Secretariat for organizing this session and preparing the 
working documents in an unusu al context.  
4.300.   Since the previous Trade Policy Review of Mauritius and in the light of the reports produced 
by the WTO Secretariat and the delegation of Mauritius, it appears that this brother country recorded 
a sustained growth rate of around 3.6% between 20 14 and 2019.  
4.301.   These considerable efforts are largely the result of the implementation of an ambitious 
reform agenda aimed at improving the trade, investment and business environment, in the context 
of an open and competitive economy and full integration int o the multilateral trading system.  
4.302.   In this regard, my delegation applauds this reform programme and the implementation of 
the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement that has enabled Mauritius to be ranked 13th out of 
190 economies, according to the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index, and to be placed in the 
category of upper middle -income countries.  
4.303.   Although these economic performance have been mitigated by the COVID -19 pandemic 
because of the restrictive measures taken by all States, including Mauritius, we do not doubt that 
there will be a rapid recovery of the Mauritian economy because it is firmly grounded in profound 
structural changes marked by the significant diversification of its economy, a guarantee of resilience 
when faced with external shocks.  
4.304.   Indeed, more than 10 different sectors support the Mauritian economy: sugar cane, textile 
manufacturing, financial services, tourism, information and communication technologies, seafood, 
medical hub, knowledge centre of excellence, renewable energy, constru ction and creative 
industries, all key elements of the Government's Vision 2030 plan.  
4.305.   My country welcomes the excellent political, economic and trade relations that it enjoys with 
Mauritius.  
4.306.   As of 2014, our two countries expressed their willingness to enga ge in dynamic cooperation 
in key sectors, particularly in the areas of tourism, agriculture, education and health. To this end, 
two agreements have been signed: a tax treaty and an investment protection and promotion 
agreement.  
4.307.   These agreements aim to revi talize collaboration and facilitate both investment and trade 
between the two States.  
4.308.   Before I conclude my statement, I wish to pay tribute to the leadership of my sister, 
Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady, in coordinating trade matters within the African Gr oup, and I 
would like to take this opportunity to wish Mauritius every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.309.   The Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia is very pleased to take part in the fifth  Trade Policy Review of 
Mauritius and wishes to extend a  very warm welcome to its distinguished delegation headed by 
H.E. Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade.  
4.310.   I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mauritius and the WTO Secretariat for their 
detailed and comprehensive Trade Policy Review reports. I also thank the discussant 
H.E. Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya to the WTO for 
his insightful comments.  
4.311.   The Trade Policy Review reports highlight that Mauritius maintained a GDP growth rate which 
averaged at 3.6% during the period of 2014 -2019. The main driver of the economic growth was the 
services sector, particularly tourism, which contributed to 8% of the GDP in 2019.  
4.312.   During the past two decades, Mauritius set a series of liberalization reforms which resulted 
in transforming its economy into an almost duty -free economy. Its openness to trade, including 
concluding two Free Trade Agreements in 2021, has been one of the reasons behind its economic WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  success. Mauritius as an international investment hub, have done reforms such as open its capital 
regime supported by double tax avoidance treaties led to the devel opment of its financial services.  
4.313.   Mauritius commended for its ambitious objective to rebuild, diversify, and expand the 
manufacturing sector towards 30% of GDP, its continued to simplify export registration procedures 
and controls, its several investment -incentive schemes.  
4.314.   We praise Mauritius for its new Export Credit Insurance Scheme that was launched in 2015, 
its new Industrial Property Act that was enacted in August  2019 which established the Intellectual 
Property Council in Mauritius.  
4.315.   The Kingdom of Sau di Arabia enjoys excellent trade relations with Mauritius and aims to 
continue to develop them. In order to strengthen these relations, Saudi  Arabia opened its consulate 
at Mauritius in 2018 while Mauritius has an embassy and consulate in Saudi  Arabia.  
4.316.   Last April 2021, The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has signed a 
Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and 
Shipping of the Republic of Mauritius, which aims at strengthening the frien dly relations between 
the two  countries, and to enhance cooperation, partnership and investment in the field of fisheries.  
4.317.   The promotion of trade relations with regional partners is an important part of the 
development strategy of Mauritius, and that appea rs at their actively participation in the Common 
Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Trade Area.  
4.318.   As original Member of the WTO and as shown in their active engagement in the WTO 
activities, Mauritius also greatly values the multilateral tr ading system. Mauritius participates 
actively in the work of the WTO, with timely notifications adding transparency to its trade regime.  
4.319.   Before I conclude, I would like to thank H.E.  Mrs Usha Chandnee  Dwarka -Canabady 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative  of Mauritius to the WTO and her distinguished team for 
the excellent cooperation between our two missions here in Geneva which serves our mutual 
interests. To conclude, we wish the delegation of Mauritius a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
TUNISIA  
4.320.   My delegation has the pleasure to participate in the fifth  Trade Policy Review of Mauritius 
and welcomes the Mauritian delegation led by the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, to whom we would lik e to express our 
consideration for his detailed presentation on the economic situation and trade policy of its brother 
country. Our congratulations also go to the Secretariat for the comprehensive report submitted to 
us during this review and to Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu for his relevant commentary.  
4.321.   Mauritius is often cited as a success story for developing countries, especially in Africa, 
particularly on account of its tourism potential, its cultural diversity and, in the end, its position, as 
a warm African  country with a welcoming population that has enabled it to become a first -choice 
destination.  
4.322.   This is also due to the success of its economic policies in industrial free zone textiles, freeport 
exports, the financial system and, more recently, information  and communication industries. The 
strategies for diversification of the Mauritian economy have often been backed by informed 
governance by its public authorities, which have managed to foster a constructive partnership with 
the private sector and also est ablish democratic traditions with independent institutions and a social 
model that takes into account the welfare of the population, particularly with regard to health and 
education, and enabling a strong collective commitment linked to opening up to the w orld. 
4.323.   Leveraging its strategic positioning, a shining star at the heart of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius 
will have played a leading role in the development of the African continent through its accessions to 
major regional blocs such as the Southern African D evelopment Community (SADC), the Common 
Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Indian Ocean Commission. It is already 
positioning itself as a port of entry to Africa for the high finance sector.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.324.   Health measures, border closures and other t ravel restrictions have fortunately saved 
Mauritius from the devastating effects of the COVID -19 crisis in health terms. Nevertheless, its 
economy has been impacted. The Secretariat report indicates a 15% decline in GDP and a decrease 
in per  capita income to USD  8,700 in 2020, despite support for the most vulnerable households 
mainly due to revenue from tourism, representing 35% of total exports and 19% of GDP and 
employment.  
4.325.   In addition, the construction sector, which usually accounts for 10% of GDP and 22 % of 
employment, also contracted as a result of the health crisis, which affected construction sites. 
However, financial services and insurance accounting for 12% of the country's added value were 
resilient in 2020, as were training and communications, ind icating the strength of the actors involved 
and the efficiency of the financial support measures introduced by the Government.  
4.326.   However, the heavy dependency of the country, as for many island countries, on imports for 
industrial inputs and for much of its food supply affected and impacted the difficult economic 
situation, as for the majority of developing countries. The worsening of the public deficit due to 
budgetary support measures may affect the country's legitimate ambitions to move up to the 
category of high -income countries. Mauritius' human capital, ethical investments and the oil potential 
exploration project in the island's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are, however, features of a 
successful economic recovery. We are aware that Mauritius will conti nue to rely on the 
"blue economy" and biotechnology in the case of its explorations, in order to develop its economic 
potential.  
4.327.   Tunisia and Mauritius have enjoyed diplomatic relations for more than 35  years and maintain 
close relations in terms of coopera tion over trade, tax and culture. Although trade remains modest, 
it increased fivefold in value terms over the 2017 -20 period, from USD  1.5 million to USD  7.5 million.  
4.328.   We share with Mauritius the common values of effective regional integration, improving t he 
investment climate and business facilitation, and developing free trade. Both countries have engaged 
in negotiations with a view to a free trade agreement and have already agreed on a framework text 
on the basis of their respective agreements with the E uropean  Union so as to facilitate the free 
movement of both goods and services.  
4.329.   The double taxation agreement, signed in 2008, will be an asset for trade facilitation. The 
maritime sector is also one of the sectors that Tunisia and Mauritius consider to be  of the utmost 
importance for consolidating their cooperation. Our two countries are also committed to 
strengthening and consolidating this cooperation in all areas.  
4.330.   Before I conclude, I must congratulate Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady, the Permanent 
Representative of Mauritius to the WTO, and her team in Geneva for their active engagement in the 
work of the WTO, and particularly for the commendable strong efforts made in coordinating the 
positions of our African Group. We wish Mauritius a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
PAKISTAN  
4.331.   We wish to warmly welcome the delegation of Mauritius led by The Honourable  
Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade at this 
fifth Trade Policy Review of Mauritius.  
4.332.   We thank you Chair for your opening remarks, we thank the discussant H.E.  Dr Cleopa 
Kilonzo Mailu of Kenya for his presentation and insightful comments and the Secretariat for their 
work on this Trade Policy Review.  
4.333.   We are reviewing today a success story of a small economy which has become in 2020 a 
high-income country until COVID -19 and its devasting impacts unfortunately changed the course. 
We wish to commend the Government of Mauritius for this achievement. We further note that the 
Government has also been p raised by the IMF for its record of good governance and strong 
institutions.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.334.   Since the last Review in 2014, Mauritius has implemented many reforms to become an open 
and vibrant economy. These reforms include among others tariff liberalization, business fac ilitation 
and investment promotion. It has also implemented structural reforms to diversify its economy 
towards a greater role of Services.  
4.335.   The Government is furthermore pursuing a very ambitious target for green growth as 
outlined in its national programm e for 2020 -2024: "Toward an Inclusive, High Income and Green 
Mauritius, Forging Ahead Together". We appreciate this desire by the Government and wish them 
the best in achieving their targets.  
4.336.   In the context of the heavy impact of the pandemic on the Maurit ian economy, we wish to 
commend Mauritius for its efforts to continue on their path of reforms and showing good recovery 
and resilience.  
4.337.   Pakistan and Mauritius enjoy excellent bilateral relations which were further strengthen by 
the preferential trade agre ement signed in 2007. Our bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2020 -2021 
stood at USD  13.49  million. Pakistan major exports to Mauritius consist of rice, textiles, 
pharmaceuticals, citrus fruit and leather. Both countries continue to explore opportunitie s to expand 
their trade and cooperation to achieve their high potential.  
4.338.   At the multilateral level, Mauritius is strongly committed to the multilateral trading system 
and to the long -term objective of development through trade at the WTO. It has an outstan ding 
record of notification. Mauritius is also actively engaged at the WTO with its team in Geneva under 
the able stewardship of H.E.  Mrs Usha Dwarka -Canabady.  
4.339.   Pakistan closely works with Mauritius in all areas to contribute for the betterment of the 
Multilateral System, especially in the development pillar and the inclusiveness of the system. We 
appreciate the contributions of Mauritius in this regard.  
4.340.   In the end, we wish Mauritius a very successful Trade Policy Review and success in their 
initiatives.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.341.   First of all, allow me to welcome the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, 
Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius, and the whole of his delegation. I also 
thank Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu of Kenya for his illuminati ng and interesting commentary on today's 
evaluation. Lastly, my thanks also go to the Secretariat for its excellent report.  
4.342.   On behalf of Switzerland, I would like to commend the constant efforts of the Government 
of Mauritius over the past two decades to l iberalize its economy. Major reforms have been 
undertaken, backed by a long and strong tradition of parliamentary democracy, good governance 
and robust institutions. These values, which are dear to us, are also factors that are conducive to 
the development  of a healthy and resilient economy.  
4.343.   Among other things, Mauritius promptly ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in 
2015 and is already fully implementing it in several areas, while having notified the aspects on which 
technical assistance is requ ired for full compliance. This approach reflects Mauritius' commitment 
and active participation in the work of the WTO. We welcome the timely notifications, contributing 
to the transparency of Mauritius' trade regime, and the participation of Mauritius in several joint 
initiatives.  
4.344.   We would also like to take this opportunity to commend the cooperation between Mauritius 
and the EFTA States, institutionalized by a Joint Declaration on Cooperation signed in 2009, with the 
establishment of a Joint Committee.  
4.345.   In recent years and up to the onset of the pandemic, the Mauritian economy has been 
characterized by steady growth, with the services sector and particularly tourism being one of the 
main drivers of growth. The impact of the pandemic has been severe: the nat ional lockdown 
measures and the closure of borders have led to a significant fall in GDP and per capita income.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.346.   The resumption of economic activities, including in the tourism sector, is promising and is 
expected to enable the economy to recover and again envisage better performance. This is what we 
wish for our Mauritian partners, who we encourage to persevere on the path of reforms that will 
promote the recovery and resilience of their economy. This relates to relatively substantial state 
involvement in e conomic activities, and these are issues which the Competition Commission of 
Mauritius has examined.  
4.347.   In addition, the Government of Mauritius has put in place a disinvestment programme for a 
number of its assets, recognizing that state -owned enterprises ma y prove costly and inefficient in 
the long term. These reforms are heading in the right direction and we invite Mauritius also to 
reconsider the "buy local" measures announced in 2020, which may constitute barriers to trade and 
distortions in competition o n international markets.  
4.348.   We wish the delegation of Mauritius fruitful and constructive exchanges in the context of this 
review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.349.   My delegation welcomes the delegation of Mauritius led by Hon.  Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and the rest of the Mauritius TPR 
delegation, for the fifth review of the trade policies and practices of Mauritius.  
4.350.   We thank H.E.  Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu, Ambassador of Keny a the discussant, for his report 
and insights, and the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Mauritius for their comprehensive 
reports made available to the delegations in advance of this meeting.  
4.351.   My delegation acknowledges the reforms introduced by Maurit ius to improve the country's 
trade, investment and business environment, and the massive investments in the infrastructure 
development which resulted in a substantial improvement in the ease of Doing Business ranking 
from 20th in 2014 to 13th position in t he world in 2019. We also wish to congratulate Mauritius to 
have introduced the first ever light rail system in a Small Island Developing country (SIDS) which 
was launched in Mauritius in 2019.  
4.352.   We noted that as a Small Island State, Mauritian economy has a lso been seriously impacted 
by the COVID -19 pandemic, in particular textile and tourism sectors, which are considered to be the 
backbone of the economy. A wide range of measures that have been introduced by the Government 
through various public bodies to m itigate the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on the economy 
and the population, are much appreciated.  
4.353.   Mauritius, as a founding member of the WTO remains committed to the multilateral trading 
system. It is actively participating in the ongoing negotiations on Fisheries Subsidies, discussions on 
Services Domestic Regulations, G -90 proposals, the Joint Statement Initiative on Investment 
Facilitation for Development and discussions on MSMEs.  
4.354.   Mauritius is also a party to the Ministerial Declaration on Trade in T echnology Products, also 
known as the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and was one of the 25  countries involved in 
its expansion in 2015.  We further noted that Mauritius was the fourth WTO Member to ratify the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2015 and  has now fully implemented all its "Category  A" 
commitments which is remarkable.  
4.355.   We also note that Mauritius has never involved in any of the trade disputes at the WTO either 
as a complainant or a respondent, which is again a noteworthy development.  
4.356.   On bilateral trade, my delegation noted that current bilateral trade between the two  nations 
is at a minimal level. A Double Taxation Agreement between the two  countries was signed on 
12 March  1996 and came into effect during 1998 -1999. We noted that consider able Mauritian 
investments received into Sri  Lanka during the period of 2005 -2019.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.357.   We believe that there are many areas to be discovered to strengthen the bilateral relations 
between the two countries and we look forward to exploring those opportunities f or further 
collaborations in the future.  
4.358.   I, particularly, wish to commend Mauritius for leading the African Group within the WTO 
under very active and competent leadership of Ambassador  Mrs Usha Dwarka -Canabady, whose 
stewardship has been a rewarding exper ience for the group in leading up to the MC12.  
4.359.   In concluding, my delegation appreciates Mauritian highly valued contribution to the 
multilateral trade system and its active engagement in the negotiations. The dynamic role played 
by Ambassador  Mrs Usha Dwarka-Canabady, Permanent Representative to the WTO and her 
dynamic and able team in Geneva in proactively engaging in ongoing activities of the WTO, is highly 
commendable. We wish the Mauritian delegation a successful deliberation and productive outcomes 
on its Trade Policy Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.360.   I would like to welcome the delegation of Mauritius present in person and in virtual form. I 
extend my greetings to the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration 
and International Trade, as well as to my friend Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady, Permanent 
Representative in Geneva, and the entire team.  
4.361.   I am very pleased to share a few words with you, even though my delegation has not 
submitted any questions, as Costa  Rica remains very close to Mauritius. There are many parallels 
between our economies, and Mauritius' achievements give us great pleasure, since it is a 
reaffirmation for us that we developing countries have the capacity and will to exercise leadership 
regardle ss of our size.  
4.362.   Mauritius is a dynamic, diversified and open economy. It is a robust democracy backed by 
sound institutions and coherent government policies focused on balanced growth both in economic 
diversification and in attracting foreign investment.  
4.363.   During the review period, Mauritius recorded significant growth in services such as tourism. 
This was obviously impacted by the pandemic. However, an upturn is expected with the gradual 
reopening of foreign travel. Costa  Rica sees many similarities between its development strategy and 
Mauritius' strategy of productive diversification based on trade and the quality of human talent.  
4.364.   Like Costa  Rica, Mauritius has moved from an economy based on agriculture and textiles to 
a services -based economy, especially fi nancial and information and communication technology 
services. This is complemented by an aggressive strategy to attract foreign investment as a driver 
of the economy.  
4.365.   On the other hand, we are struck by the fact that, within the framework of the challenge s 
generated by a dual agricultural sector, Mauritius still applies export subsidies to some tropical 
products, an area where it would be important to begin a gradual transition towards decoupled 
subsidies in line with the commitments made in Nairobi in 201 5. 
4.366.   I would like to highlight Mauritius' participation in the various joint initiatives. Its active 
collaboration in services domestic regulation and e -commerce, for example, confirms its role as an 
economy that believes in modernizing WTO rules and is inte rested in tackling the issues of this 
century. Mauritius is certainly a small economy that seeks to derive full benefit from the multilateral 
trading system. In this connection, we were pleased to see the prompt ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agree ment in 2015 and the full implementation thereof in almost all areas. We welcome 
the development of the Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanism platform and will follow its results with 
interest.  
4.367.   Regarding sustainability, we commend Mauritius for aiming to become a country free of 
plastics by 2024, and also for the actions it has taken to phase out the use of fossil fuels and for its 
tourism strategy to promote Mauritius as a destination with no carbon footprint. All of these practices 
position it as a Member that is active and interested in the environmental agenda, in addition to WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  having a recognized trade agenda. In view of the foregoing, we urge Mauritius to consider joining 
the initiatives on trade and environmental sustainability, plastics and fossil fuel subsi dy reform, to 
enrich discussions with their experience and expertise in order to create nature -based solutions. This 
is something we can all learn from.  
4.368.   I would like to conclude this short statement by thanking the discussant, 
Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu, for his analysis and the Secretariat team for its customary excellent work, 
and especially by wishing Mauritius a successful fifth  Trade Policy Review, reiterating Costa  Rica's 
friendship and commitment to moving forward on the matters that unite us.  
GUATEMALA  
4.369.   On behalf of Guatemala, we extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Mauritius, led by 
the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International 
Trade, and Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady, Permanent Representative of Mauritius, and her 
team.  
4.370.   We also thank the Secretariat for the report and the analysis carried out for this review, and 
we thank Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu, Permanent Representative of Kenya, for the interesting and 
comprehensive analytical view of the status  of Mauritius' trade policies that he shared with us this 
morning in his capacity as discussant.  
4.371.   Guatemala and Mauritius have maintained friendly relations over the years. This has been 
reflected in the solid rapprochement that our countries have forged wi thin the framework of the 
Group of Small, Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) at the WTO. Despite the geographical distance 
between our countries, our discussions in this group have allowed us to identify in greater depth the 
important features and challenges we s hare and, in this regard, to join forces in seeking joint 
solutions.  
4.372.   With regard to today's evaluation, it is important to highlight the positive economic 
performance observed in Mauritius during the review period, in the areas of tourism, financial 
servic es, information and communication technology (ICT) services, and construction.  
4.373.   The review report highlights the strategies implemented by Mauritius on trade facilitation, 
the establishment of the Mauritius Trade Easy portal, which provides information on i mport and 
export procedures and applicable charges, including customs duties and local taxes, regulations and 
required shipping documents by tariff line and by country.  
4.374.   Because of its geographical location, Mauritius has become a channel for the redistribu tion 
of goods from the Middle East, Asia and the other African markets. For this reason, the Government 
of Mauritius has been seeking to establish mechanisms to simplify export registration procedures 
and controls in this area.  
4.375.   It should be noted that Maur itius continues to work on various incentive schemes that 
contribute to the economic revival of the country in the wake of the COVID -19 global pandemic.  
4.376.   For Mauritius, the vision of intellectual property (IP) is critical to its economic development. 
As par t of its trade policy, the Government has therefore pursued strategic objectives that promote 
and foster innovation and various IP protection systems as a key tool for improving the business 
environment.  
4.377.   Another key element in its review is the establishme nt of a competition policy, with which it 
hopes to correct all anti -competitive actions and strengthen its competition law.  
4.378.   Within the challenges identified, it is worth mentioning the importance for Mauritius of 
continuing to evaluate various avenues to s trengthen its resilience towards sudden changes in the 
global economy, and continuing to work proactively on each of the various strategies that make up 
its trade policy.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.379.   Guatemala acknowledges the efforts made by Mauritius during the period evaluated in t his 
report and wishes the delegation today a successful conclusion to its Trade Policy Review.  
CHILE  
4.380.   We welcome the delegation of Mauritius, led by the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. We also welcome 
Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady and all her team from the Permanent Mission of Mauritius in 
Geneva.  
4.381.   We would also like to acknowledge the fine work done by both the Secretariat and Mauritius 
in preparing the respective reports and we congratul ate the discussant Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu, 
the Permanent Representative of Kenya.  
4.382.   While Chile did not submit any questions, partly because our bilateral trade does not involve 
high figures, we wanted to be present in this process because we value these Tr ade Policy Reviews 
and even though Mauritius is a distant Member geographically, we observe with interest the trade 
development that Mauritius has achieved in recent years, recognizing that openness to trade and its 
long democratic and institutional tradit ion are the pillars of its economic success.  
4.383.   We would like to highlight the development that Mauritius has achieved in services, 
particularly tourism; for Chile, in fact, Mauritius has gradually transformed itself into a destination 
for newly -weds. But als o noteworthy are financial services and information and communication 
technology (ICT) services. Its experience and logistical capacity, both on the domestic front and 
regionally, as well as its integration into different regional blocs, are also aspects t o be highlighted.  
4.384.   In the absence of free trade agreements with Africa, Chile welcomes these elements and 
hopes to further strengthen ties with Mauritius, recognizing its potential as a platform for integration 
in the African continent.  
4.385.   At the multilateral level, and particularly at the WTO, Mauritius is a constructive partner with 
which we agree on matters such as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, which Mauritius ratified 
promptly in 2015, and we both participate in joint initiatives, such as services d omestic regulation 
and facilitation of investment for development. In the latter initiative, we attach particular value to 
the proposals and contributions presented that reflect Mauritius' positive experience in implementing 
measures that facilitate flows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country.  
4.386.   The initiatives that Mauritius has implemented over the last period and are reflected in this 
review – such as: the Africa Strategy, which encourages Mauritian entrepreneurs to invest in other 
African co untries; FDI incentive schemes, which intensified with the COVID -19 crisis; open 
international bidding as the main public procurement method; and the enactment of the new 
Industrial Property Act – are illustrations of an active and creative economy.  
4.387.   Lastly , we are bound to highlight the work being done by Mauritius this year as coordinator 
of the African Group. Even though we have different views and positions on more than one issue, 
we have always found an openness in the coordination to discussion and mut ual understanding. We 
wish Mauritius a successful fifth Trade Policy Review.  
HONDURAS  
4.388.   We would like to start by warmly welcoming the delegation of Mauritius led by the 
Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, 
and thank them for their statement and report. Once again, we thank the Chair, the Secretariat for 
its efforts and important contribution to this review, and the discussant for his valuable comments.  
4.389.   With regard to the reports under re view, we are pleased to note Mauritius' continued 
commitment to the objectives of the WTO and its willingness to continue with the work of 
strengthening the multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.390.   We observe that during the review period Mauritius' economy continued its process of 
transformation, under which it ceases to rely on its main manufacturing industries to become a 
services -oriented economy, in particular as a gateway for investment in Africa.  
4.391.   We note that, in the context of the global economic slowdown, the Mauritian economy 
performed relatively well in 2019, with real GDP expansion of 3%, and most economic sectors 
recorded positive growth, except for textiles and tourism, which were affected by the general global 
slowdown.  
4.392.   During the review period, we observ e that the main drivers of growth were services, in 
particular tourism, construction, financial services, and information and communication technology 
(ICT) services.  
4.393.   We are also aware that in recent years Mauritius has made its best efforts to enact and 
amend a number of laws on data security, protection of privacy, intellectual property rights and 
cybersecurity, in order to promote the growth of the ICT sector, complying with international best 
practices in areas such as electronic transactions, electroni c payments, open government data, and 
cybersecurity.  
4.394.   We are pleased to note that Mauritius is among the countries with a very high level of human 
development and that Mauritius continues to perform relatively well according to the Transparency 
Internationa l Corruption Perceptions Index. It has also been participating since June  2020 in the 
OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes and its taxation 
system has undergone several peer reviews and been rated as compliant.  
4.395.   We agree with Mauritius that the COVID -19 pandemic reinforces the need for collective action 
to address both the health dimension and its economic consequences, so the function that we 
perform in this forum has an important role to play in ensuring universal access to vaccines against 
COVID -19 on the basis of the principle of non -discrimination.  
4.396.   Lastly, we note that it can be deduced from the reports under review that Mauritius' openness 
to trade, its long tradition of parliamentary democracy, good governance,  sound institutions and 
political freedom have been some of the reasons for its economic success. So it only remains for us 
to wish Mauritius every success in its fifth Trade Policy Review.  
BRUNEI  DARUSSALAM  
4.397.   Brunei  Darussalam expresses a warm welcome to th e Honourable  Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister 
of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and his team, and commends the 
Government of Mauritius for their efforts in preparing their national report. We also acknowledge 
the work of the WTO Secre tariat and thank them for their clear and comprehensive report. We would 
also like to express our appreciation to H.E.  Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu of Kenya for the insightful 
overview of both reports under consideration.  
4.398.   Brunei  Darussalam and Mauritius establ ished diplomatic relations on 2  July 1990, and 
bilateral trade relations are ongoing between our two countries, albeit at a low level. Since 2017 
however, and despite the pandemic, two -way trade has increased. This has been mainly in the 
export from Brunei  to Mauritius in other plastic and rubber products, machinery, and textiles, whilst 
Mauritius exported vegetable products, textiles,  and plastic and rubber products to 
Brunei  Darussalam; products which are in some of the key sectors of the Mauritian econom y.  
4.399.   Chair, Brunei  Darussalam notes that prior to the COVID -19 pandemic, the Mauritian 
economy displayed steady growth at an average rate of 3.5% GDP growth annually. Although the 
economy contracted drastically in 2020 due to the pandemic, real GDP growth f orecasted for 2021 
is still set to increase by between 5 -7% (with some uncertainty, again due to the pandemic).  
4.400.   This resilience has been due in no small part to the economy 's openness and the 
government 's ambitious reform agenda to improve the trade, inve stment and business environment, 
as well as the government 's commitments to infrastructure development in the country. Measures 
that the country has taken has seen its Ease of Doing Business index ranking rise from 20th out of WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  189 countries in 2014 to 13th out of 190  countries in 2020, and we congratulate them on this 
achievement.  
4.401.   Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic on the Mauritian economy, causing a drop 
in GDP of 14.9% in 2020, it is heartening to note that the Government did not introduce any trade 
protectionist measures, remaining an open economy with average MFN applied tariffs of 1.3% and 
continuing with its reform efforts and in adopting measures to attract foreign direct investment.  
4.402.   Mauritius also continues to be an active member of t he WTO, participating rigorously in the 
various negotiations such as on fisheries subsidies as well as in relevant joint statement initiatives, 
and provides notifications and responses to the WTO on a regular basis.  
4.403.   This is particularly notable bearing in mind the challenges that Mauritius faces as a Small 
Island Developing State, particularly during this current crisis.  
4.404.   On this note, we would like to commend the work of H.E.  Mrs Usha Dwarka -Canabady and 
her team in the Permanent Mission.  
4.405.   Both Mauritius and Brunei  Darussalam are small economies with a small population, and so 
we recognize and share many of the challenges and difficulties that Mauritius  also face. Nonetheless, 
both our countries remain committed to th e multilateral trading system and to the objectives of the 
WTO.  
4.406.   In this regard, we would like to express our support for their all their efforts and  wish the 
Government of Mauritius a successful fifth Trade Policy Review . 
PANAMA  
4.407.   First of all, I wish to ex tend my greetings and congratulations to the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, 
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius, and the entire 
Mauritian delegation for their outstanding preparation in their fifth Trade Policy Re view.  
4.408.   At the same time, I would like to thank Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu of Kenya, discussant for 
this review, for his insightful introductory remarks that help us to assess the trade policies of 
Mauritius and the accompanying overview. I would also like to t hank the Secretariat for preparing 
the reports.  
4.409.   We commend Mauritius for achieving a significant transformation of its economy in just three 
decades, moving from a monocrop economy to a diversified economy with various contributing 
sectors, including the s ervices sector, especially tourism and financial services, the textile industry 
and the seafood sector.  
4.410.   As a result of these efforts, before the COVID -19 pandemic, Mauritius' average annual GDP 
growth was 3.5%. On account of this, the World Bank classified  Mauritius as a high -income country 
in 2020, an increase of 5.1% compared to 2018. These are very impressive figures that deserve 
recognition, especially for a small island developing country.  
4.411.   As for many other Members, including my own country, the COVID -19 pandemic caused 
significant losses in most productive sectors in Mauritius, as stated by Ambassador  Mailu in his 
opening remarks. This is why we are pleased to hear about the launch of a series of measures to 
mitigate the negative effects of the pandemi c. Specifically, we would like to know how Mauritius 
plans to support the MSME sector to help it stay afloat during this period?  
4.412.   Our attention is particularly drawn to Mauritius' plans to enhance the "blue  economy" and to 
build on the economic potential of  the ocean, as outlined in the Government's Vision 2030 plan. The 
strategy is to work on consolidating traditional activities but also to develop new ones, including 
aquaculture, maritime services and maritime biotechnology. In this regard, it will be inte resting to 
follow up on the work of the newly created Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries 
and Shipping, in view of the full potential of this sector for Mauritius and other countries with similar 
geographical characteristics.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.413.   Mauritius is  a net food importer. It imports over 75% of its food and the difference between 
production and consumption has been expanding over the past five years. We note with concern 
that the agricultural policy oriented towards self -sufficiency has not yielded the  expected results. At 
present, Mauritius is self -sufficient in the production of fresh vegetables, poultry and eggs. We will 
follow with interest the various policies adopted to address this situation.  
4.414.   We hope that the measures described, and others, can c ontribute to achieving the current 
forecasts for 2021, namely an increase in real GDP of between 5 and 7%.  
4.415.   We would like to congratulate Mauritius on its active participation in the multilateral trading 
system. It has shown proactive and capable leadership  coordinating the African Group in the ongoing 
fisheries subsidies negotiations. Its highly visible participation in other preparations for the 
12th Ministerial Conference is also remarkable.  
4.416.   Lastly, Madam Chair, we wish Mauritius success in this review and we would like to highlight 
the admirable management of its delegation in Geneva led by Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.417.   I would like to thank the delegation of Mauritius for preparing this Review. My special thanks 
go as well t o Ambassador  Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu for his insightful contribution and to the 
Secretariat for its informative report.  
4.418.   Korea and Mauritius have enjoyed an excellent economic relationship over the years. Despite 
some fluctuations, trade activities between Korea and Mauritius have increased steadily.  
4.419.   While Korea mainly exports transport equipment and machinery to Mauritius, Mauritius' top 
exporting goods are textiles, raw materials such as copper and rubber. Before the pandemic, the 
number of Korean tourists  in Mauritius grew in a fast pace. I believe that our trade relationship is 
quite complimentary with the utilization of the respective competitive advantage.  
4.420.   We note that Mauritius achieved a steady economic growth between 2014 and 2019, by 
about 3.6% annu ally before the COVID -19 crisis. Mauritius is currently suffering from the huge 
impacts of the pandemic, especially in the area of tourism. Nevertheless, as the global economy is 
recovering from the pandemic, we are sure that Mauritius will return to its n ormal path of growth 
soon.  
4.421.   Korea highly commends Mauritius' openness to trade, which has functioned as one of the 
reasons for its economic success. Even though Mauritius is a small island with a small population, 
its liberalization reforms have made full u se of its competitive advantage, enabling Mauritius to be 
a resilient economy. It has a great portfolio of economic engines consisting of manufacturing and 
services including tourism, finance, logistics, and so forth. Thanks to its economic policies, toget her 
with good governance and a strong institution, Mauritius is enjoying the numerous economic benefits 
of the free trade system. Mauritius is one of the good examples of why a country needs to pursue 
an open system and why WTO exists and continuously need s go forward towards a free trade system.  
4.422.   We also notice that Mauritius' recent economic growth is attributed to the service sector. 
This is a good sign for a resilient economy. The competition for cost reduction in the global 
manufacturing sector has beco me fiercer and will continue to be so as countries with strong 
competitiveness in the manufacturing area are constantly emerging due to their integration into the 
free trade system and the flow of global investment. Mauritius has actively participated in t he JSI 
negotiations on services domestic regulation. If this regulation is implemented after MC12, it will 
enjoy more transparency and predictability in the global service market.  
4.423.   Korea appreciates Mauritius' efforts for the multilateral trade system in th e past decades, 
such as active participation in WTO work, timely notifications, trade facilitation, and, above all, tariff 
liberalization. We are sure that these efforts will contribute to the competitiveness and resilience of 
its economy. Nevertheless, I would like to notice subsidies, preferential import and export tariffs, 
import permit system, and "buy local" provisions in some areas as policy objectives. We respect the WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  policy objectives of Mauritius. But the long -term effects from those measures need t o be considered 
in a balanced manner.  
4.424.   We wish Mauritius a successful Review.  
MOZAMBIQUE  
4.425.   At the outset, my delegation would like to warmly welcome the Honourable  Mr Alan Ganoo, 
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius, Head of the 
Delegation, as well as the entire delegation of Mauritius, to this fifth  Trade Policy Review.  
4.426.   Allow me Chair, to congratulate you in our role as Chairperson and congratulate the 
Government of Mauritius, the WTO  Secretariat, the Head of the Trade Policy Division as well as the 
teams that were engaged in the preparations of the information contained in the reports put forward  
to Members. These reports enabled us to get  very exhaustive and consistent information an d updates 
concerning developments in Mauritius' policies. Reforms undertaken and in progress by Mauritius 
Government, since the last Trade Policy Review.  
4.427.   We thank very much H.E.  Dr Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu, Ambassador of Kenya, who in his role o f 
discussant, provided Members a detailed analysis on the economic and broader reform policies 
undertaken by Mauritius Government, since the las TPR.  
4.428.   As indicated in the reports and also referred to by the Minister in his presentation, after the 
last TPR, t he Government of Mauritius, has continuously been undertaking many reforms that enable 
more conducive policies in various economic domains, this, enhancing the Mauritius broader and 
sector specific policies reforms that has resulted in remarkable improveme nts in several areas of the 
economic development.  
4.429.   The reforms enabled substantial advancement and development achievements that are 
historic and remarkable advancing a new stage to which Mauritius, committed to follow new vision 
of development and a more o pen economy, was able to step up from a monoculture dependant 
country to a diversified economy, thus, successfully registering remarkable progresses in various 
fields of economic development.  
4.430.   We commend the Government for its determination to continue refo rms modernization that 
firmly contribute to safeguard the multilateral trading system and oppose protectionist trends, thus, 
contributing for promotion of a more open trade.  
4.431.   The government's vision  of development as well as its engagement, based on the und ertaken 
economic policies and other relevant reforms, is leading the country to a successful promotion of 
development, through diversification of production, investment, more job creation, strengthening of 
small and medium enterprises.  
4.432.   Mauritius and Mozamb ique enjoy bilateral, regional, brotherhood and friendly relationship 
that is progressively being consolidated and translated into substantive cooperation ties in 
substantial domains, accounting to 14  signed Agreements and Cooperation MOU. Both of us belon g 
to SADC, Africa Continental Free Trade Area, and OACP. In  2019 both renewed their strong 
commitment into deepening the existing bilateral and economic ties; enhance engagement in Africa 
through the signing of three MOUs related to: environment; tourism; and establishment of an 
Economic Development Board.  
4.433.   Mauritius investment is present in some of the Mozambique sectors such as logistics, 
agri-business, textiles, manufacturing and ICT and more other are envisaged as new possible sectors 
including fisherie s; these, just to mention a few.  
4.434.   It is factual that exports and imports from and for both countries are still limited, but the 
Governments continue to interact in view to increase trade and investment relations, having no 
doubts that the Government of Maur itius has for long been encouraging its companies to invest in 
Mozambique, in view to contribute for development.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.435.   It is our hope that the Government of Mauritius will continue to achieve its long terms 
objectives of the reforms and development strategies, guided by the assumption that trade can lead 
to growth and development, and that it can also contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable 
Development Goals. 
4.436.   Despite recognizing that challenges are many, we are very encouraged by the progresses 
being att ained, despite COVID -19 pandemic disease.  
4.437.   We would be remiss if not use this opportunity to express our gratitude for the commendable 
work that in a tireless manner, has been carried out by H.E.  Usha Dwarka -Canabady , Ambassador 
and Permanent Representative of Mauritius in Geneva, as well as by the Mission's team on the 
various WTO issues, including the coordination of the Africa n Group on the WTO matters.  
4.438.   To conclude, we wi sh Mauritius  a successful Trade Policy Review.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA   
4.439.   Let me start by joining other s in welcoming Mr  Alan Ganoo and his delegation from the 
capital, as well as Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady and her Geneva -based team at the  
fifth Trade Policy Review exercise . I would also like to welcome to thank Ambassador  Mailu from 
Kenya for his insightful introductory remarks delivered  this morning. Also, I 'm pleased t o 
acknowledge my delegation's appreciation to the Secretariat for the effort in drafting this report.  
4.440.   As a general remark, it is a pleasure to note that  two de cades of liberali zation reforms have 
transform ed Mauritius in to an open economy, Mauritius maintaining low tariffs and a very liberalized 
trade regime with its partners.  
4.441.   As stated  and in the Secretariat's report , we believe that it's openness to trade is a clear 
argument for the registered economic success from the recent years and there is a evident 
connection between the level of development that Mauritius' economy has been able to obtain  in the 
last decade.  
4.442.   We also commend Mauritius for its  efforts  to pursu e trade facilitation reforms by 
implementing the TFA Agreement . In this sense, among recent remarkable achievements , the use 
of the online Mauritius' Trade Easy portal  as well as Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanis m platform.  
4.443.   Another important and commendable development registered in the recent years is t he 
transformation of the Mauritian economy from its main manufacturing industries, namely sugar and 
textiles and clothing, towards a service -oriented economy.  
4.444.   Since the last TPR, the Secretariat's report notes that  the main drivers of growth were the 
services sector, particularly tourism, financial services, information,  and communications technology 
(ICT) services, and construction.  We encourage Mauritius ' authorities to  further implement  policies  
and tools oriented towards further liberalization and development of the services sector.  
4.445.   On a different note, we mention th at unfortunately since the  COVID -19 pandemic has 
reinforce d the tendency towards  greater state involvement in the economy, mainly in industries 
considered critical to the national interest, therefor e we encourage Mauritius to reconsider such 
protectionist  tendencies, mainly having into consideration  of the forecast for the recovery of 
economy, which we are quite optimistic. Particularly in the  context of the  good performance of the 
touristic industry with the resumption of foreign travel.  
4.446.   On the bilateral le vel, Moldova and Mauritius registered very modest trade flows. However, 
our institutions stand ready to cooperate an d strengthen our cooperation in the main sectors of 
interest.  
4.447.   On a positive mode, we are very pleased to mention that despite a small delega tion, 
Mauritius participates actively in the work of the WTO, also by presenting timely notifications in most 
committees . This proves that Mauritius is committed to the multilateral trading system and to the 
basic principle promoted within this Organizatio n, and we further  encourage Mauritius to ensure the WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  continuity in the submission of the WTO notifications setting a commendable example for peer 
countries.  
4.448.   To conclude, I commend Mauritius' delegation participation and contributions to the WTO 
work under the leadership of Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady, and on behalf of my delegation 
I wish the Mauritius' delegation interesting engagement in their last day of TPR. 
URUGUAY  
4.449.   Uruguay wishes to extend the warmest welcome to the delegation of Mauritius, headed by 
the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International 
Trade, on the occasion of its fifth Trade Policy Review. We appreciate the remarkable work done by 
both the Secretariat and Mauritius in pre paring the respective reports and we congratulate 
Ambassador  Cleopa  Mailu for his high -quality report.  
4.450.   I would also like to acknowledge Mauritius' commitment to the multilateral trading system 
as reflected in the outstanding leadership of Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady and her team in 
the work of the WTO.  
4.451.   Uruguay would like to congratulate Mauritius on its continued efforts to transform its 
economy into a services -oriented economy, particularly as a gateway for investment in Africa. We 
also note with satis faction that the country's open capital regime and its growing importance as an 
international investment centre, together with the double taxation treaties that have been signed, 
have contributed to the development of its financial services.  
4.452.   Mauritius and Uruguay agree on the great value attached to the WTO and its central role in 
the rules -based multilateral trading system, as well as the need for meaningful outcomes at the 
12th Ministerial Conference. We both recognize that supporting and contributing to the multilateral 
trading system, enhancing trade cooperation and promoting an inclusive and sustainable trade policy 
will be key to navigating the post -pandemic economic landscape.  
4.453.   I would also like to acknowledge Mauritius' leadership in the discussions i n the MSME Group 
to bring together proposals and suggestions that enrich the Group's agenda and work. We encourage 
Mauritius to co -sponsor the MSME Ministerial Declaration and become a member of the MSME Group.  
4.454.   In conclusion, we would like to reiterate our  appreciation for this new exercise in exchanging 
views on Mauritius' trade practices, and look forward to continued cooperation on all fronts: bilateral, 
regional and here at the WTO. Thank you and our best wishes for a successful review.  
FIJI ON BEHALF  OF THE PACIFIC  GROUP  
4.455.   I make this statement on behalf of the Pacific Group and wish to align ourselves with the 
ACP Group statement. The Pacific Group warmly welcomes you Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Internati onal Trade, and his delegation to this Trade Policy 
Review.   
4.456.   The Pacific Group also acknowledges the two comprehensive reports by the Secretariat and 
the Government of Mauritius. The Pacific Group especially thanks Mauritius for the high -quality 
report pro vided by the Government for this TPR and the excellent presentation made to Members 
this morning on Mauritius national trade policy. We also thank the Ambassador of Kenya for the 
analysis of the Mauritius trade policy.  
4.457.    Mauritius is a valued fellow Member of the ACP in the WTO and its active role as coordinator 
of the African Group. We particularly acknowledge the important role played by H.E.  Ambassador 
Usha Canabady in this regard.  
4.458.   As small island developing states the Pacific Group shares many similarit ies including 
inherent vulnerabilities that pose barriers to the successful integration of our economies to the world 
trade system. SIDs are susceptible to global economic shocks, environmental shocks brought on by 
natural disasters and climate change. The  economic impact of the ongoing pandemic in Mauritius WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  has resulted in the contraction of its GDP by over 14% in 2020. This exacerbates the shared 
vulnerabilities we face from climate change and natural disasters.  As you rightly noted Hon Minister 
SIDs are susceptible to global economic shocks, environmental shocks brought on by natural 
disasters as well other shocks like the ongoing global pandemic.  
4.459.   We therefore underline the significance of the rules based multilateral trading system as 
providing an open,  equitable and transparent trading system that provides certainty, predictability 
and opportunities for small Members like us.   
4.460.   The Pacific Group commends Mauritius for the high level of implementation of its WTO 
obligations including its notifications, th e successful implementation of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and the various trade reforms that has been implementing. This have been driven by its 
very clear national trade policy and diversification strategy. Despite this, it is noted from the trade 
statistics provided that trade deficits have accelerated and much of this from the erosion of trade 
preferences. This has been a long-standing  interest of small states like us in the WTO.   
4.461.   The Pacific Group is nevertheless inspired by the impressive efforts  of Mauritius to diversify 
its economy away from traditional sectors to services and other sectors such as ICT and the 
blue economy, as well as, to diversify its markets through bilateral and regional trade agreements 
noting that four of its trade agreemen ts will enter into force this year.   
4.462.   The WTO must play its part in providing the necessary tools to assist Mauritius successfully 
implement its trade policies and strategies and address the challenges faced by small Members that 
are trying their best to implement obligations and diversify their economies.  
4.463.   As Members that share common interests and challenges, we look forward to maintaining 
close working relations with Mauritius in the WTO to ensure that WTO rules and facilities are 
supportive of our trade  and our development efforts. The Pacific Group wishes the Mauritius a 
successful fifth  Trade Policy Review.  
FIJI 
4.464.   Fiji welcomes and congratulates Mauritius and the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister for 
Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius, and we wish also to align 
our statement with the Pacific and ACP statements as delivered this morning. Fiji also recognises 
and thank H.E.  Dr Cleopa  Mailu of Kenya for his valued insights  and the hard work of the Secretariat.  
4.465.   Mauritius remain one of the SIDS countries we as fellow SIDS look up to as a model in view 
of its solid economic growth and performance over the years, deeply rooted in the fundamental 
principle of trade, economics, custom reform and no doubt sound quality governanc e which is why 
Fiji committed to sign an MOU with Mauritius in 2014 between Investment Fiji and the Mauritian 
Bureau of Investments which allowed closer collaboration between our two  countries on investment 
initiatives.   
4.466.   Most notably, the detailed report b y Mauritius shows how vulnerable, small islands are in the 
phase of the COVID -19 pandemic, climate change and natural disasters which Small Island 
economies have to cope with on an annual basis. Despite the sound economic growth experienced, 
a single event  such as the COVID -19 pandemic can easily undermine years of growth.  
4.467.   In view of Mauritius smallness in economic size and economy of scale, they vested heavily 
on a wide range of sectors to drive the economy from service, textiles, business, professional a nd 
technical services and is diversified even towards competitive niches in the service sector.  
4.468.   In addition, its reform to facilitate easier access to doing business as indicated in the report 
supported by the World Bank is a class on its own. The wide ra nge of economic sectors as in Mauritius 
case prove fundamental to withstand the economic shocks posed by external factors on service and 
while service sector is disturbed, other key drivers are still operational which many small economies 
have to learn the  hard way from in this pandemic.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.469.   Furthermore, Mauritius and Fiji recognize the significance of the multilateral rules -based 
system which provides secure, and predictable market access that establishes the basis for a 
meaningful trade environment. Mauritiu s has even adopted meaningful and strategic structural 
reforms as presented by the delegation in this evolving global economy including its high priority in 
the blue and green economy initiatives as announced by the Hon ourable  Prime Minister in COP26 is 
highly commendable.  
4.470.   Fiji looks forward to a continuing partnership with Mauritius and to learning from each other 
in view of the unprecedented times we are in, especially the road to recovery from the pandemic. It 
is our hope that international travel is ex amined and addressed sooner to help rebuild our economies 
such as a more certain travel environment including the withdrawal of random travel advisories 
which are not science based that act as barriers to tourism trade and investment.  
4.471.   In addition, a harmonize recognition of vaccines and test certifications which are a 
hinderance and barrier to the service sector is also critical and need to be addressed soon to enhance 
recovery of economies who relying on the service sector. In addition , our economies need mitigation 
schemes where WTO could work with other international organisations to support and revive small 
economies to recover efficiently from the pandemic.  
4.472.   Finally, we congratulate Ambassador  Usha Canabady and her solid team in Gene va for their 
usual dedicated efforts and smooth facilitation of Mauritius review. Fiji wishes the delegation of 
Mauritius and we wish the delegation of Mauritius a productive review and continued economic 
growth and success in the years to come.  
NAMIBIA  
4.473.   Madam Chair, Namibia commends your stellar leadership and joins others in congratulating 
and thanking the Republic of Mauritius and the WTO Secretariat for their comprehensive reports.  
4.474.   My Delegation further extends our sincere appreciation in welcoming H.E.  Mr Alan Ganoo, 
Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius, 
and his esteemed delegation to this Trade Policy Review session.  
4.475.   We further wish to thank H.E.  Ambassador  Usha Canabady, our able African Group 
Coord inator on WTO matters and her team for all their efforts and hard work.  In addition, we thank 
H.E. Ambassador  Dr Cleopa  Mailu of Kenya for his insightful comments as the discussant.  
4.476.   Mauritius being a Member of SADC, shares a common vision with Namibia, tow ards trade 
and services and the enhancement of cross border investment in major areas identified under the 
SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan for 2020 –2030.  
4.477.   The efforts by Mauritius on trade liberalization under its trade and investment re gime are 
commendable; efforts are evidently visible through its tariff reduction commitments with a view to 
achieve economic objectives of the World Trade Organisation by boosting trade and investment as 
well as expanding market access under AfCFTA. We als o applaud Mauritius for being a leader in our 
SADC region in the sectors of ICT, financial services, and tourism.  
4.478.   We note the structural reforms implemented since the previous Review, which includes 
amongst others re -alignment of the Customs Tariff Schedul e to the World Customs Organisation 
HS 2017 version as well as the successful implementation of the online import and export permit 
system are commendable achievements.  
4.479.   In conclusion, Namibia is committed to working with Mauritius in the implementation of  the 
Trade Agreements to which Mauritius and Namibia are party and also takes this opportunity to wish 
the Government of Mauritius a very successful review.  
NIGERIA  
4.480.   Nigeria congratulates Mauritius on their fifth  Trade Policy Review. We warmly welcome the 
delegation of Mauritius, led by Mr  Alan Ganoo, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  Integration and International Trade. We wish to thank the Secretariat for their comprehensive report 
and to express our appreciation to the Chair for the exc ellent Introductory remarks. We also 
commend the discussant, H.E.  Ambassador , Cleopa  Kilonzo  Mailu from Kenya for his insightful 
comments.  
4.481.   Let me also, at the outset, thank H.E.  Ambassador, Usha  Dwarka -Canabady, Permanent 
Representative of Mauritius, Genev a, for her active role in this review exercise and for her tireless 
efforts in coordinating the African Group in the on -going Negotiations at the WTO.   
4.482.   We note in the report, that Mauritius is one of the most economically affected countries in 
the world du e to the COVID -19 pandemic, which resulted in a 15% drop in GDP and a decline in per 
capita income to USD  8,700 in 2020.  However, we commend Mauritius for the various measures put 
in place to mitigate the impact of COVID -19 on Mauritius economy and populat ion.  
4.483.   Nigeria recognises Mauritius ambitious reform agendas on several fronts and the successful 
transition from a monocrop to a well -diversified economy which to a large extent has strengthened 
the resilience of the economy to external shocks. We commend the remarkable progress and 
performance of the manufacturing sector which has contributed the highest concentration of jobs in 
the textile and apparel industry. We appreciate Mauritius steadfast commitment towards the 
improvement in its ease of doing busin ess ranking from 20th to 13th position worldwide and 
1st position in Africa.  
4.484.   We applaud the massive infrastructural development, making Mauritius the first ever Small 
Island Developing Country (SIDs) to launch a light rail system. We are pleased to note that Mauritius 
has been granted the world's first ever global safety and hygien e stamp of approval for safety 
protocols by the World Tourism Travel Council. The introduction of a "Long Stay Tourism Strategy" 
will attract more tourist and will increase growth of the tourism sector. We also recognize the ongoing 
transformation in the m aritime sector with the setting up of Maritime Single Window.  
4.485.   Consequently, Nigeria acknowledges Mauritius active contribution to the Work of the WTO 
through her active participation in the various ongoing discussions and negotiations at the WTO. 
These in clude participation in the joint statement initiatives on electronic commerce, investment 
facilitation for development, the discussions on MSMEs, the discussions on Services Domestic 
Regulations, the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), Trade in Service s Agreement (TISA) 
negotiations, negotiations on fisheries subsidies, among others. We observe Mauritius is up to date 
in terms of compliance with its notification's obligations, with a view to increasing transparency in 
its trade regime.   
4.486.   We particularly note Mauritius commitment in creating a global network of Bilateral trade 
initiatives, economic partnership Agreement and RTAs towards consolidating economic and trade 
ties with its trading partners. This signifies Mauritius commitment to promoting free tr ade. 
4.487.   Nigeria recognises that Mauritius had launched a new trade obstacles alert mechanism 
platform, that allows operators to report exporting and importing obstacles, this is highly 
commendable. We acknowledge Mauritius liberalization reforms and its openn ess to trade which has 
attributed to its economic success and improved market access on key markets for both goods and 
services. The number of tariff lines attracting 0% of Customs duty account to 93.82% of the tariff 
lines as of 1  January  2021, this shows  Mauritius commitment to openness to trade.  
4.488.   To conclude, Nigeria remains fully committed to the objectives of the WTO and looks forward 
to strengthening our partnership with Mauritius and all other Member States to reinforce the 
multilateral trading system . We wish Mauritius a very successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  
THE GAMBIA  
4.489.   My delegation aligns with the statements by the ACP, African Group and LDCs. We join 
Excellencies in welcoming Honourable Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional  Integration 
and International Trade and his delegation.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.490.   We thank the Government of Mauritius for the ambitious reform agenda it has undertaken 
to improve its trade and business environment resulting in its classification as a high -income country 
by the Wo rld Bank in July 2020.  
4.491.   We applaud Mauritius and the WTO Secretariat for their comprehensive reports, as well as 
our Brother Excellency Ambassador Claopa Kilonzo Mailu of Kenya for a succinct and insightful 
framing of the Mauritius TPR as discussant.  
4.492.   We app laud Mauritius for the ambitious reform agenda it has undertaken to improve its trade 
and business environment resulting in its classifications as a high -income country by the World Bank 
in July 2020.  
4.493.   We note with keen interest that Mauritius has successfu lly transformed its economy away 
from its main manufacturing industries towards a service -oriented economy.  
4.494.   We appreciate Mauritius introduction of an Africa Strategy to encourage Mauritian 
entrepreneurs to invest in other African countries is highly comme ndable as we move towards the 
implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.  
4.495.   Here in Geneva, Mauritius under the brilliant leadership of our Sister Excellency Ambassador 
Usha Dwarka -Canabady and delegation plays an active and thoughtful leadership role in the WTO 
ecosystem as Coordinator of the African Group and in bilateral engage ments with our delegation and 
other delegations.  
4.496.   We welcome the progressive strides registered by Mauritius and her stepped up efforts in 
revitalising her economy despite challenges faced during the Pandemic and pursuits of resilience 
post pandemic.  
4.497.   We not e with keen interest and appreciate Mauritius' market -based economy and focused 
on strengthening her institutions, substantive contributions and support to the Africa wide 
continental efforts and Excellency Usha's relentless efforts, commitment and thought ful voice for 
multilateralism.  
4.498.   The Gambia delegation is keenly interested in Mauritius innovations on Special Economic 
Zones, competitiveness for sustainable economic development and strides to build the digital 
platform economy and services.  
4.499.   We applaud Ma uritius in its efforts to brake trade barriers, putting in place smart reforms 
and trade policy regimes as captures in the Review.  
4.500.   We take note with keen interest in Mauritius pragmatic regulatory frameworks, digitalisations 
transformation efforts, steppin g up the build up on the IP ecosystem with sustainable development 
at the center; and their connectedness to trade, economic revitalisation and strengthening the trade 
multilateralism system, reinvigorating knowledge capabilities.  
4.501.   My delegation welcomed op portunities to further strengthen and open newest bilateral 
initiatives and collaboration for trade, investments and build up of the core digital infrastructure to 
facilitate ushering in, value crating integrated and interoperable digital trade platforms a nd services, 
e-commerce infrastructure and services, FinTech, innovative and affordable solutions to connectivity 
challenges, cyber security capabilities and deployment, e -enable supply chains, AgTech, digital 
heath, and virtual education.  
4.502.   Further, we look  forwards to further engagements in efforts to build Africa's digital platform 
economy and services; capacity for IP for sustainable development, wealth creation for SME's and 
MSME's, skill development through partnerships with our learning institutions fo r scaling up of the 
appropriate and much needed capacity, competencies in emerging technologies and talent.  
4.503.   Finally, my delegation looks forward to deepening our bilateral relationships with Mauritius 
on areas of mutual interest, and to continue our collec tive efforts to strengthen the multilateral 
trading system for the benefit of our people. We wish the delegation of Mauritius a successful fifth 
Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  BANGLADESH  
4.504.   At the outset, the Bangladesh delegation welcomes H.E.  Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and head of delegation, for his introductory 
presentation at the fifth  Trade Policy Review of Mauritius. The Bangladesh delegation also thanks 
H.E. Dr Cleopa Mailu  of Kenya  for his i nsightful discussions. Our sincere appreciation also goes to 
the Government of Mauritius and to the WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive reports.  
4.505.   As one of the friendly countr ies, Bangladesh is delighted to note the great stri des and 
considerable progress  that Mauritius has made during the review period . We see that the prudent 
macroeconomic measures adopted by the country have resulted in impressive economic growth and 
remarkable improvement in almost all indices . 
4.506.   The report states about two decades of li beralization reforms have transformed Mauritius 
into an almost duty -free economy . Its openness to trade has been one of the reasons behind its 
economic success.  
4.507.   Over the review period, we gather  that the main drivers of growth were the services sector, 
particularly tourism, financial services, information and communications technology (ICT) services, 
and construction.  The transformation of the Mauritian economy from its main manufacturing 
industries, namely  sugar , textiles , and clothing, towards a service -oriented economy particularly as 
an investment gateway to Africa noteworthy . 
4.508.   We are pleased to note that the Government of Mauritius pursued ambitious reform agenda 
to improve the trade, investment , and business environment, and invested massively in 
infras tructure development. The reform has resulted in a substantial improvement in the case of the 
Doing Business ranking from 20th in 2014 to 13th position in the world in 2019.  
4.509.   Mauritius implemented the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and reduced MFN tariffs for 
several products . It has liberalized its trade regime for goods with a  generally low tariff protection 
and has emphasized more on trade in services.  
4.510.   We congratulate the Government, the people of Mauritius  for the country being cla ssified by 
the World Bank as a high -income country based on its per capita GNI . Of course , COVID pandemic 
affected its further progress , as has been the case with other developing countries.  
4.511.   Bangladesh and Mauritius enjoy a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship ; our bilateral 
ties have further bolstered with the high -level visits from both sides. Establishing Bangladesh High 
Commission in Port Louis has also contribut ed to the deepening of relations between the two 
countries.  Both countries share a common history , heritage, and culture; both of our Nations faced 
challenges of climate change and natural disasters.  
4.512.   Bangladesh considers Mauritius as a like -minded country, shar ing common views on various 
international issues. The two countries are members  of the  Indian Ocean Rim Association and the 
Commonwealth of Nations.  
4.513.   Though  trade volume between the two countries is not significantly large, Mauritius ' exports 
to Bangladesh stand a t USD 15.69  million and imports from Bangladesh USD  11.21  million during 
2020. It has the potential to grow considerably.  
4.514.   Our willingness to enhance economic cooperation is well reflected in signing an MOU between 
our two countries not too long ago.  
4.515.   Mauritius is a host country of a sizable Bangladeshi  migrant work force, including women 
work force . 
4.516.   In terms of exports, Bangladeshi garments and handicrafts have good prospect in the 
Mauritian market on which our businesses are working. We have started exporting pharmaceutical 
products to Mauritius , which  are key additions to our trade basket.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.517.   To conclude, we wish the delegation of Mauritius a productive and successful TPR. My 
delegation will continue to work closely with the Mauritius delegation, led by 
Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady, to strengthen the m ultilateral trading system , as we assist our 
countries to enhance our bilateral trade ties, as well as work together to pursue for a rules -based, 
fair, and equitable multilateral trading system.  
UNITED  REPUBLIC  OF TANZANIA  
4.518.   The delegation of the United Repu blic of Tanzania would like to welcome H.E. Alan Ganoo , 
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius , in this meeting 
and wishes him and his delegation a successful fifth Trade Policy Review.  
4.519.   This review is taking place at a time when the world is facing insurmountable  challenges of 
COVID -19, which has affected the movement of people, goods, and services across the globe  as well 
as forcing Governments to shift the priorities to realign and address immediate needs . Irrespective 
of the current situation and challenges, Mauritius Government has accepted its trade policy to be 
reviewed within the planned  cycle.  
4.520.   The delegation of the United Republic of Tanzania thanks the Government of Mauritius and 
the Secretariat for having a timely  available and comprehensive  report in connection to this review. 
Similarly, we appreciate our brother from the East African Communi ty, H.E. Dr Cleopa Mailu, 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya to the WTO, for offering himself as a 
discussant. His well -articulated address this morning ha s elucidated more our understanding of the 
trade policy under the review . 
4.521.   Further, we a ppreciate the continued contribution of Mauritius in the multilateral trade rules 
making in the WTO through its delegation led ably by Ambassador H.E. Usha Dwarka -Canabady, 
current coordinator of the African Group.  
4.522.   The United Republic of Tanzania commend s on the social and economic progress achieved 
so far by our brotherly  country Mauritius over the period of this review. Notably, under the period 
of this review , the Government of Mauritius has undertaken  deliberate efforts in  laying a  good 
environment for trade and investment  to thrive  in the country.  
4.523.   As alluded  in the report, Mauritius has undertaken reforms which include the review and 
enactment of a number of trade and investment -related legislations . As a result, the country is 
among the highest liberal ized economies in Africa and in the world.  It has done so to foster economic 
growth and i mprove the welfare of its citizens . 
4.524.   For a number of years, especially before COVID -19 pandemic, Mauritius' services sector,  and 
particularly tourism, has been the best performer in Africa. Secondly, with the determination and 
zeal of the Mauritian Government , the sector will return to its prosperity as COVID -19 diminishe s. 
4.525.   Mauritius , as a fellow member State of the Southern Africa n Development Community , is 
our traditional trading partner in Africa and we have seen the bilateral trade steadily growing year 
after year, particularly in agricultural products and commodities.  
4.526.   Both countries are taking  considerable efforts to link the p rivate sector and businesses of 
the two brotherly  countries with the view to boost trade and investment cooperation.  
4.527.   Tanzania would like to encourage the Government of Mauritius to continue with  efforts of 
bringing back its country 's economic growth to th e levels which were maintained prior to the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.528.   However, as mentioned by the Honourable Minister this morning,  our efforts will certainly 
need to be complemented in various formats  from support of other partners.  
4.529.   My delegation would like to assure the delegation of Mauritius that the United Republic of 
Tanzania will continue to cooperate with Mauritius at bilateral, regional, multilateral fronts in 
advancing the shared social and economic interest of the two brotherly countries. With these brief WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  remarks , the delegation of the United Republic of Tanzania, once again, wishes the delegation of 
Mauritius a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
BURKINA  FASO  
4.530.   Burkina  Faso extends a warm welcome to the distinguished high -level delegation of 
Mauritius, led by the Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and 
International Trade, and thanks it for the presentation of its national report.  
4.531.   This comprehensive report, which shows the efforts of the Government of Mauriti us to 
improve its legal and institutional environment, with a view to making it more conducive to 
investment and to bilateral, regional and international trade, has the full support of my delegation.  
4.532.   As an illustrative example, Burkina  Faso is pleased to n ote that, with regard to the 
investment climate and simplification of regulatory procedures, Mauritius ranks first in Africa. We 
hail this performance and encourage Maurice in this approach.  
4.533.   However, Burkina  Faso notes that tourism, which is one of the key  sectors on which the 
country's economy is based, has been severely affected by the COVID -19 health crisis. Indeed, with 
the advent of the pandemic, tourist arrivals and tourism revenue fell in 2020, with the contraction 
in the accommodation and catering s ervice subsector estimated at 66% for that year. As for real 
GDP, it recorded a decline of 14.9% in 2020.  
4.534.   Despite this external shock, the country has remained resilient thanks to the adoption of 
appropriate measures to face the crisis and to revitalize it s economy. My delegation salutes these 
achievements and encourages Mauritius in its post -COVID -19 recovery measures.  
4.535.   Burkina  Faso also commends Mauritius' sustained commitment to the WTO multilateral 
trading system, including the various responsibilities, past and present, assumed by the country in 
the bodies of this organization. In particular, it commends the leadership of 
Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady, coordinator of the positions of the African Group at the WTO.  
4.536.   Lastly, Burkina  Faso thanks the WTO Sec retariat for organizing this session and preparing 
the working documents, and is grateful for the detailed presentation made by the Ambassador of 
Kenya to inform Members about Mauritius' trade regime.  
4.537.   In closing, Burkina  Faso hopes that Mauritius will deri ve the best possible benefit from this 
exercise and wishes it every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
GHANA  
4.538.   At the outset, Ghana joins others in congratulate Mauritius on its third Trade Policy Review, 
we also welcome the delegation of Mauritius led by H onourable Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, to Geneva. My delegation further expresses 
our deep appreciation for the reports prepared, as well as to the discussant H.E. Dr Cleopa Mailu 
from Kenya for his  excellent framing of the issues for our discussion today.  
4.539.   Firstly, Ghana takes note of the fact that prior to COVID -19 the average GDP growth rate in 
Mauritius, since their last Trade Policy Review in 2014,  was 3.5% annually , well above above the 
world av erage. However, due to the pandemic , the Mauritian economy was sever ely affected : the 
GDP contracted by 14.9% in 2020 while public sector gross debts  reached 84.3% of GDP at the end 
of December 2020.  
4.540.   Ghana further takes note and commends the Mauritian Gove rnment for the pursuit of an 
ambitious reform agenda to improve the trade, investment, and business environment by massively 
investing in infrastructure development that resulted in a substantial improvement in the Ease of 
Doing Business ranking, from 20th in 2014 to 13th position in the world in 2019.  And the first -ever 
light rail system  in a small island developing country, which was launched in Mauritius in 2019.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  4.541.   We again take note that, over the review period, the main drivers of growth were the services 
sector, particularly tourism, financial services, information and communications technology (ICT) 
services, and construction.  The transformation of the Mauritian economy away from its main 
manufacturing industries, namely sugar and textiles and cl othing, towards a service -oriented 
economy continued, particularly as an investment gateway to Africa.  It is sad to  that Mauritius' 
status may be reviewed in view of the impact of COVID -19 on the economy.  
4.542.   Secondly, on the multilateral front, Ghana welcomes  Mauritius' continued commitment to 
the WTO. Mauritius participates actively in the work of the WTO with timely notifications and adding 
transparency to its trade regime . Mauritius again continues to pursue active trade diplomacy through 
the East African C ommunity tripartite agreement concluded in 2015, the African Continental Free 
Trade Area Agreement in 2019 . It also started negotiations on a comprehensive economic 
partnership agreement with the European  Union also in 2019.  
4.543.   Thirdly, on the bilateral front, the relations between Ghana and Mauritius have been 
longstanding and cordial. Figures regarding trade in goods are relatively low . The two countries, 
however, embar ked on a new chapter of cooperation with the signing of a Double Taxation A voidance 
Agreement in 2017 . The Agreement was sign ed by the Mauritian Pr ime Minister and the Vice -
President of Ghana, H.E. Dr Bawumia  as Chief Guest on the occasion of 49th anniversary of the 
independence and 25th anniversary of the Republic of Mauritius.  
4.544.   Other areas of cooperation  included the setting -up of a Joint Trade and Investment 
Committee , the conclusion of the MOU between the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry 
and that of Ghana for the setting -up a Business Council, the ICT sector, the hand icraft sector, the 
health sector with the possibility of recruitment of Mauritian health practitioners in Ghana,  and the 
assistance of Ghana for the setting -up of a Slavery Museum in Mauritius.  
4.545.   In conclusion, Ghana stands ready to further deepen our bilateral relation by expediting the 
implementation of all outstanding commitments. My delegation wishes the Mauritian  delegation a 
successful trade review.  
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MAURITIU S AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  Chair, I wish to thank you and the discussant, His Excellency Dr  Cleopa Mailu for the detailed 
comments and interesting questions.  This has helped us frame our responses in a structured manner 
and clarify many issues.  I wish to al so place on record our thanks and appreciation to all the Members 
who took the floor on 9 November, and also to those Members who submitted prior questions on 
both the Secretariat and the Government reports.  
5.2.  We are gratified by the general acknowledgment t hat Mauritius has made significant progress 
since the last Review particularly in the area of business and trade facilitation and our transition 
from a monocrop to a service -based  economy which as evidenced by the share of services in our 
GDP which current ly stands at 70%.  
5.3.  We also appreciate the recognition of Mauritius being a vibrant democracy where good 
governance, the rule of law and transparency are important values which are constantly promoted.  
5.4.  Many statements highlighted the impacts of the COVID -19 on the Mauritian economy and the 
measures taken by the Government to address them and to re -boot the economy.  Indeed, Mauritius 
has been one of the hardest hit with a contraction of its GDP by 14.9% in 2020.  
5.5.  The most affected sector was tourism with a drop of 80% in output. Unemployment rate 
increased to 9.2% from 6.7% in 2019. The current account deficit soared to MUR 54.4 b illion (12.7% 
of GDP) in 2020 compared to MUR 25.7 b illion (5.1% of GDP) in 2019. The public sector debt reached 
83.4% of GDP at the end June 2020 compared to 65% at end of June 2019.  
5.6.  These show the exposure of the country to external shocks given that it is an open economy, 
and fully integrated in the global economy.  As a small Island deve loping country, it has no option 
than to pursue an open economy policy and to rely on international trade for its development. 
However, it remains vulnerable to frictions in the global economy.  
5.7.  The total COVID -19 response package which Government had to di sburse to mitigate the 
impact of the pandemic stands at 32% of GDP, and according to the World Bank is the fourth  largest 
in the world. 
5.8.  The main action to activate the recovery phase is the full opening of our borders so as to get 
the tourism industry goin g again. In fact, as from the 1 October 2021, borders were fully opened. 
Government initiated a massive vaccination programme which started in January 2021. So far, over 
65% of our population has been fully vaccinated with two doses, while 90% of the popul ation has 
received one dose. The vaccination campaign for those between 15 -17 years has already started. 
Furthermore, a booster dose is also currently being administered.  
5.9.  To reboot the economy, the Plan de Relance de L'Investissement et de l 'Économie  was u nveiled 
in the 2020 -2021 Budget Speech. Our strategy on economic recovery and the future development 
path rests on three main pillars namely:  (a) giving an exceptional boost to investment;  (b) shaping 
a new economic architecture ; and (c) restoring confiden ce. 
5.10.   This would be achieved through, inter -alia, a boost to the construction sector; rebuilding our 
local manufacturing fabric; supporting our tourism industry; consolidating our financial services 
sector; stimulating the development of data economy; divers ifying the "blue economy " value -chain; 
building a strong biomedical and pharmaceutical industry as well as reinforcing our regional 
partnerships.  
5.11.   The Plan would re -engineer the industrial fabric and further improve the ease of doing 
business. The aim is to  increase the attractiveness of Mauritius as an investment destination.   
5.12.   The new economic architecture also focuses on investment in the green economy and 
development of a pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology.  A target has been set to produce 60% 
of the country 's needs from green sources by 2030.  
5.13.   The period under review also demonstrates the consolidation of the services sectors in our 
economy comprising mainly tourism, ICT/BPO and financial services. The BPO sector now accounts WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  for around 63% of total  employment. Regarding financial services, various measures have been 
taken to reinforce the credibility of the Mauritius jurisdiction through enactment of appropriate 
measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. Moreover, various initiativ es have 
been put in place to promote Mauritius as a regional FinTech centre. A framework on green bond 
issuance and sustainable financing has also been elaborated by the Bank of Mauritius.  
5.14.   In response to the global emergence of e -commerce, Mauritius has put in place an effective 
physical and soft infrastructure (for example data centres, e -payment gateways, submarine cables, 
optical fibre connectivity, 5G services, domestic legislation) to promote e -commerce transactions.  
5.15.   Several Member  States asked questions relating to our investment climate and incentive 
regimes in the various sectors of the economy.  
5.16.   As highlighted in several statements, Mauritius provides a stable political and social 
environment, coupled with an effective judicial system , sound regulations and institutions which 
have secured Mauritius a favourable risk and investment climate position.  
5.17.   Moreover, Mauritius has a very straightforward, transparent and competitive tax regime and 
is known to be a very cooperative jurisdiction,  compliant with international best practices.  Mauritius 
understands the importance of cooperation to combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, 
tax evasion and other malpractices. It has, in this regard, all the necessary elements in place to 
achieve  effective exchange of information and collaboration with respective authorities worldwide.   
5.18.   That said, I wish to re -emphasize that Mauritius is a Small Island Developing economy, with 
all the characteristics specific to SIDS, in particular a restricted in ternal Market, limited factor 
endowment such as availability of raw materials and production inputs, and the tyranny of distance 
from our main markets.  In these circumstances, it is important for the Government to attract 
investments through support measur es. These support measures are granted on a non -
discriminatory basis, in compliance with international standards.  
5.19.   In terms of our notification obligations, it is confirmed from the Secretariat report that 
Mauritius has been fulfilling its notification requ irements on a regular basis.   
5.20.   Questions received from WTO Members also referred to the government procurement 
practices in Mauritius and whether there are plans to join the Government Procurement Agreement 
(GPA).   
5.21.   Mauritius has a very transparent system of  government procurement, with a substantial share 
sourced through open international bidding. Tenders for open bidding are duly advertised and posted 
on the website of the Central Procurement Board.  We have a centralized electronic procurement 
system.  We have provided detailed responses to questions posed in writing by some Members with 
regard to procurement by the State Trading Corporation during the pandemic for medical related 
products.  
5.22.   In terms of promoting transparency and good governance at the State Trading Corporation 
(STC), the following measures have, inter -alia been taken:  a risk assessment exercise on corruption 
is being undertaken in collaboration with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) ; 
the STC is also working with the M auritius Institute of Directors to improve corporate governance ; 
and its procurement procedures are being updated, which includes permanent publication on the 
STC's website of the specifications of products which are imported.  
5.23.   In addition, the emergency p rocurement procedures have now been revamped through new 
regulations made under the Public Procurement Act.  
5.24.   Regarding accession to the GPA, Mauritius will consider joining as an observer first at the 
appropriate time.  
5.25.   In relation to Intellectual Property m atters, the new Comprehensive Industrial Property Act is 
expected to enter into force on 1 January 2022. Thereafter, the existing Intellectual Property Office 
will be re -structured to examine application for new IPRs not previously covered such as 
Geograph ical Indications and new plant varieties.  We are thankful to the EU for providing assistance WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  to build the capacity of our officers.  This will no doubt contribute in further improving our ranking in 
the Global Innovation Index.  
5.26.   Mauritius will subsequently accede to a number of WIPO administered treaties. The accession 
procedure to join the PCT, the Madrid Protocol on trademarks and The Hague Convention on 
Industrial Designs will be initiated upon the new law entering into force.   
5.27.   Questions were  also asked regarding specific measures taken by Government to encourage 
women participation in trade. Mauritius was a signatory of the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade 
and Women 's Economic Empowerment and will adhere to any new Declaration on this issue at MC12.  
5.28.   It has made progress in delivering on its commitment to gender equality in trade by actively 
engaging women in policy consultations and building the capacity of the ministry responsible for 
trade on gender issues.  
5.29.   Since 2019, the Mauritian Gover nment has set up financing programmes targeting women 
entrepreneurs, providing them with financial assistance such as the Women Entrepreneur Loan 
Scheme of the Development Bank of Mauritius, a Technology and Innovation Scheme (TINNS) for 
women entrepreneur s. 
5.30.   Furthermore, the Development Bank of Mauritius provides special loans for women 
entrepreneurs at preferential interest rate and without collateral securities.  
5.31.   A set of questions related to Market Access issues, both for goods and services.  As can be 
noted from the report, the average tariff dropped from 1.95% in 2013 to 1.19% in 2020, thus 
making Mauritius a low tariff country.  We have joined both the ITA I and II which increased our 
binding commitments.  We stand ready to further increase these commitme nts in the context of 
market access negotiations.  
5.32.   Regarding the services sector, our commitments to open up is evidenced by the various FTAs 
we have concluded covering some 70% of the world population, which also include services.  We are 
in favour of an a mbitions Agreement on Trade in Services at the WTO, which was one of the reasons 
for joining the TISA negotiations.  
5.33.   On the query on whether Mauritius would extend preferences for specific products granted 
under its FTAs to other WTO Members, such a possib ility could be explored on the basis of 
commitments that the other partners would be willing to undertake in the context of a bilateral Free 
Trade Agreements with Mauritius.  
5.34.   I would also like to underline the fact that Mauritius is open to negotiate compr ehensive Free 
Trade Areas with interested countries, with a view to eliminating barriers to trade in goods and 
services.  
5.35.   Some WTO Members commented on the increasing involvement of Government in business 
activities. While this may be a situation which has  been dictated by current imperatives, including 
the C OVID -19 pandemic, Mauritius remains a fully open and market -oriented  economy as can be 
evidenced by the 13th position of Mauritius in the Economic Freedom Index of the Heritage 
Foundation.  
5.36.   Before conclu ding, I wish to again reiterate our thanks to the Secretariat, to the discussant, 
His Excellency Dr Cleopa Mailu and to WTO Members for their constructive remarks and comments.  
We have responded to all the 170 written questions and shall be glad to provide  any additional 
information.  
5.37.   I want to re -emphasize the unflinching commitment of Mauritius to the objectives of this 
organisation and to the multilateral trading system.  We shall continue to engage constructively in 
the work of the WTO and sincerely hope that the forthcoming MC12 delivers concrete outcomes, in 
particular in Agriculture, fisheries subsidies and COVID -19 related issues. Mauritius will also adhere 
to the Initiative on Electronic Commerce as requested by some Members. We shall also positively 
consider the request to connect our Single Window to those of other WTO Members, should this be 
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  DISCUSSANT  
5.38.   I wish to take this opportunity to, once again, commend the deleg ation of Mauritius, led by 
the Hono urable Mr  Alan Ganoo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International 
Trade, for the valuable contribution and active engagement in this Review. This Review has also 
elicited immense interest from many Members,  and I commend you all for your commenta ries and 
inquiries during the review.  
5.39.   It has indeed, been an intense engagement, and having listened keenly to the interventions, 
I would like to share my thoughts and conclusions from the discussions.  
5.40.   First, it is apparent that the COVID -19 pandemic has r eversed the gains made by many 
economies, Mauritius being no exception. Despite this drawback, participants acknowledged and 
commended Mauritius for its efforts to not only mitigate the adverse impact of the pandemic on its 
social and economic wellbeing, b ut also for deploying measures to ensure that it emerges stronger 
from the pandemic.   
5.41.   Participants also acknowledged and commended Mauritius for maintaining a market -based 
economy with a strong, dynamic private sector, resulting in the country being ranked  highest in 
Africa in openness and globally on ease of doing business.  
5.42.   Mauritius' active participation at the WTO cannot be gainsaid. It is the current coordinator of 
the African Group, and I wish to join Members in commending Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canaba dy, 
the Permanent Representative and her team of dedicated experts for steering the African Group 
during this challenging period at the multilateral trading system, characterized by the C OVID -19 
pandemic and protracted negotiations even as we prepare for t he 12 th Ministerial Conference.  
5.43.   At the regional level, Mauritius has been recognized as being active in engagements at the 
Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) 
and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Regional economic integration 
endeavours have contributed to improving Mauritius ' market access and competitiveness, leading to 
the gradual transformation of its economy from a monocrop, and away from sugar, and textiles and 
clothing to a more dynamic service sector.  
5.44.   Lastly, I would like to say that my participation as the discussant in this Review has been a 
very enlightening experience for me.  It has drawn my attention to the very interesting opportunities 
offered by Mauritius t o its trading partners, and to the lessons and practices offered regarding the 
common objective we have, as developing countries, of moving forward along the path of economic 
growth, social inclusion, and well -being for our peoples.  
5.45.   I would like to conclud e by recalling my earlier remarks and by encouraging Mauritius to keep 
up with its product diversification and economic transformation, even as it addresses some of the 
issues raised by Members during this Review.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
5.46.   The United  Kingdom would like to thank The Honourable Mr  Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, for attending this important meeting today 
and for giving the opening remarks on behalf of Mauritius. We are pleased that Mauritius  has 
engaged in the Trade Policy Review process in a constructive and transparent way. We also note 
Mauritius' significant and successful effort to respond to the Financial Action Task Force's 
recommendations. The UK provided technical expertise in support  of this work.  
5.47.    The UK and Mauritius are bound together by a long history, including through our 
membership of the Commonwealth. We would like to thank Ambassador  Dwarka -Canabady for her 
role as coordinator of the Africa n Group and for the close working relationship that  we have with her 
and her Mission here in Geneva.  WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  5.48.    We welcome the steps Mauritius has taken to implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement, 
including the amending of several rules relating to customs, as well as and setting up a National 
Trade Facilitation  Committee.  
5.49.   Mauritius should be applauded also for the innovative approach and leadership they are 
showing with regards to services trade for developing countries, including through their participation 
of in the Domestic Regulation Joint Statement Initiati ve. The UK and Mauritius both recognise the 
clear positive effects that increasing the integration of developing countries into the global services 
trade can have, in particular for Small Island Developing States.  
5.50.   Since the beginning of this year, the UK's  trade with Mauritius is has been underpinned by the 
UK – Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement. We are pleased that the UK is 
the second largest market for Mauritius' exports, particularly in goods trade.  
5.51.    The UK thanks Mauritius for  noting an example of the support the UK has provided to 
Mauritius through our Aid -for-Trade portfolio. We are delighted that a letter of intent for the opening 
of a SheTrades Hub in Mauritius was signed last week and look forward to working with the First  
Lady to make it a success.  
5.52.    The UK looks forward to working with Mauritius on areas of mutual interest in the coming 
months and years, with a focus on financial services, Climate technology, Cyber and education.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.53.   On behalf of the EU, I woul d like to thank the Honourable Alan  Ganoo, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, H.E.  Usha Dwarka -Canabady and the Mauritius 
team for the comprehensive overview of the situation in their country and the severe impact of  the 
COVID -19 pandemic on the Mauritian economy. The European Union would also like to thank the 
Mauritius Delegation for the replies provided to our questions. We do not have follow -up questions.  
5.54.   The EU believes that the exchanges on Tuesday illustrate th e value of the Trade Policy Review 
Mechanism in the WTO. A large and diverse number of WTO Members have made statements on the 
TPR of Mauritius, which shows the interests of Members on what is happening in the country.  
5.55.   The EU and several Members recognize d the efforts put by the Government of Mauritius to 
ensure sustainable growth and commended Mauritius on the significant progress achieved since the 
last Review as well as the important economic transformation in Mauritius over the last few years. 
We welco me the sound business regulatory framework and good investment climate and encourage 
further efforts of Mauritius in transforming its economy towards a service -oriented economy.   
5.56.   The EU appreciates the active role of Mauritius in the WTO in both the multil ateral and 
plurilateral work. We encourage Mauritius to join the various environmental initiatives, including the 
Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD), and the Multi -Party Interim 
Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA).  
5.57.   In conclusion, the EU would like to thank the delegation of Mauritius for its active participation 
in this Trade Policy Review exercise and its commitment to the WTO. We look forward to our 
continued cooperation.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  In her concluding remarks, the Chairperson indicated that the  fifth Trade Policy Review of 
Mauritius has offered a unique framework for discussion s of its trade and related policies, practices 
and developments since its previous Review in 2014.  Comprehensive reports by the WTO 
Secretariat; the Government of Mauritius, a total of 174 advance written questions from Members, 
insightful comments by our discussant, Ambassador Cleopa M ailu, as well as valuable interventions 
by Members, have contribute d to the success of this two-day meeting.  
6.2.  She expressed her appreciation to the high -level delegation of Mauritius, led by 
Hon. Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, which 
includes H.E.  Ambassador  Usha Dwarka  Canabady , Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the 
WTO. Moreover, she expressed gratitude to the discussant and to the 52  delegations that took the 
floor during this meeting.  
6.3.  Members recognized that Mauritius' openness to trade and its stable and  robust democratic 
system have contributed to its economic success in recent years, with GDP growth averaging 3.6% 
per year from 2014 to 2019. In fact, about two decades of liberalizing reforms have transformed 
Mauritius into an almost duty -free economy, w ith the notable exception of sugar on which MFN tariff 
rates reach 100%.  
6.4.  They noted that the reforms undertaken since 2014 have further diversified the economy away 
from manufacturing activities, mainly sugar and textiles and clothing, towards a service -oriented 
economy, financial services in particular. However, due to the COVID -19 pandemic and the related 
global measures, including lockdowns and closures of businesses and borders, its GDP declined by 
15% in 2020.  
6.5.  Members asked about Mauritius' COVID -19 Recovery Programme and expressed the hope that 
an expected good performance by the tourism industry, with the resumption of foreign travel, would 
contribute to the recovery of the economy.  
6.6.  They sought information about Mauritius' tax policies and practice s in its "Global Business" 
sector that dominates its financial services, and about actions to harness the potential of its "blue 
economy ".  
6.7.  Members commended Mauritius for its long -lasting support to the multilateral trading system, 
and for meeting most of its WTO notification obligations. They noted that Mauritius actively 
participates in regional trade agreements (e.g. COMESA, SADC, African Continental Free Trade 
Agreement); and that the country has recently concluded free trade agreements with Chi na, India, 
and the United Kingdom.   
6.8.  They sought clarification about the three components of Mauritius' strategy on Africa, i.e., 
Mauritius as a gateway to Africa for trade; Mauritius as a gateway to Africa for investment; and 
direct investment by Mauritius  in other African countries. Questions were asked about Mauritius' 
reliance on Double Taxation Avoidance treaties, women's participation in trade, and Mauritius' 
policies on e -commerce and special economic zones.  
6.9.  Turning to specific trade measures, many Me mbers praised Mauritius for having removed non -
automatic import licensing procedures, although for some sensitive agricultural products the import 
permit system is still used for self -sufficiency purposes. They congratulated Mauritius for having 
largely im plemented the Trade Facilitation Agreement, including the Mauritius TradeLink Single 
Window system, and they showed interest in its Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanism. Clarification was 
sought about customs valuation practices regarding used machinery, equipm ent and second -hand 
motor vehicles.  
6.10.   Members noted that the pandemic has reinforced the State participation in economic activities 
as already stressed during the previous review, and sought further clarification about transparency 
and accountability of the State Trading Corporation and of the new Mauritius Investment 
Corporation. Some Members encouraged Mauritius to join the WTO Government Procurement 
Agreement. Several questions concerned the nature of various domestic support measures and 
export subsidy sc hemes, as well as the new Export Credit Insurance Scheme. Regarding SPS WT/TPR/M/417 • Mauritius  
 
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  measures, some asked about the state of the review of the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) 
Act.  
6.11.   Members were appreciative of steps taken by Mauritius to strengthen its intellectual property 
rights regime and increase its participation in related treaties. Clarifications were sought regarding 
the setting -up of the Mauritius Society of Authors; the imp lementation of the new Industrial Property 
Act; and about plans to join WIPO treaties and the International Convention for the Protection of 
New Varieties of Plants. Some asked for information on seized counterfeit goods, and on measures 
against Internet p iracy.   
6.12.   Much interest was expressed in Mauritius' agriculture and fisheries policies. Questions focused 
on the government's recent strategy to increase self -sufficiency; the National Agri -Food 
Development Programme; the Agricultural Marketing Board's opera tions; and on sugar tariffs and 
new preferential tariff quotas on sugar. Participants asked about fisheries management issues, and 
about plans to increase the share of industry in the country's GDP.  
6.13.   Members commended Mauritius on the general openness of it s services sector and suggested 
that its GATS commitment be upgraded.  They asked about incentives for services providers, 
including financial technology companies; about the openness of port operations to foreign entities; 
about market access in airport gr ound handling services; and whether an economic needs test is 
required for foreign telecom providers. Finally, interest was expressed in the new incentives and 
licensing requirements for foreigners in the tourism sector.  
6.14.   Members have shown a keen interest  in Mauritius' trade and related policies, and in its 
participation in the WTO. They noted that the strong resilience so far shown by the Mauritian 
economy provides a basis for optimism for a prompt post -pandemic recovery. The Chairperson  
encourage d Maurit ius to reflect on Members' suggestions and concerns while formulating its coming 
reforms. This will surely strengthen its recovery prospects.   
6.15.   Trade Policy Review of Mauritius was successfully concluded following Members ' apprecia tion 
of the oral and writt en responses provided by the Mauritian delegation to their questions and look ed 
forward to receiving further written responses to any outstanding and follow up questions within one 
month.  
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  7  ADOPTION OF TPRB'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2021  
CHAIRPERSON  
7.1.  I would now like to ask delegations to consider the TPRB's Annual Report for 2021, which was 
initially distributed on 21 October 2021 in document WT/TPR/W/196. We had set a deadline of 
29 October for comments and  until that day  we have received none.  
7.2.  However, I am  informed that there was a typographical error at page 1 paragraph  2, regarding 
the total number of reviews the TPRDB will have conducted by the end of this year, which  is 
527 instead  of 526 . I assure Members  that the Secretariat will correct this in the f inal version.  
7.3.  The floor is now open if any delegation would like to speak. Otherwise, I propose the adoption 
of the Annual Report as contained in the final version of document  WT/TPR/W/196.  
7.4.  With this, I declare the meeting closed. I thank you all for you r participation and please note 
that the next meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body will be held on 17 and 19 November, when 
the TPRB will discuss the TPR of Oman.  
__________  