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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
*In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
MAURITIUS  
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 9 AND 11 NOVEMBER 2021  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Daniela Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 4 February 2022 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
MAURICE  
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 9 ET 11 NOVEMBRE 2021  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Daniela Salas  : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 4 février 2022 au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
MAURICIO  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 9 Y 11 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2021  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Daniela Salas : 
danielamariana.salas @wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el  4 febrero de 2022 las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus p ropias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 
 
 
  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
MAURITIUS  
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MAURITIUS   ................................  5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MAURITIUS AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  .... 63 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  68 
7  ADOPTION OF TPRB'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2021  ................................ .....................  70 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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/W/ 200 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY 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 deleg ation of Mauritius, 
headed by Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, 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 o fficials 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 t hat 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 submit ted 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 economic 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 i n 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 Review. 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 sugar. 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.  During the period covered by this 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 -sufficiency 
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 agre ements 
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 relat ed 
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 indus tries 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 this Re view 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, incen tives 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 this Review, all of 
which were sent within the  established deadline. Prior to the meeting, Mauritius had already provided WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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.   This meeting was a good opp ortunity 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 its  economy and the measures it had taken in response. The Chairperson 
looked forward to a fruitful exchange.  
1.13.   The Chairperson closed her introductory remarks by wishing Mauritius a very successful fifth 
Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MAURITIUS 
(HON.  MR ALA  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 t o 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, Mauritius has been hit hard by 
the COVID -19 pandemic. The lockdowns imposed in 2 020 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 20 20. 
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 from the 
crisis, to revive all our industries, and to improve our social resi lience. 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 economic architecture is being shaped with the 
development of new sectors suc h 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 rule s- 
based multilateral trading system. We remain fully committed to deeper economic integration, 
bilaterally, regionally and globally. Ind eed, 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 between 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 Agreement. It joined the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) negotiations in 2016, which 
was aimed at opening up the services market, and pa rticipated actively in the discussions on 
domestic regulation. Our schedule of commitment on domestic regulations was circulated 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 Technical 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/W/ 200 
 
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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 a greements, 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, Mauritius will continue to actively participate in the second phase of the 
negotiations with that objective.  
2.13.   Mauritius and China have also es tablished a Free Trade Agreement which covers trade in 
goods and services, investment and economic cooperation; an Economic Partnership Agreement 
with the UK in the wake of BREXIT to ensure the continuity of trade. In addition, a Comprehensive 
Economic Coo peration and Partnership Agreement with India entered into force on 1 April of this 
year.  
2.14.   In parallel, we are currently deepening 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, agriculture 
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 the 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 201 3 to 
93.82 % in January 2021. The tariff structure has been simplified with all specific duties, in particular 
for textiles 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 overhaul 
the Intellectual Property framework. Indeed, a new comprehensive law on Intellectual property was 
adopted in 2019. It provides for th e 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 by ensuring that businesses thrive i n a new 
and modern environment. Prior to the pandemic, Mauritius engaged in a vast business environment 
reform p rogramme. This was recognised in the World Bank 's ease of doing business report 2020 
where Mauritius ranked 13th 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 mor e 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 impetus f or 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/W/ 200 
 
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  have engaged into a transformational journey to build more resilience, i mprove 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 include 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 System; 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, w e 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 community.  
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 a nd to process 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 implement 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 Based 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 extend ed from 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 pharmaceutica l production 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 economy. 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 t he Mauritius 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 proj ects for which no regulatory framework exists to be implemented in test WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 rel ated 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 an d Protection 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 interna tional 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 Glo bal 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.   Mauri tius 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  comply 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 legislati on 
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 standard s 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  sustain 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 la undering 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 including 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 impleme ntation of an alternative 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/W/ 200 
 
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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; an d 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 highlighted the measures taken by the Government to address the impact 
of the pandemic, in particular to secure jobs and preserve busine sses. 
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 t o unlocking the future for small 
island developing states like Mauritius.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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, Permanent 
Representative of the Republic of Mauritius to the United Nations Office in Geneva ; excellencies ; and 
distinguished delegates.  
3.2.  At the outse t, 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 Ma uritius for his 
comprehensive presentation, both of which set stage for our discussion today. I would also like 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 Mauritius and the WTO Secretariat for their 
detailed reports, covering the period 2015 -2020. Indeed, the reports provided an excellent basis for 
our en gagement.  
3.4.  Let me now proceed by giving a general overview of the Mauritian economic environment over 
the review 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 cou ntry 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 instituti ons.  
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, pandemic -
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 industry contracted by 31%; the constructio n 
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 decreased 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. Th ese 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 economy 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 programme.  
3.12.   Let me now give a brief over view of trade and investment regimes as highlighted by the 
reports.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 activities. While the sector expanded o ver 
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 Mauritius' open capital regime and its gro wing 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 making Mauritius a high value -added 
and r eputable 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 M auritian 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 average growth of 0.8%, 
owing to a decline in investment in the exp ort-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 technological uptake resulting in low research, development and 
innov ation, 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 du alistic 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 betw een local food production and consumption continued to widen 
during the past 5 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 f or 
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 services trade.  
3.20.   Let me now highlight some of sectoral and trade policies and practice s 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 sensitive crops regulated by the Agricultural Marketing Board. The sugar 
import ta riff 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 registere d 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/W/ 200 
 
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  China and India, which contain new commitments on trade in services. In total, Mauritius participates 
in eight regio nal 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 complianc e with the agreement, according to the 
Government report.  
3.25.   The Government put in place several 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 report exporting or importing obstacles among other measures. Mauritius also initiated reforms 
aimed at reducing the cost of doing business such as, eliminating certain app lication fees, reviewing 
the cost of permit fees, reducing port and cargo handling charges and facilitating electricity 
connection for businesses.  
3.26.   It is noteworthy that, Mauritius continued with its tariff liberalization, launched about two 
decades ago, wh ich 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 representi ng 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 with 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 import permit system is still used for self -sufficiency 
purposes. Also, Mauritius is in the process of revamping its Trade Remedies (Anti -dumping and 
Countervailing Measu res) Act of 2010.  
3.30.   We note that during the review period, Mauritius continued to simplify export 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 support 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 Prom otion and Marketing Scheme provides air freight export subsidies on all 
products except for 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 
Maurit ian investors and has signed agreements with several African countries on the establishment 
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 shareholders, subsidized business loans, and direct investments in a wide panoply 
of Mauritian businesses.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 patents, 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, comprising 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 brough t to the way tax credits are 
granted to Global Business corporations that reside in Mauritius 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 busin ess 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 Facilitati on 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 rele vant clearances was also upgraded with the introduction of 
electronic systems for processing 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 been threatened by C OVID -19 
pandemic, the economy has demonstrated resilience, signifying good post -pandemic recovery 
prospects. I therefore encourage Mauritius to continue wor king closely with the international 
community in addressing the highlighted challenges 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/W/ 200 
 
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  4  STATEMEN TS BY MEMBERS  
ICELAND  
4.1.  Iceland would like to welcome 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 Po licy Review, as well as the discussant for his excellent framing 
of the issues 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 Switze rland) signed a joint declaration the enhance 
economic relations between them 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 ke y economic sectors such as tourism, trade and 
manufacturing 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 advancement 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 pr ograms to encourage women's 
participation in national and international 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 and 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 their contin ued 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 w arm economic relations. In 2020, Singapore's bilateral 
trade with Mauritius totalled USD 72 million, making Mauritius Singapore 's 17th largest trading 
partner in Sub -Saharan Africa. Bilateral trade in services also totalled USD  407 million in 2019, 
amounti ng to 9.7% of Mauritius 's total trade in services. With Mauritius keen to transform itself into 
a services -oriented economy, we see further room for cooperation in areas such as financial services, 
ICT, and transport and logistics. Singapore's Senior Minis ter and Coordinating Minister for Social 
Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited Mauritius in 2017. During the visit, Senior Minister 
Tharman and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth witnessed the signing of an MOU 
between Mauritius and Singapor e Cooperation Enterprise. The MOU has contributed to enhancing 
our bilateral co -operation across a wide spectrum of sectors, 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 arising from the COVID -19 pandemic, Mauritius implemented a range of WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  measures which targeted those worst -hit by the pandemic. These incl uded 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 forwa rd 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 with Mauritius at the WTO. We are 
pleased to note that Mauritius was the fourth  country to ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreemen t 
(TFA) and now fully implements all its "Category A " commitments.  Singapore also welcome 
Mauritius' participation in the various Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), including the JSIs on 
Investment Facilitation for Development and Services Domestic Regul ation. Mauritius ' continued 
support for the JSIs reflects its progressive trade policy and will help to ensure that the WTO remains 
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, es pecially in the digital economy.  
4.12.   Finally, my delegation would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Ambassador 
Dwarka -Canabady and her very capable team in Geneva, especially in their role as coordinator of 
the African Group. We look forward t o continuing working with Mauritius and its Mission in Geneva 
to strengthen the WTO and the multilateral trading system. We wish Mauritius a successful fifth 
Trade Policy Review.   
UNITED  STATES  
4.13.   The United States is pleased to welcome Minister Ganoo and th e 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 undertaken 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 M arket 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 a nd investment within sub -Saharan Africa. Mauritius has been active in pursuing 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 top 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 imports, 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. Ma uritius 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 approximately 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 US D 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/W/ 200 
 
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  a liberal and transparent trade regime. That  said, we appreciate 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 coordi nator of the African 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 Me mbers from 
making 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 resilience 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 i n food. We would welcome 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 un der 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 submitted 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 T rade 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 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 her insightful analysis of Maur itius' trade 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, wh ich contributed 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 believe 
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 t ies 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 COVID -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 mutual interest and further 
strengthen the economic relations between the two countries.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 ef fort 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 directio n. 
4.29.   Thailand 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 Facilitat ion for Development 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 bala nced 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 than k Mauritius 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 
collaboration 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 h eaded 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 i nvaluable comments.  
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 last 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 active 
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 Maurit ius 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 appointed an Honorary Consul General in 
Port Louis. We expect this appointment to facilitate our contacts.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 f or the excellent preparation 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 very 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 lik e 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 positive 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 ec onomic 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 nonetheless urge 
the Government to enhance transparency in the transactions of public entiti es, especially those with 
the Government as a sole or majority shareholder. Mauritius should involve civil society in a 
constructive dialogue on trade policy questions through strong linkages with private sector and 
Government.  
4.49.   The EU is Mauritius ' main tr ading 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 exports 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 tr ading 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 a nd civil society dialogue. The future 
agreement will 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/W/ 200 
 
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  4.52.   The EU notes the active en gagement of Mauritius in the negotiations to finalise 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 (COMESA).  
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 ra ised 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 Corporatio n), and policies for foreign investment in the tourism 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 Mauriti us 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 International 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 infor mative reports, and the 
discussant, Ambassador Mailu of Kenya, for his insightful remarks.  
4.59.   We commend Mauritius for achieving economic growth by maintaining an open market, while 
we understand that Mauritius ' trade in goods and services has declined signif icantly due to the impact  
of COVID -19, according to the Secretariat 's report.  
4.60.   Today, Japan would like to comment on three points: (i) our bilateral economic relationship; 
(ii) engagement in the WTO; and (iii) domestic and regional policies for promoting t rade 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 recogni ze 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 Fo reign 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 c ountries. We are 
glad to note that bilateral cooperation at the private sector level has also become more 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 Investment 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 negotiations.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.63.   Third, we appreciate Mauritius ' efforts on tr ade 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 for achieving the number one ranking in Africa in the Wor ld 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 Development (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 T rade Policy Review 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 Policy Review 
of Mauritius. We thank the Mauritius Governm ent 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 o f 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 tr ansition 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 add ress 
social exclusion.  Canada is committed to improving international collaboration in higher education 
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 Organization (WTO) and the rules -based 
international trading system is crucial for both Mauritius and Canadian businesses and workers, as 
well as the path towards eco nomic recovery. It is key to supporting a strong, sustainable, and 
inclusive economic recovery from 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 t he 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 facilitati on for development and on services domestic regulation. Canada appreciates the 
support for the Buenos Aires declaration on Women and Trade by Mauritius and encourage it to join WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions. We also enco urage 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 si x recommendations and declarations 
in support of MSMEs integration into international trade.  We encourage 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 
climate shocks as well as human -caused ecological disasters.  Canadians continue to engage with 
Mauritius in the global effort to concurrently build the "blue econ omy" 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 succes s during this Trade Policy Review.  
INDIA  
4.78.     I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the delegation of Mauritius led by 
H.E. Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of 
Mauritius, special welcome to the d elegation 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 und er 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 openness to trade.    
4.82.   Mauritius' role as an investment hub with strong institutions and trade -facilitated business 
environment. All these 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 economy 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 th e African continent, particularly through the East African Community  
(EAC) -COMESA -SADC tripartite Agreement  that was concluded in 2015, and the recently 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 partners, though 
our trade has reached USD  690 million just before the pandemic but it has significant potential to 
go further up; a nd it is in this regard that Mauritius and India signed a Comprehensive Economic 
Cooperation and Partnership Agreement this year on 22 February and this has come into force on 
1 April 2021. It has been subsequently notified to the WTO as well.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.86.   The India an d 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 have invested over USD  200 million in Mauritius in the last five years, and 
we are committed to harness the full p otential of our bilateral trade, economic, and development 
partnership for the mutual benefit.  
4.88.   We would like to thank Mauritius for their 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 Prim e Minister of Mauritius 
at the launch of the Initiative for the Resilient Island States, and this occasion was also joined 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 participant 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 Review.  
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 ACP 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 appr eciate the work of the Secretariat and express our gratitude for its 
comprehensive 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 fro m 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 island 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 effect ive 
advocate for developing countries and LDC 's issues, even while simultaneously serving as 
Coordinator for the African Group. Moreover, throughout its membership of the WTO, Mauritius has 
actively and constructively engaged in ongoing WTO negotiations an d 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 lea dership, the ACP and African Group enjoy a 
cordial relationship that is 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 i ts OACPS partners, including my own country, Jamaica.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.96.   Prior to this pandemic 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 that 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, financial 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 Grou p's belief that services can play a key role in the achievement of 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 countri es, brought into sharp focus the interconnectedness of the international 
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 Secreta riat's report which 
indicates that the economy is expected to recover.  
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 population.  
4.100.   This interconnectedness of the international community also offers tremendous 
opportunities. We commend the government 's foresight in pursuing policy initiatives that have 
positione d 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 unleas hing new opportunities in cloud 
computing and digital health technologies. 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 u ndertaken 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 clearance 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 ac tion 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 implementing 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, including enhancing the customs management system; the setting up of Co ordinated 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 taxes. We look 
forward to further exchanges with Mauritius of their b est practices in this regard.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 bilaterally, through for instance 
the African Continental Free Tra de 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 it s 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 for 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 o n 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 his team, delegation from Port Louis and 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 from a mere USD  400 to a remarkable sum of USD  11,000 by 2019, becoming the second 
highest in Africa while decreasing its unemployment rate to 6.7%.  
4.111.   The Secretariat report dem onstrates that trade openness in Mauritius is key to its economic 
success. Indeed, sound liberalization reforms transformed 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 confident 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 2 030" development plan as an 
important vehicle to effectively address unemployment, 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 rankin g 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 repor t signalled the high and rising FDI and well noted several 
positive characteristics 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, enforce able 
intellectual property system.  
4.115.   According to UNDP, Mauritius recorded positive strides in its HDI, as it currently ranks 66 
among 189 countries and remains well positioned to continue on this track.  
4.116.   However, this commanding economic performance should n ot eclipse the structural 
challenges facing the Mauritian 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/W/ 200 
 
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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 tariff rate has declined from 6.7% in 2007 to a 
mere 1.3%, although it slightly increased for agricultural products.  
4.119.   In addition, Mauritius is voluntarily implementing liberalization strives including those 
pertaining to public procurement as well as the environment.  
4.120.   On the continental front, we would like to comm end 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 R eview.  
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 integration, as 
both are members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern A frica (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 rather moderate given our shared ambition to explore significant trade and 
investment opportunities, and thus we look forward to deepened bilate ral 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 Affair s, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius;  dear 
discussant, Excellency, Ambassador Dr Cleopa Kilonzo Ma ilu; 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 Review.  
4.127.   We have carefully studied the 59 -page Official report from Mauritius, a very detailed 
document, reviewing with proficiency and transparency t he 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, transportation, and tourism that 
declined around 80%.  
4.129.   Notwithstanding, the economy of Mauritius has been showing exceptional resilience and 
capacity for recover ing, 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 An golan 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/W/ 200 
 
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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 essentia l enabler for increasing its integration and 
participation in the global trading system.  
4.133.   Angola has also acknowledged, from the Secretariat review report, the set of notifications to 
the Mauritius Government on agriculture, fisheries, tobacco production s ubsidies, 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 gen eral trends that the COVID -19 pandemic has reinforced through the 
evident unilateral tendency towards greater state involvement in the economy, mainly in industries 
considered critical to the national interest.  
4.135.   These trends, combined with the debates on t rade flexibilities in periods of profound global 
crisis, demand novel reforms and consensus, from TRIMs to TRIPS, that Angola hopes to be 
appropriately addressed by the forthcoming WTO 12th Ministerial Conference.  
4.136.   Although the Republic of Angola and the Re public of Mauritius have been founding members 
since 1993 of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and since 1996 of 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 ec onomy, 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 trade 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 sus tainable 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 Po licy 
Review.  
KAZAKHSTAN  
4.141.   Kazakhstan warmly welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Mauritius led by Honourable  
Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. We express 
our gratitude to the Government of Mauriti us for its informative report and statement. We also 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 goals 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 machine ry, and dependence on textile and clothing.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 activities, 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 Facil itation Agreement within the review period and its hard work on the full 
implementation of the TFA by launching a series of trade facilitation measures such as introduction 
of e-payment and single window, continuous enhancement of the customs management sy stem, 
and strengthening coordinated border management and agency cooperation as well as other trade 
facilitation measures.  
4.147.   In this regard, we are pleased to see that Mauritius is among the best performers in Africa 
in terms of business climate, thanks to a ll 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 ou t with clear property 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' constructive 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 neg otiations on Fisheries 
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 
Secretar iat for the hard work 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 thei r fifth Trade Policy Review.  
CABO  VERDE  
4.150.   C'est avec beaucoup de satisfaction que mon pays, la République de Cabo Verde accueille le 
cinquième rapport de la politique et pratique commerciale de la République sœur de Maurice. Nous 
voudrions tout d'abord souha iter la bienvenue à la haute délégation conduite par l'Honorable 
Monsieur Alan Ganoo, Ministre des Affaires étrangères, de l 'Intégration régionale et du Commerce 
international de Maurice. Cette  présence de haut niveau démontre sans faill e l'engagement de 
Maurice à l'OMC, ainsi que son implication dans les négociations d u système commercial  multilatéral 
en faveur d u développement et du bien -être social du peuple mauricien et africain.  
4.151.   J'aimerais aussi féliciter l' Ambassadeur Mailu du Kenya pour son excellen t exposé et ses 
commentaires. Je tiens à féliciter également l' Ambassadeur et chère sœur Usha Dwarka -Canabady 
pour son dynamisme et l'inestimable contribution au sein du Groupe africain à Genève, ainsi qu'à 
son équipe ici à Genève.  
4.152.    Compte tenu de la position géographique de nos pays insulaires, le Cabo Verde et Maurice 
sont comme les deux poumons d'un même cœur . L'élaboration d'une politique crédible de la bonne 
gouverna nce démocratique a permis à nos pays d'ass eoir un climat favorable à l'investissement et 
au développement des affaires.  
4.153.   C'est la transparence, la bonne gouvernance, et la démocratie qu i constitue nt la clé d e voût e 
de la croissance et du progrès social d'un  pays, dont Maurice est un exemple.  
4.154.   En dépit de la crise du COVID -19, les résultats enregistrés par Maurice dan s le domaine 
économique et social démontre nt, sans doute, la volonté réelle des autorités de changer l es 
tendance s actuelle s à travers les r éformes vigoureuses pour améliorer la compétitivité en créant un 
climat plus attractif aux investissement étrangers directs dans le pays.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.155.   Nous tenons à saluer  les efforts qu i ont été déployés par les autorités dans la lutte contre le 
COVID -19, avec un  taux de couverture vaccinale de 88% de la population , cela a donné un coup 
d'accélérateur à la confiance des consommateurs et des entreprises.  
4.156.   De plus, force est de constater qu'au cours de ce s dernier s trimestre s, la plupart des secteurs 
économiques, notamment, l'industrie manufacturière, la construction, les technologies de 
l'information et des services de s finances ont enregistrés des résultats positifs encourageants.  
4.157.   Le miracle économique de Maurice d'aujourd'hui démontre qu'il n'y a pas de facilité pour le 
développement d'un pays quel que soit sa position géographique. Maurice reste un des pays africains 
exemplaires et de référence en termes de stabilité politique et de sécurité des investissements 
étrangers directs.  
4.158.   L'immense contribution d u pays à la mise sur pied de la zone du libre -échange continental e 
africain e mérite notre attention particuli ère. 
4.159.   Pour conclure, no us invitons tous les États Membres, ainsi que le s partenaires multilatéraux 
d'appuyer  et soutenir les réformes engagées par M aurice pour lui permettre de relever les défis liés 
à la crise de pandémie du COVID -19.  
4.160.   Mon pays souhaite plein de succès à la République sœur de Maurice en tant que pays 
insulaire en développement.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.161.   The Philippine delegation warmly welcomes a nd 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 Mauritius in Geneva on 
their fifth Trade P olicy 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 Mauritius 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 tunas. While Philippine major imports fro m 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 to 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 pandemic, 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 zero. The Philippines ac knowledges 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 ranking from 20th in 2014 t o 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 the last Trade Policy Re view. Mauritius' priorities in ongoing WTO negotiations focused on WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 MSMEs.  
4.168.   The Philippines c ommends 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 , Ministe r of Foreign Affairs, Regional 
Integration and International Trade and his delegati on, 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 expres s 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 on an ambitious trajectory to 
build a strong, resilient and highly development -oriented economy: a nd 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 C OVID -19, it has made significant and highly commendable 
progress.  
4.174.   Indeed, before the pandemic, over the 5 -year period 2014 to 2019, the country registered 
average economic growth of just under 4% , reflecting marked progress in key service industries 
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 performance 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 broader 
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 muc h rooted in a single 
agricultural commodity.  Today, on the basis of focused and very 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 eco nomic 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, inspecti on requirements, the 
reduction of the average applied MFN tariff rate, and the introduction of the National Single Window 
Mauritius Trade Link during the review period.   WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.179.   Perhaps a few words about Zimbabwe 's relationship with Mauritius. In terms of bilatera l 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 c lose 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 preferenc es offer immediate potential to 
enhance the movement of goods and services.  
4.183.   Zimbabwe looks forward 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 ag ain 
welcoming Honourable Minister Alan Ganoo and his delegation to Geneva and to wish them a very 
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 
comprehe nsive report, as well as to the Chair, Ambassador Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme, and the 
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 d rivers of growth were the services sector, reflecting the 
transformation of the Mauritian 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 eco nomy is expected to recover, driven by the resumption of foreign 
travel.  
4.188.   For the review period, Mauritius continued to advance trade and customs reforms. Its two -
decade -long liberalization strategy has transformed Mauritius into an essentially duty -free ec onomy.  
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 overall openness to trade, Mauritius has also 
pursued an active trade diplomacy, improving market conditions for products and services through 
trade agreements and partner ships.  
4.191.   Mauritius has taken steps towards its consolidation as an international investment 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 
to encourage Mauritian entrepreneurs to invest in other African countries, which have resulted in a WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  significant expansion of the outflows of forei gn investments through Mauritius into other countries 
in Africa.  
4.192.   We welcome developments in the Intellectual Property front, with the adoption of an 
ambitious Intellectual Property Development Plan (IPDP), reforms to its IP law and the promotion of 
innovat ion 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 P ortuguese 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 ther e 
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, Honourabl e 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 forms. 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 Mauritius 
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 biggest export market for Mauritian produce 
in 2020, at 12% of total exports. 42% of total exports of Mauritius to A frica in the year 2020 were 
destined for South Africa. These exports include apparel, cotton, plastics, staple fibres, machinery, 
sugars and confectionary, 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 African 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 regional integration through the COMESA -EAC-
SADC Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA) and the recently launched A frican Continental free 
Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will propel our trade relations to even greater heights and contribute 
towards making our respective 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 o n 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 pandemic. The Mauritian economy was also severely affected with the Mauritian GDP contracting WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  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 recovery, with the WTO at the fore towards attaining the UN SDGs. This necessitates 
a WTO that puts the needs an d interests of developing and least developed economies at centre of 
the multilateral trading system.  
4.205.   The economic growth and development of Mauritius 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 relat ions and cooperation in multilateral matters of common 
interest.   
TCHAD  AU NOM  DU GROUPE  DES  PMA 
4.206.   Permettez -moi, tout d 'abord, de souhaiter une très chaleureuse bienvenue à 
S.E. Alan Ganoo, Ministre des Affaires étrangères, de l 'Intégration régionale et du Commerce 
international dont la présence honore cette assemblée et témoigne de l'attachement au plus haut 
niveau du gouvernement de Maurice au sein du système commercial international.  
4.207.   Qu'il me soit également permis de saluer no tre sœur S.E. l'Ambassadeur Usha Dwarka -
Canabady pour son leadership et son engament pour le Groupe Africain ici à Genève. Honorable s 
délégation s, chers collègues , au nom du Groupe des PMA, la République du Tchad souhaite féliciter 
vivement la Délégation d e Maurice pour la tenue de son cinquième examen des politiques 
commerciales à l 'OMC. Nous félicitons également l'Ambassadeur du Kenya S.E. Cleopa Mailu pour 
son excellent travail réalisé en tant que présentateur, ainsi que le Secrétariat de l 'OMC pour 
l'établissement du rapport d'examen de politique commerciale.  
4.208.   Maurice est un acteur important du commerce mondial. Comme le souligne le rapport du 
Secrétariat, et malgré l'impact de  la pandémie sur l'activité économique, Maurice est une économie 
ouverte et le commerce extérieur joue un rôle important dans son développement économique, 
contribuant à enregistrer une croissance soutenue comme en témoigne le taux moyen de croissance 
annuelle qui se situe à 3 ,6% qui a été enregistré sur la période 2014 -2019.  
4.209.   Comme l e reste des Membres de l 'OMC, Maurice fait face à une situation économique 
délicate, du fait des effets de la pandémie du COVID -19 qui continue d'affecter diverses régions du 
monde. Le taux de croissance du PIB de l'économie mauricienne s'est contracté de 15%, à la fin 
2020, en comparaison à l 'année précédente. Toutefois, il est prévu pour cette année 2021 que la 
croissance se redresse et c'est plutôt heureux.  
4.210.   Nous félicitions les autorités mauriciennes d'avoir deux décennies durant continuellement 
réformé et réussir à maintenir l'île sur la voie de la diversification économique et ainsi à augmenter 
l'attrait pour les investisseurs. En effet, c'est grâce à l 'action législative réglementaire, à la fois 
ambitieuse et éclair ée, que le régime  d'ouverture des capitaux et l 'importance croissante de Maurice 
en tant que centre d' investissement international ont contribué au développement de ces services 
financiers qui représente nt, aujourd'hui, environ 13% du PIB.  
4.211.   Ces im pressionnantes réalisations démontrent à souhait  la fonction d'accélérateur de 
développement du commerce. Le sucre; les textiles ; les vêtement s; les services financiers; et le 
tourisme sont les principaux piliers de l'économie.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.212.   En effet, même si la produc tion de canne à sucre joue toujours un rôle important, quoiqu'en 
recul dans l'économie des plantations , ont fait place des secteurs créant plus de valeur ajoutée et 
qu'on voit à l'occasion d'un tour de l'île sous la forme d'hôtels, de technoparcs qui offre nt des emplois 
plus rémunérateurs.  
4.213.   Concrètement cela va se traduire  par un revenu moyen par habitant qui a atteint USD 11 
095 en 2019. Et cela est tombé, comme dans les pays du monde à USD 8 674 en 2020 en raison de 
la pandémie.  
4.214.   S'agissant des relations c ommerciales avec les PMA, Maurice entretient des relations 
commerciales avec la majorité des PMA, notamment ceux du continent africain avec qui elle fait 
partie de plusieurs schémas d'intégration régional e et compris la zone de libre -échange continental 
africain.  
4.215.   Tout comme Maurice , le Groupe des PMA souhaite l 'existence d 'un système commercial 
multilatéral renforcé, basé sur les règles , transparent , inclusi f, et qui réponde aux objectifs. Nous 
aspirons également à une croissance et à un développement dura ble bénéficiant à nos populations.  
Le Groupe des PMA saisit cette occasion pour renouveler ses félicitations à Maurice pour ses 
initiatives et ses réformes engagées. Nous lui souhaitons un plein succès dans le cadre de cet 
examen des politiques commerciales, mais aussi pour l'avenir.  
CHINA  
4.216.   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 International 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 document.  
4.217.   China highly commends Mauritius for its achievements in economic and social develop ment. 
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 h as "a record of good governance 
and strong institutions ".  
4.218.   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 pa ndemic. However, under the context 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.  
4.219.   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 t he various obligations under the WTO agreements 
through amending laws and regulations like Customs Act, the Copyright Act, Industrial Property Act 
and so on.  
4.220.   Second, Mauritius has been constructively participating in the ongoing negotiations and JSIs 
like fisheries subsidies, Services Domestic Regulation and Investment Facilitation for Development.  
4.221.   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 excellent job in group coordinating, as well as her great contribution in various configurations 
representing the African Group and to this Organization.  
4.222.   In the context of regional integration and cooperation, China commends Mau ritius for its 
positive contribution to the regional economic integration of African continent through participating 
SADC (Southern African Development Community), COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and 
Southern Africa) and AfCFTA.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.223.   China has remained the s econd 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 
first three quarters 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.  
4.224.   Mauritius is so far the only African country that China has signed FTA with. We are confident 
that the FTA will provide more solid i nstitutional guarantee for deepening economic and trade 
relations between the two countries.  
4.225.   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%.  
4.226.   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 enhan ced under fully implementation of 
the bilateral FTA and Belt and Road Initiative.  
4.227.   In conclusion, I would like to express, once again, my appreciation to the delegation of 
Mauritius for their hard work in preparing for the review, and I wish them a very suc cessful T rade 
Policy Review . 
ARGENTINA  
4.228.   Quisiéramos asociarnos a los Miembros que han dado la bienvenida a la delegación de 
Mauricio, encabezada por Excmo . Sr. Alan Ganoo, Ministro de Asuntos Extranjeros, Integración 
Regional y Comercio Internacional. Hacem os propicia la ocasión para destacar el liderazgo que la 
Embajadora Dwarka -Canabady ejerce en esta organización, promoviendo no solo los intereses de 
su país, sino también amplificando la voz de los países en desarrollo.   
4.229.   Agradecemos los informes preparados por Mauricio y por la Secretaría, que ofrecen un 
panorama completo de las políticas comerciales de este Miembro. Damos las gracias asimismo al 
Embajador Mailu por sus observaciones y comentarios, que nos han permitido profundizar nuestro 
conocim iento sobre las prácticas comerciales de Mauricio y sobre el entorno económico en que el 
que operan.  
4.230.   Mauricio es un valorado socio comercial de la Argentina. El comercio bilateral entre nuestros 
países fue de USD 50,8 millones  en 2020. Ese año, la Argentin a fue el primer proveedor 
latinoamericano de Mauricio y el séptimo destino latinoamericano de sus exportaciones. A Mauricio 
le vendemos principalmente cereales, alimentos preparados para animales, semillas y frutos 
oleaginosos, semillas y frutos diversos, y plantas industriales o medicinales. Mauricio nos provee de 
productos de óptica, fotografía y cinematografía, productos médicos quirúrgicos y productos textiles.   
4.231.   En los últimos años Mauricio ha realizado significativos esfuerzos y cambios estructurales 
para lograr diversificar su economía. Estos esfuerzos han logrado convertirla de una economía 
puramente agrícola a otra con incipientes pero prometedores sectores industriales y con un creciente 
sector de servicios turísticos.  
4.232.   Observamos además que, a pesa r haber sufrido con dureza el impacto de la pandemia, 
Mauricio mantuvo el impulso de la transformación, demostrando capacidad para enfrentar 
adversidades económicas y gestando así un camino de adaptabilidad, innovación, construcción de 
consensos y buena ge stión macroeconómica y política.  
4.233.   Mauricio es, además, un claro ejemplo de un país que trabaja de manera responsable y 
constructiva en el marco de la OMC para fortalecer el sistema multilateral de comercio basado en 
normas y, al mismo tiempo, busca compleme ntar ese sistema con una amplia red de acuerdos WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  comerciales bilaterales y regionales que proyectan la economía de Mauricio en África y en el resto 
del mundo.  
4.234.   De cara a la próxima Conferencia Ministerial de la OMC, valoramos especialmente las 
contribucione s de Mauricio para lograr un acuerdo ambicioso sobre subvenciones a la pesca y 
conseguir resultados equilibrados en todos los ámbitos poniendo al desarrollo económico en el centro 
de las consideraciones de la OMC.   
4.235.   Por último, queremos subrayar que la Arg entina desea continuar expandiendo las relaciones 
comerciales con Mauricio, considerando la cooperación Sur -Sur un pilar fundamental para fortalecer 
esos lazos teniendo como base los principios de complementariedad, igualdad y solidaridad.  
4.236.   Permítame concl uir agradeciendo nuevamente a la distinguida delegación de Mauricio, a 
usted, al Embajador Mauli y a la Secretaría por esta nueva oportunidad para intercambiar 
consideraciones sobre las políticas comerciales de Mauricio. Reafirmamos la relevancia de este 
ejercicio en todos sus aspectos; y deseamos al Sr. Ministro de Asuntos Extranjeros y a toda su 
delegación una exitosa conclusión del presente examen.  
DJIBOUTI   
4.237.   Madame la Présidente, permettez -moi de commencer par vous féliciter pour la manière avec 
laquelle vous diriger l'Organe de l'examen des politiques commerciales et cet examen en particulier.  
4.238.   Au nom de la République de Djibouti je souhaite une chaleureuse bienvenue à la délégation 
de haut niveau de Maurice conduite par le Ministre des affaires é trangères, de l'intégration régionale 
et du commerce international, S.E. Alan Ganoo.  
4.239.   Ma délégation se réjouit de pouvoir prendre part à cette rencontre qui a pour objectif 
d'évaluer et d'orienter les politiques commerciales de Maurice.  
4.240.   Djibouti remercie la  délégation Mauricienne et le Secrétariat de l'OMC pour les rapports de 
qualité fournis. Les remerciements de ma délégation vont également à l'encontre de l'Ambassadeur 
du Kenya, S.E. Cleopa Mailu, pour son excellent et utile commentaire en sa qualité de p résentateur.  
4.241.   Djibouti saisi cette occasion pour féliciter la délégation de Maurice pour le travail 
remarquable effectué pour cet examen et souhaite lui adresser tout son soutien et ses 
encouragements.  
4.242.   En 2013, Djibouti a eu le plaisir d'avoir un examen con joint avec Maurice qui reste un 
exemple de développement pour notre région. Ma délégation a suivi avec un grand intérêt la 
présentation faite par le ministre, S.E. M. Alan Ganoo, qui a partagé les progrès, réalisations ainsi 
que les défis rencontrés dans l e développement économique de Maurice en particulier à cause de la 
pandémie de la COVID -19. 
4.243.   Maurice, membre de l'OMC dès sa création en 1995, a malgré la taille de son économie su 
définir de façon exemplaire les grands axes pour un développement durable et  diversifié en faisant 
du commerce international un facteur clé de son développement économique.  
4.244.   Maurice a pu réaliser sa transformation économique grâce à la mise en œuvre d'une série 
de réformes favorables aux investissements directs étrangers, au dével oppement du secteur 
touristique et à l'exportation.  
4.245.   Djibouti salue les stratégies mises en place par Maurice pour faire face aux différents défis 
mentionnés dans les rapports à notre disposition pour cet examen, notamment en renforçant ses 
cadres réglemen taires et en modernisant ses infrastructures.  
4.246.   Djibouti prend note des efforts entrepris par Maurice pour le développement de ses secteurs 
industriels et financiers mais observe également une fragilité, des difficultés liés à l'aboutissement 
d'une base soli de et réconfortante dans ces domaines. Ma délégation encourage Maurice à 
persévérer dans la poursuite de solutions durables satisfaisantes. En outre ma délégation félicite WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  Maurice pour les mesures mises en œuvre en matière de facilitation du climat des aff aires et 
reconnait son rôle de modèle dans ce domaine notamment à travers l'adoption d'une loi de 
facilitation des affaires et l'établissement d'une plateforme d'octroi de licence électronique destiné à 
accélérer les demandes d'investissement.  
4.247.   Par ailleurs  l'économie de Maurice s'avère solide de manière générale. En effet le pays s'est 
distingué durant la période de la pandémie de la Covid -19 par les mesures adoptées en faveur d'un 
appui à l'économie. Ces dernières représentent 34% du PIB de Maurice et clas se le pays comme le 
4ème au niveau mondial qui a pu adopter de telles mesures.  
4.248.   Mme la Présidente, en conclusion Djibouti salue le dynamisme de la délégation de Maurice 
à l'OMC sous le leadership de l'Ambassadeur Usha Dwarka -Canabady et son équipe pour l'ex cellent 
travail qu'ils accomplissent quotidiennement en qualité de coordinateur du Groupe africain ici à 
l'OMC. Ma délégation réitère ses meilleurs vœux de succès et souhaite des échanges fructueux à 
Maurice et à sa distinguée délégation dans la poursuite des travaux de cette session et je vous 
remercie de votre attention.  
VIET  NAM 
4.249.   Viet Nam would like to join other Members in warmly welcoming the delegation of Mauritius 
led by the Honourable Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration a nd 
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.  
4.250.   We would also like to express our gratitude to the Chairperson, H.E. Dr Athaliah Molokom me 
for her introductory remarks and the discussant, H.E Dr Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu of Kenya for his 
insightful observations.  
4.251.   Viet Nam is delighted to note that as a result of steady economic growth before the C OVID -
19 pandemic, 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 challenges.  
4.252.   It should also be highlighte d that, as stated in the Government 's report, the diversification 
of the country has strengthened the resilience of the economy.  
4.253.   There has been an expansion in real GDP of 3% in 2019 with most economic sectors 
registered positive growth. Moreover, the une mployment rate in Mauritius dropped consistently since 
2016.  
4.254.   Viet Nam acknowledges the significant structural reforms over the years 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.  
4.255.   Viet Nam would like to commend the commitments of Mauritius, as a founding Member of 
the WTO, to the multilateral trading system, with its implementation of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement, its active participation in the ongoing negotiations on several important issues 
particularly fi sheries subsidies, MSMEs and its compliance with notifications obligations.  
4.256.   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 exchange 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.  
4.257.   We believe there is still room for the two countries ' further collaboration in the upcoming 
time.  
4.258.   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 WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  contribution to the work of the WTO, particularly in promotion of the interest of th e African Union 
Members as well as other developing countries. And I wish them a successful Trade Policy Review.  
MÉXICO  
4.259.   En nombre de México, me complace dar la más cordial bienvenida a la Delegación de 
Mauricio, encabezada por el S r. Alan Ganoo, Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Integración Regional 
y Comercio Internacional, y agradecer al Embajador Cleopa Mailu por sus enriquecedores 
comentarios.  
4.260.   Quisiera destacar la muy valiosa y constructiva labor que el equipo de la Misión de Mauricio, 
encabezada por la Embajadora Usha Dwarka -Canabady, desempeña en las actividades de esta 
Organización.  La Embajadora Dwarka -Canabady, además de representar a Mauricio y atender muy 
bien los intereses comerciales de su país, ha sabido sortear con excelencia y habilidad la  
responsabilidad de la coordinación del Grupo Africano.  
4.261.   La Economía de Mauricio se ha caracterizado por una notable transformación económica, 
pasando de ser una economía de bajos ingresos basada en la agricultura a una economía 
diversificada de ingresos m edia alta con sectores industriales, financieros y turísticos en crecimiento.  
4.262.   Mauricio ha logrado un crecimiento constante en las últimas décadas, lo que se ha traducido 
en una distribución más equitativa de la renta, un aumento de la esperanza de vida, un a reducción 
de la mortalidad infantil y una infraestructura muy mejorada.  
4.263.   Esto se ha traducido a una economía sólida y orientada al mercado, con un crecimiento 
sostenido que, como el resto del mundo, se vio interrumpido en 2020 ( -14%) por la pandemia de 
COVID-19.  Sin embargo, se espera que a partir de 2021 vuelva a importantes tasas de crecimiento.  
Esto se ha traducido en que Mauricio cuente con uno de los PIB per cápita más altos de África.  
4.264.   Es igualmente digno de mencionar la determinación de Mauricio p or mantener un régimen 
comercial abierto, con una protección arancelaria promedio de 1 ,3% y donde casi el 94% de las 
líneas arancelarias están exentas de arancel.  
4.265.   Por su parte, el sector de los servicios es de gran importancia para Mauricio, los cuales 
representaron el 77% de su PIB en 2020, destacando por mucho la contribución de los sectores de 
servicios financieros y turismo. Sin embargo, por su naturaleza, este último tuvo una fuerte 
contracción derivado de los efectos de la Pandemia.  
4.266.   Damos la bienven ida al Plan Estratégico y de Política Industrial de Mauricio, el cual apunta 
a aumentar la contribución del sector manufacturero al 30% del PIB para 2030, partiendo del 12% 
en 2020. Sin embargo, la utilización de medidas en materia de contenido nacional po dría ser 
cuestionadas en su compatibilidad con las normas de la OMC.  
4.267.   Por otra parte, llama la atención el uso de subvenciones a la exportación, tanto de productos 
agrícolas como manufacturas, una política que va en contra corriente a la tendencia y llamad os 
internacionales de no utilizarlas.  
4.268.   México ve con agrado todos los avances logrados por Mauricio desde la realización de su 
último examen, en especial tomando en cuenta los efectos negativos de una de las crisis económicas 
globales más profundas. No ten emos duda de que Mauricio continuará por la senda adecuada y 
conforme con sus compromisos y obligaciones bajo los acuerdos de la OMC.  
4.269.   México espera seguir colaborando muy de cerca con Mauricio en las diferentes actividades 
que nos unen en pro del fortalec imiento del Sistema Multilateral del Comercio.  
4.270.   En este sentido, agradecemos la activa participación de Mauricio en las Iniciativas Conjuntas 
de Reglamentación Nacional de los Servicios y la de Facilitación de las Inversiones, al tiempo que le 
hacemos un l lamado para unirse a las de Comercio Electrónico y Mi pymes.   WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.271.   Antes de concluir, quisiera agradecer a la delegación de Mauricio por los trabajos realizados 
en torno a su quinto Examen de las Políticas Comerciales.  Le deseamos una exitosa continuación y 
conclusión del presente examen.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.272.   I would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Mauritius, headed by Honourable 
Mr Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. We 
appreciate the comprehe nsive report s by the Government and the WTO Secretariat . Our thanks also 
go to the discussant Dr Cleopa Mailu for his thoughtful remarks.  
4.273.   Russia values traditionally friendly relations with the Republic of Mauritius and is interested 
in developing mutually  beneficial cooperation in various fields.  
4.274.   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 th e jewellery industry; products from various metals; inputs consist mainly of 
textiles; sugar; semi -finished products from precious metals; and precious stones.  
4.275.   The agenda for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation was approved by the 
leaders of our countries 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 transpo rt. 
4.276.   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, drawin g maps of the sea currents, 
and specialized training.  
4.277.   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 sign ed in 2015. Unfortunately, the COVID -19 pandemic has had a profound 
detrimental effect on the tourist 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 a nd intensify  our 
cooperation in this area.  
4.278.   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 v accine registrated by the Mauritians authorities in March 2021 were 
delivered to Port Louis.  
4.279.    On the multilateral level, Russia  commends Mauritius' strong and consistent support for the 
WTO and the multilateral trading system. Mauritius actively promotes trade liberalization and 
meaningfully participates in the WTO's negotiations including on investment facilitation for 
developmen t and domestic regulations of trade in services.  
4.280.   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.  
4.281.   In con clusion, we would like to wish Mauritius a successful Trade Policy Review.  
RÉPUBLIQUE  CENTRAFRICAINE  
4.282.   Bienvenue à la délégation de Maurice conduite par S.E. Alan Ganoo, Ministre des Affaires 
étrangères, de l'intégration régionale et du commerce internationa l, mon pays lui témoigne toute sa 
solidarité à l'occasion de son cinquième examen des politiques commerciales.  
4.283.   Mon pays félicite également l'Ambassadeur du Kenya pour son travail réalisé, en tant que 
présentateur, ainsi que le Secrétariat de l'OMC pour l'é tablissement du rapport d'examen des WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  politiques commerciales. Je profite de cette occasion pour saluer le rôle important qui joue 
l'ambassadeur de Maurice, ma sœur S.E. Usha Canabady, et toute son équipe sur la place 
diplomatique de Genève et, en particuli er, son rôle déterminant tendant à la préservation et à la 
considération du système commercial multilatéral.  
4.284.   Mon pays souscrit totalement à la vision de Maurice, qui défend fermement les règles de 
l'OMC tout en prenant un système commercial multilatéral à la fois ouvert, transparent inclusif, et 
non discriminatoire. Ma délégation se félicite également, de la vision à laquelle souscrit Maurice en 
ce qui concerne le respect des règles commerciales, multilatérales, et sa détermination à satisfaire 
aux prescrip tions en matière de notification ainsi son engagement à se mettre en conformité avec 
ses obligations à l'OMC.  
4.285.   Comme le souligne le rapport du Secrétariat, sur la base des multiples réformes de 
libéralisation engagés, Maurice n'applique presque plus aucun droit de douane son ouverture au 
commerce a été l'une des raisons de son succès économique lequel repose également sur une longue 
tradition de démocratie parlementaire, une bonne gouvernance et des institutions solides.  
4.286.    Comme le reste des Membres de l'OMC , Maurice fait face à une situation économique difficile 
du fait des conséquences de la pandémie de la COVID -19, qui continue d'affecter diverses régions 
du monde. De ce fait, il est à observer de la queue de la part du commerce des marchandises et des 
services dont le PIB à diminuer tombant de 105% en 2014 à 90% en 2019 et à 76% en 2020.  
4.287.   Il a été noté également que pendant la période considéré les principaux moteurs de 
croissance ont était le secteur des services, en particulier, le tourisme, le service f inancier, le service 
des technologies de l'information et de la communication, et la construction.  
4.288.   Les réformes engagées par Maurice ont permis de poursuivre la libéralisation de son régime 
commercial pour les marchandises avec une protection tarifaire gé néralement faible et un accent 
particulier émis sur le commerce des services.  
4.289.   Cependant, la pandémie de la COVID -19 a renforcé la tendance consistant à accroitre 
l'intervention de l'État dans l'économie principalement dans le secteur considéré comme "esse ntiel" 
pour l'intérêt national.  
4.290.   Nous notons également, que grâce à une croissance économique soutenue environ 3,6% par 
an en moyenne sur la période 2014 -2019, le revenu par habitant de Maurice, a atteint environ 
11 000 USD en 2019 et le taux de chômage es t tombé à 6,7%.  
4.291.   Toutefois, les mesures liées à la pandémie ont entrainé une chute du 15% du PIB, une baisse 
du revenu par habitant, qui est tombé de 8  700 USD en 2020. Nous espérons que l'économie 
mauricienne devrait se redresser sous réserve, entre autre s, de bons résultats du secteur touristique 
avec la reprise attendue.  
4.292.   Nous saluons également la bonne performance économique réalisé par Maurice qui a 
poursuivi sa libéralisation tarifaire de sorte que la moyenne simple de droit NPF appliqué est tombé 
de 6,6% en 2017 à 2,3% en 2014, puis 1,3 en 2021. La protection tarifaire des produits agricoles 
est passé de 1,8% à 3,2% au cours de la période considéré tandis que celle du secteur manufacturé 
est tombé a moins de 1%. Les lignes en franchises de droit repré sentant 93,5% de l'ensemble des 
lignes tarifaires.  
4.293.   La situation de Maurice au milieu de l'océan, Madame la Présidente, Océan Indien, dirais -je, 
lui permet de développer la redistribution des marchandises en provenance du Moyen Orient et de 
l'Asie vers les  autres marchés africains ainsi que la réexportation de produits africains vers les 
marchés d'Asie. Nous nous félicitions du fait que le Gouvernement mauricien a continué à simplifier 
la procédure d'enregistrement des contrôles des exportations. Le régime de port franc continue 
d'offrir des incitations aux entreprises travaillant à la transformation légère des marchandises 
importés avant la réexportation principalement vers autres pays d'Afrique via Maurice.  
4.294.   Enfin, ma délégation salue la stratégie pour l'Af rique mise en place par Maurice, notamment 
le fait que le gouvernement encourage les entrepreneurs mauriciens à entretenir et investir dans 
d'autres pays africains et la signature des accords avec plusieurs pays d'Afrique sur la création et la WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  gestion des zones économiques spéciales. Les flux sortant d'investissement étrangers transitant par 
Maurice vers d'autres pays africains ont ainsi fortement augmenté. Nous saluons cette approche 
dynamique et tous les efforts déployés par Maurice dans différents domain es.  
4.295.   Pour terminer, la République Centrafricaine attend travailler pour un approfondissement 
fructueux de ses relations de commerce avec Maurice.  
4.296.   Ma délégation saisie cette occasion pour renouveler ses félicitations à Maurice pour ses 
initiatives et ses r éformes engagés. Nous vous souhaitons un plein succès dans l'avenir et dans le 
cas des cet examen des politiques commerciales, je vous remercie.  
GABON   
4.297.   Ma délégation se réjouit de participer à cette session consacrée au cinquième Examen de la 
politique commerciale de Maurice et souhaite la cordiale bienvenue à Genève à S.E. Alan Ganoo, 
Ministre des Affaires étrangères, de l'intégration régionale et du com merce international de la 
République de Maurice, et à toute l'équipe qui l'accompagne.  
4.298.   Ma délégation voudrait ensuit exprimer son appréciation à S.E. Cleopa Mailu, Ambassadeur 
du Kenya, pour la présentation sur la situation économique et la politique comm erciale de Maurice. 
Elle adresse également ses vifs remerciements au Secrétariat de l'OMC pour l'organisation de cette 
session et pour la préparation des documents de travail, dans un contexte inhabituel.  
4.299.   Depuis le précèdent examen de politique commerciale  de Maurice et à la lumière des rapports 
produits par le Secrétariat de l'OMC et par la délégation de Maurice, il ressort que ce pays frère a 
enregistré un taux de croissance soutenu d'environ 3,6% entre 2014 et 2019.  
4.300.   Ces efforts considérables résultent po ur l'essentiel de la mise en œuvre d'un ambitieux 
programme de réformes visant à améliorer l'environnement du commerce, de l'investissement, des 
affaires et à l'inscrire non seulement dans une économie ouverte et compétitive mais également à 
l'intégrer ple inement dans le système commercial multilatéral.  
4.301.   A cet égard, ma délégation salue ce programme de réformes et la mise en œuvre de l'Accord 
de l'OMC sur la facilitation des échanges ayant permis à Maurice de se hisser au 13ème rang sur 190 
économies selon l 'indice de facilité des Affaires de la Banque Mondiale et à être classée dans la 
catégorie de pays à revenu intermédiaire de la classe supérieure.  
4.302.   Ces performances économiques si elles ont été altérées par la pandémie de la COVID -19 en 
raison des mesures d e restriction prises par l'ensemble des États y compris Maurice, nous ne doutons 
pas d'une reprise rapide de l'économie mauricienne du fait de son ancrage sur des changements 
structurels profonds marqués par la diversification importante de son économie, g age de résilience 
face aux chocs extérieurs.  
4.303.   En effet, plus de 10 secteurs différents soutiennent l'économie mauricienne : la canne à 
sucre, l a fabrication textile, les services financiers, le tourisme, les technologies de l'information et 
de la communicat ion, les fruits de mer, le pôle médical, le pôle d'excellence en matière de 
connaissance, les énergies renouvelables, la construction, les industries créatrices, éléments 
essentiels de la vision 2030 du Gouvernement.  
4.304.   Mon pays se réjouit de l'excellence des relations politique, économique et commerciale qu'il 
entretient avec la République de Maurice.  
4.305.   Dès 2014, nos deux pays ont manifesté leur volonté à s'engager dans une coopération 
dynamique dans de secteurs clés, en particulier dans les dom aines du tourisme, de l'agriculture, de 
l'éducation et de la santé. Dans cette optique, deux accords ont été signés : un traité fiscal ainsi 
qu'un accord de protection et de promotion des investissements.  
4.306.   Ces accords visent à redynamiser leur collaboration  et à faciliter aussi bien les 
investissements que les échanges commerciaux entre les deux Etats.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.307.   Je ne saurais clore mon propos sans saluer le leadership que joue ma sœur, l'Ambassadrice 
Usha, dans la coordination des questions commerciales au sein du Gro upe africain et saisis cette 
occasion pour souhaiter plein succès à Maurice dans l'examen de sa politique commerciale.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.308.   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.  
4.309.   I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mauritius and the WTO Secretariat for the ir 
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.  
4.310.   The Trade Policy Review reports highlight that Maur itius 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.  
4.311.   During the past two decades, Mauriti us 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 
success. M auritius as an international investment hub, have done reforms such as open its capital 
regime supported by double tax avoidance treaties led to the development of its financial services.  
4.312.   Mauritius commended for its ambitious objective to rebuild, diversif y, and expand the 
manufacturing sector towards 30% of GDP, its continued to simplify export registration procedures 
and controls, its several investment -incentive schemes.  
4.313.   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.  
4.314.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys excellent trade relations with Mauritius and aims to 
continue to develop them. In ord er to strengthen these relations, Saudi Arabia opened its consulate 
at Mauritius in 2018 while Mauritius has an embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia.  
4.315.   Last April 2021, The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has signed a 
Memorandum of Und erstanding with the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and 
Shipping of the Republic of Mauritius, which aims at strengthening the friendly relations between 
the two countries, and to enhance cooperation, partnership and investment in the  field of fisheries.  
4.316.   The promotion of trade relations with regional partners is an important part of the 
development strategy of Mauritius, and that appears at their actively participation in the Common 
Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Trade Area.  
4.317.   As original Member of the WTO and as shown in their active engagement in the WTO 
activities, Mauritius also greatly values the multilateral trading system. Mauritius participates 
actively in the work of the WTO, with timely notifications adding  transparency to its trade regime.  
4.318.   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 miss ions here in Geneva which serves our mutual 
interests. To conclude, we wish the delegation of Mauritius a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
TUNISIE  
4.319.   Ma délégation a le plaisir de participer au 5éme EPC de Maurice, et souhaite la bienvenue à la 
délégation Mauricienne conduite par S.E. M. Alan Ganoo, Ministre des affaires etrangères, de WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  l'intégration régionale et du commerce international de la République de Maurice, à qui nous 
voudrions exprimer notr e considération pour l 'exposé exhaustif sur la situation économique et la 
politique commerciale de son Pays.  
4.320.   Nos félicitations s 'adressent également au Secrétariat pour le rapport complet qu 'il nous a 
soumis à l 'occasion de cet examen et S.E. l'Ambassadeur  Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu (Kenya) pour la 
pertinence des remarques qu 'il a développées.  
4.321.   l'île Maurice est souvent citée à titre de modèle de réussite pour les pays en développement, 
particulièrement en Afrique, eu égard, notamment, à son potentiel balnéaire, s on multiculturalisme 
et sa population accueillante, qui lui ont valu de se convertir une destination touristique de premier 
choix, mais, également, aux succès de ses politiques économiques dans les domaines du textile, de 
la Zone Franche Industrielle d 'Exportation, du Port Franc, du système financier "offshore", ou plus 
récemment, dans le secteur des industries de l 'information et de la communication (TIC, Global 
Business).  
4.322.   Les stratégies de diversification de l 'économie mauricienne ont souvent été cautionn ées par 
une gouvernance éclairée de ses autorités publiques qui ont su favoriser un partenariat constructif 
avec le secteur privé et instaurer des traditions démocratiques avec des institutions indépendantes 
et un modèle social qui prend en compte le bien -être de la population, notamment en matière de 
santé et d 'éducation, et permettant l 'engagement collectif solide de l 'ouverture au monde du pays.  
4.323.   Profitant d 'un positionnement stratégique et décrite comme étant l 'étoile et la clef de l 'océan 
Indien, Mauric e œuvre à jouer un rôle moteur dans le développement du continent africain, à travers 
ses adhésions aux grands blocs régionaux, comme la Communauté de développement d 'Afrique 
centrale (SADC), le Marché commun de l 'Afrique orientale et australe (COMESA) et la Commission 
de l'océan Indien. Elle se positionne déjà comme une porte d 'entrée vers l 'Afrique pour le secteur 
de la haute finance.  
4.324.   Les mesures sanitaires, la fermeture des frontières et autres restrictions aux déplacements, 
ont heureusement épargné à Ma urice les effets dévastateurs de la crise de la COVID -19 en termes 
sanitaires, néanmoins, son économie a été fortement impactée. Le rapport du Secrétariat fait état 
d'une chute de 15% du PIB et d 'une baisse du revenu par habitant, qui est tombé de 11  000 à  8 700 
d'USD en 2020, malgré les mesures de soutien en faveur des ménages les plus vulnérables, 
principalement due à l 'écroulement des recettes touristiques (35% des exportations totales et 19% 
du PIB et de l 'emploi).  
4.325.   Par ailleurs, le secteur de la constru ction (habituellement 10% du PIB et 22% de l 'emploi) 
s'est, lui aussi, fortement contracté en conséquence de la crise sanitaire qui a stoppé les chantiers. 
Cependant, les services financiers et l 'assurance (qui représentent 12% de la valeur ajoutée du 
pays) ont été résilients en 2020, tout comme l 'information et les télécommunications, dénotant de 
la solidité de ces secteurs et de l 'efficacité des mesures d 'accompagnement financier mises en place 
par le gouvernement.  
4.326.   Toutefois, la forte dépendance du pays, à l 'instar de nombreux pays insulaires, aux 
importations pour ses intrants industriels et pour une grande partie de son approvisionnement 
alimentaire, ont confirmé la vulnérabilité globale du système économique mauricien, comme par 
ailleurs, la major ité des pays en développement, pour répondre à des situations de crises aussi 
dévastatrices.  
4.327.   L'aggravation du déficit public alourdi par les dettes publiques encourues par les mesures 
budgétaires de soutien, risque d 'impacter les ambitions, légitimes, du p ays de se hisser parmi les 
"pays à haut revenu". Le capital humain mauricien, les investissements dans les TIC et le projet de 
l'exploration du potentiel pétrolier dans la large ZEE de l 'Île seraient les piliers d 'une reprise WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  économique réussite. On est co nfiant que Maurice continuera à miser sur l 'économie bleue, les 
biotechnologies, dans le cadre de ses explorations.  
4.328.   La Tunisie et Maurice fêtent des relations diplomatiques de près de 35 ans et entretiennent 
des relations privilégiées d 'amitié et de coopération commerciale, fiscales et culturelle. Les échanges 
commerciaux, restant timides, ont, toutefois, quintuplé en termes de valeur sur la période de 2017 
à 2020, passant de 1,5 million à 7,5 millions d'USD.  
4.329.   Nous partageons, avec Maurice, les valeurs  communes d'une intégration régionale efficace, 
de l'amélioration du climat de l'investissement et de facilitation des affaires et du développement du 
libre commerce.  
4.330.   Les deux pays se sont engagés dans des négociations en vue d'un accord de libre -échange 
et se sont déjà mis d'accord sur un texte -cadre, sur la base de leurs accords respectifs avec l 'UE, de 
façon à faciliter la libre circulation des marchandises mais également des services. L 'accord sur la 
non double imposition signé en 2008 constituera un at out pour la facilitation des échanges.  
4.331.   Le secteur maritime compte, également, parmi les secteurs que la Tunisie et Maurice 
considèrent comme étant d'une importance capitale pour consolider leur coopération. Nos deux pays 
sont déterminés, par ailleurs, à re nforcer et à consolider cette coopération dans tous les domaines.  
4.332.   Je ne peux terminer sans féliciter S.E. l'Ambassadeur Usha Dwarka Canabady, le 
Représentant Permanent de Maurice auprès de l 'OMC, ainsi que son équipe à Genève, pour leur 
engagement actif au x travaux de l 'OMC, et particulièrement, pour les efforts forts louables consentis 
dans la coordination des positions de notre Groupe africain. Nous souhaitons à Maurice un examen 
très fructueux de sa politique commerciale.  
PAKISTAN  
4.333.   We wish to warmly welco me 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.  
4.334.   We thank you Chair for your opening remarks, we thank the discussa nt 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.  
4.335.   We are reviewing today a success story of a small economy which has become in 2020 a 
high-income country u ntil 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 praised by the IMF for its record of good governance and strong  
institutions.  
4.336.   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 facilitation 
and investment promotion. It has also implemented st ructural reforms to diversify its economy 
towards a greater role of Services.  
4.337.   The Government is furthermore pursuing a very ambitious target for green growth as 
outlined in its national programme 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.  
4.338.   In the context of the heavy impact of the pandemic on the Mauritian economy, we wish to 
commend Mauritius for its efforts to c ontinue on their path of reforms and showing good recovery 
and resilience.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.339.   Pakistan and Mauritius enjoy excellent bilateral relations which were further strengthen by 
the preferential trade agreement signed in 2007. Our bilateral trade during the fiscal ye ar 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 opportunities to expand 
their trade and cooperation to achieve their high potential.  
4.340.   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 outstanding 
record of notification. Mauritius is also actively engage d at the WTO with its team in Geneva under 
the able stewardship of H.E. Mrs Usha Dwarka -Canabady.  
4.341.   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.  
4.342.   In the end, we wish Mauritius a very successful Trade Policy Review and success in their 
initiatives.  
SUISSE  
4.343.   Permettez -moi tout d 'abord de souhaiter la bienvenue à l'Honorable Monsieur Alan Ganoo, 
Ministre des Affaires étrangères, de l 'Intégration régionale et du commerce international de la 
République de Maurice, ainsi qu 'à l'ensemble de sa délégation. Je remercie également S.E. Monsieur 
Cleopa Kilonzo M ailu (Kenya) pour son éclairage de grand intérêt sur l 'évaluation de ce jour. Mes 
remerciements s 'adressent enfin au Secrétariat pour son excellent rapport.  
4.344.   Au nom de la Suisse, je souhaite saluer les efforts constants du Gouvernement mauricien, 
au cours des deux dernières décennies, pour libéraliser son économie. D 'importantes réformes ont 
été menées, appuyées sur une longue et solide tradition de démocratie parlementaire, de bonne 
gouvernance et de robustes institutions. Ces valeurs, qui nous sont chères , sont aussi des facteurs 
favorables au développement d 'une économie saine et résiliente.  
4.345.   La République de Maurice a notamment rapidement ratifié l'accord de l'OMC sur la facilitation 
des échanges en 2015 et le met déjà pleinement en œuvre dans plusieurs domaines, tout en ayant 
notifié les aspects sur lesquels une assistance technique est requise pour une conformité totale. 
Cette approche reflète l 'engagement et la participation active de Maurice aux travaux de l 'OMC. Nous 
saluons les notifications transmi ses en temps utile, contribuant à la transparence du régime 
commercial mauricien, ainsi que la participation de Maurice à plusieurs Initiatives de Déclaration 
Conjointe.  
4.346.   Nous souhaitons aussi profiter de cette occasion pour saluer la coopération entre Mau rice et 
les Etats de l 'AELE, institutionnalisée par une Déclaration de coopération signée en 2009, et 
établissant un Comité mixte.  
4.347.   Au cours des dernières années et jusqu 'au début de la pandémie, l 'économie mauricienne a 
été caractérisée par une croissance régulière, le secteur des services et notamment le tourisme 
ayant été l 'un des principaux moteurs de croissance. Les conséquences de la pandémie ont été 
lourdes : les mesures de confinement national et la fermeture des frontières a entrainé une chute 
impor tante du PIB et du revenu par habitant.  
4.348.   La reprise des activités, y compris dans le secteur du tourisme, est prometteuse et devrait 
permettre à l 'économie de se redresser et d 'envisager à nouveau de meilleures performances. C 'est 
ce que nous souhaitons à nos partenaires mauriciens, que nous encourageons à persévérer sur la 
voie des réformes qui favoriseront la reprise et la résilience de leur économie. Il a notamment été 
question de l 'implication relativement importante de l 'Etat dans les activités économi ques, des 
questions sur lesquelles s 'est penchée la Commission de la concurrence de Maurice.  
4.349.   En outre, le Gouvernement mauricien a mis en place un programme de désinvestissement 
d'un certain nombre de ses actifs, reconnaissant que les entreprises publique s peuvent s 'avérer 
couteuses et inefficaces à long terme. Ces réformes vont dans le bon sens et nous invitons la WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  République de Maurice à reconsidérer également les mesures annoncées en 2020 en matière d '" 
achat local ", qui risquent de constituer des entrav es au commerce et des distorsions de la 
concurrence sur les marchés internationaux.  
4.350.   Nous souhaitons à la délégation de la République de Maurice des échanges fructueux et 
constructifs dans le cadre de cette évaluation.  
SRI LANKA  
4.351.   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.  
4.352.   We thank H.E. Dr Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu, Ambassador of Kenya the discussant, for his report 
and insights, and the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Mauritius for their comprehensive 
reports made av ailable to the delegations in advance of this meeting.  
4.353.   My delegation acknowledges the reforms introduced by Mauritius to improve the country's 
trade, investment and business environment, and the massive investments in the infrastructure 
development which r esulted in a substantial improvement in the ease of Doing Business ranking 
from 20th in 2014 to 13th position in the world in 2019. We also wish to congratulate Mauritius to 
have introduced the first ever light rail system in a Small Island Developing coun try (SIDS) which 
was launched in Mauritius in 2019.  
4.354.   We noted that as a Small Island State, Mauritian economy has also been seriously impacted 
by the COVID -19 pandemic, in particular textile and tourism sectors, which are considered to be the 
backbone of th e economy. A wide range of measures that have been introduced by the Government 
through various public bodies to mitigate the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on the economy 
and the population, are much appreciated.  
4.355.   Mauritius, as a founding member of the W TO 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 
Facilitatio n for Development and discussions on MSMEs.  
4.356.   Mauritius is also a party to the Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Technology 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.  
4.357.   We also note that Mauritius has never involved in any of th e trade disputes at the WTO either 
as a complainant or a respondent, which is again a noteworthy development.  
4.358.   On bilateral trade, my delegation noted that current bilateral trade between the two nations 
is at a minimal level. A Double Taxation Agreement be tween the two countries was signed on 12th 
March 1996 and came into effect during 1998 -1999. We noted that considerable Mauritian 
investments received into Sri Lanka during the period of 2005 -2019.  
4.359.   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 for further 
collaborations in the future.  
4.360.   I, particularly, wish to commend Mauritius for leading the African Group within the WTO 
under very a ctive and competent leadership of Ambassador Mrs Usha Dwarka -Canabady, whose 
stewardship has been a rewarding experience for the group in leading up to the MC12.  
In concluding, my delegation appreciates Mauritian highly valued contribution to the multilat eral 
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 WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  in Geneva in proactively engaging in ongoing activities of th e WTO, is highly commendable. We wish 
the Mauritian delegation a successful deliberation and productive outcomes on its Trade Policy 
Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.361.   Le doy la bienvenida a la delegación de Mauricio que nos acompaña en persona y de manera 
virtual. Saludo  al Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Sr. Alan Ganoo, así como a la Embajadora y 
amiga, representante en Ginebra, Sra. Usha Dwarka -Canabady, y a todo el equipo.  
4.362.   Me es muy grato compartir unas breves palabras con ustedes, aún sin que mi delegación 
hubiese presentado preguntas, pues Costa Rica sigue muy de cerca a Mauricio. Existen numerosos 
paralelismos entre nuestras economías, y los logros de Mauricio nos complacen enormemente, pues 
nos reafirma que los países en desarrollo tenemos la c apacidad y la voluntad para ejercer liderazgos 
sin importar nuestro tamaño.  
4.363.   Mauricio es una economía dinámica, diversificada y abierta. Es una democracia robusta, 
respaldada por instituciones sólidas y con políticas estatales coherentes, enfocadas en un 
crecimiento balanceado tanto en la diversificación económica como en la atracción de inversión 
extranjera.  
4.364.   Durante el período de evaluación, Mauricio mostró crecimientos importantes sobre todo en 
materia de servicios como el turismo. Evidentemente este fue i mpactado por la pandemia. No 
obstante, se prevé un repunte conforme se reinicien progresivamente los viajes al exterior. Costa 
Rica ve múltiples similitudes entre nuestra estrategia de desarrollo, y la estrategia de diversificación 
productiva basada en el comercio y la calidad del talento humano de Mauricio.  
4.365.   Al igual que Costa Rica, Mauricio se ha movido de una economía basada en el sector agrícola 
y textilero, a una basada en los servicios, especialmente los servicios financieros y de tecnologías 
de la in formación y comunicación. A esto se suma una estrategia agresiva de atracción de inversión 
extranjera como motor de la economía.  
4.366.   Por otro lado, nos llama la atención que, en el marco de los retos generados por un sector 
agrícola dual, Mauricio todavía apl ique subsidios a las exportaciones de algunos productos tropicales, 
área en la que sería importante que se inicie una transición gradual hacia subsidios desacoplados en 
concordancia con los compromisos asumidos en Nairobi en el 2015.  
4.367.   Quisiera destacar la p articipación de Mauricio en las diferentes iniciativas conjuntas. Su 
activa colaboración en Reglamentación Nacional y Comercio Electrónico, por ejemplo, confirma su 
rol como una economía creyente de la modernización de las reglas de la OMC e interesada en abordar 
temas de este siglo. Sin duda, Mauricio es una pequeña economía que trata de sacar el mejor 
provecho del sistema multilateral de comercio. En esa línea, nos complació ver la pronta ratificación 
del Acuerdo de Facilitación de Comercio en el 2015 y s u implementación plena en casi todas las 
áreas. Vemos positivamente el desarrollo de la plataforma de alerta sobre obstáculos al comercio y 
seguiremos con interés sus resultados.  
4.368.   En materia de sostenibilidad, felicitamos a Mauricio por aspirar a ser un paí s libre de plásticos 
al 2024. También por las acciones que ha tomado con miras a eliminar progresivamente el uso de 
combustibles fósiles y por su estrategia a nivel turístico de promocionar a Mauricio como un destino 
sin huella de carbono. Todas estas prác ticas lo colocan como un Miembro interesado y activo en la 
agenda ambiental en complemento con una reconocida agenda comercial. Por lo anterior, instamos 
a Mauricio a considerar incorporarse en las iniciativas de Comercio y Sostenibilidad Ambiental, 
Plásti cos y Reforma a los Subsidios a los Combustibles Fósiles, para que enriquezcan las 
conversaciones con su experiencia y pericia, en crear soluciones basadas en naturaleza. Es algo de 
lo que todos podemos aprender.  
4.369.   Concluyo estas cortas palabras agradeciendo  al ponente , Embajador Mailu, por su análisis, 
al equipo de la Secretaría por su acostumbrado trabajo de excelencia, y sobre todo deseándole a 
Mauricio un exitoso quinto  examen de política comercial y reiterándole la amistad y el compromiso 
de Costa Rica e n avanzar en los temas que más nos unen.   WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  GUATEMALA  
4.370.   En nombre de Guatemala, damos la más cordial bienvenida a la delegación de Mauricio, 
encabezada por el Excmo. Sr. Alan Ganoo, Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Integración Regional 
y Comercio Internacion al, así como a la Excma. Embajadora Usha Dwarka -Canabady, Representante 
Permanente de Mauricio ante la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas en Ginebra y a su equipo.  
4.371.   De igual forma, agradecemos a la Secretaría por el informe y análisis realizado para este 
exame n, así como al Excmo. Dr. Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu, Embajador y Representante Permanente de 
Kenia, por la interesante y completa visión analítica que compartió con nosotros esta mañana sobre 
el estatus de las políticas comerciales de Mauricio, en su calidad de  ponente.  
4.372.   Guatemala y Mauricio han mantenido una relación amistosa a lo largo de los años. Ésta se 
ha visto reflejada en el sólido acercamiento que nuestros países han forjado en el marco del Grupo 
de Economías Pequeñas y Vulnerables (EPV), dentro de la O MC.  A pesar de la distancia geográfica 
existente entre nuestros países, las conversaciones sostenidas en el seno de este grupo nos han 
permitido identificar con mayor profundidad las importantes características y retos que compartimos 
y en este sentido, u nificar esfuerzos hacia la búsqueda de soluciones conjuntas.  
4.373.   En relación con la evaluación que hoy nos concierne, es importante resaltar los resultados 
económicos positivos observados en Mauricio en el periodo de examen, dentro de las áreas de 
turismo, lo s servicios financieros, los servicios de tecnología de la información y las comunicaciones 
(TIC) y la construcción.  
4.374.   De acuerdo al informe de examen se destacan las estrategias implementadas por Mauricio 
con relación a la facilitación del comercio, el establecimiento del portal "Mauritius Trade Easy " en 
que se ofrece información sobre los procedimientos de importación y exportación y las cargas 
aplicables, incluidos los derechos de aduana y los impuestos locales, la reglamentación aplicable y 
los documentos de envío requeridos por línea arancelaria y por país.   
4.375.   Debido a su ubicación geográfica Mauricio, se ha convertido en una vía de redistribución de 
mercancías procedentes de Oriente Medio y Asía a los demás mercados africanos, es por ello que el 
Gobierno de Mauricio ha trabajado en buscar mecanismos que simplifiquen los procedimientos y 
controles de registro de las expo rtaciones en esta zona.  
4.376.   Cabe resaltar que Mauricio continúa trabajando en diversos planes de incentivos que 
contribuyan a la reactivación económica de su país, debido a situación mundial de la pandemia de 
COVID -19.  
4.377.   Para Mauricio la visión de la propiedad intelectual es fundament al para su desarrollo 
económico es por ello que dentro de su política comercial el Gobierno se ha planteado objetivos 
estratégicos que promuevan y fomente la innovación y los diversos sistemas de protección de la 
propiedad intelectual como herramienta clav e para mejorar el entorno empresarial . 
4.378.   Otro elemento clave dentro de su examen es el establecimiento de una política de 
competencia, con la cual esperan corregir todas aquellas acciones anticompetitivas y fortalecer el 
derecho de competencia.  
4.379.   Dentro de lo s retos identificados, cabe mencionar la importancia que reviste para Mauricio 
el continuar evaluando diversas vías para fortalecer su resistencia ante los cambios súbitos de la 
economía mundial, así como el continuar trabajando de manera proactiva en cada  una de las 
diversas estrategias que conforman su política comercial.  
4.380.   Guatemala reconoce los esfuerzos realizados por Mauricio durante el período evaluado en 
este informe y desea a la delegación que hoy los representa, una exitosa conclusión de su examen 
de políticas comerciales.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  CHILE  
4.381.   Saludamos a la delegación de Mauricio, encabezada por el Sr.  Alan Ganoo, Ministro de 
Relaciones Exteriores, Integración Regional y Comercio Internacional. Saludamos también a mi 
amiga la Embajadora Usha y a todo su equipo de la Misión Permanente de Mauricio en Ginebra .  
4.382.   Asimismo, quisiéramos reconocer el gran trabajo realizado tanto por la Secretaría como por 
Mauricio en la elaboración de los respectivos informes y felicitamos al ponente, Representante 
Permanente de Kenia , Sr. Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu.  
4.383.   Si bien Chile no presentó preguntas, en parte porque nuestro comercio bilateral no presenta 
cifras altas, quisimos hacernos presente en este proceso porque valoramos estos exámenes de 
política comercial y aunque se trate de un miembr o distante geográficamente, miramos con interés 
el desarrollo comercial que Mauricio ha desarrollado en los últimos años, reconociendo que la 
apertura al comercio y su larga tradición democrática e institucional, son los pilares de su éxito 
económico.  
4.384.   Quisiéramos destacar el desarrollo que ha logrado Mauricio en materia de servicios, en 
particular el turismo , de hecho, en Chile las islas Mauricio poco a poco se ha ido transformando en 
un destino para los recién casados. Pero también, son destacables los ser vicios financieros, los 
servicios de tecnología de la información y las comunicaciones (TIC). Su experiencia y capacidad 
logística , tanto a nivel interno como regional, así como su inserción en diferentes bloques regionales 
también son aspectos que cabe re saltar.  
4.385.   Chile, al no tener acuerdos de libre comercio con África, valora positivamente estos 
elementos y espera seguir estrechando lazos con Mauricio, reconociendo su potencial como 
plataforma para la inserción en el continente africano.  
4.386.   En el plano multil ateral, y particularmente en la OMC, Mauricio es un socio constructivo con 
quienes coincidimos en materias como el Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio de la OMC, el que 
ratificaron prontamente en 2015, y participamos conjuntamente en acuerdos plurilate rales (JSIs), 
tales como Reglamentación Nacional en la esfera de los Servicios y Facilitación de inversiones para 
el desarrollo.  En esta última iniciativa se valoran particularmente las propuestas y contribuciones 
presentadas y que reflejan la positiva ex periencia de Mauricio en la implementación de medidas que 
facilitan los flujos de inversión directa extranjera hacia el país.  
4.387.   Las iniciativas que ha implementado Mauricio en el último período y que se reflejan en este 
examen, tales como la Estrategia para África, que alienta a los empresarios mauricianos a invertir 
en otros países africanos; los Planes de incentivos a la IED , que se intensificaron con la crisis de la 
COVID -19; la licitación internacional abierta como principal método de contratación pública ; y la 
promulgación de la nueva Ley de Propiedad Industrial, son muestras de una economía activa y 
creativa.  
4.388.   Finalmente, no podemos dejar de resaltar el trabajo que está realizando Mauricio este año 
como coordinador del Grupo Africano. Si bien en más de un  tema tenemos visiones y posiciones 
diferentes, siempre hemos encontrado en la coordinación apertura a conversar y entendernos 
mutuamente.  Deseamos a Mauricio un exitoso quinto examen de sus políticas  comerciales.   
HONDURAS  
4.389.   Nos gustaría comenzar dando una cálida bienvenida a la delegación de Mauricio encabezada 
por el Sr. Alan Ganoo, Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores, Integración Regional y Comercio Internacional 
y agradecerles por su declaración y su informe.  Una vez más, nuest ro agradecimiento a usted 
Presidente, a la Secretaría por su esfuerzo y su importante contribución a este examen, y al ponente 
por sus valiosas observaciones.  
4.390.   En lo que concierne a los Informes examinados, nos complace observar el continuo 
compromiso de Ma uricio con los objetivos de la OMC y su voluntad de seguir con la labor de reforzar 
el sistema multilateral de comercio.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.391.   Observamos que durante el periodo objeto de examen, la economía de Mauricio continuó su 
proceso de transformación, en virtud del cual d eja de depender de sus principales industrias 
manufactureras para convertirse en una economía orientada a los servicios, en particular como 
puerta de entrada de las inversiones en África.  
4.392.   Notamos que, en el contexto de la desaceleración económica mundial, la economía de 
Mauricio obtuvo resultados relativamente buenos en 2019, con una expansión del PIB real del 3% y 
la mayor parte de los sectores económicos registraron un crecimiento positivo, excepto los textiles 
y el turismo, que se vieron afectados por la  desaceleración general a nivel mundial.  
4.393.   Durante el per iodo objeto de examen, observamos que los principales motores del 
crecimiento fueron los servicios, en particular el turismo, la construcción, los servicios financieros y 
los servicios de tecnología de  la información y comunicación.  
4.394.   No perdemos de vista que, en los últimos años, Mauricio ha realizado sus mejores esfuerzos 
por promulgar y modificar varias leyes sobre seguridad de datos, protección de la privacidad, 
derechos de propiedad intelectual y ci berseguridad, a fin de promover el crecimiento del sector de 
las TICs, cumpliendo con las mejores prácticas internacionales en esferas como ser las transacciones 
electrónicas, pagos electrónicos, datos gubernamentales abiertos y ciberseguridad.  
4.395.   Nos compla ce observar que Mauricio figura entre los países de desarrollo humano muy 
elevado y que Mauricio sigue obteniendo resultados relativamente buenos según el Índice de 
Percepción de la Corrupción de Transparencia International y participa desde junio de 2020 en el 
Foro Mundial de la OCDE sobre la Transparencia e Intercambio de Información con Fines Fiscales y 
su sistema tributario se ha sometido a varios exámenes por homólogos, obtenido la calificación de 
conforme.  
4.396.   Coincidimos con Mauricio que la pandemia de C OVID -19 refuerza la necesidad de adoptar 
medidas colectivas para abordar tanto la dimensión sanitaria como sus consecuencias económicas, 
por lo que, la función que realicemos en este foro tiene un papel importante en el garantizar el 
acceso de todos a las vacunas contra la COVID -19 sobre la base del principio de la no discriminación.  
4.397.   Finalmente, observamos que de conformidad con los informes examinados se colige que la 
apertura al comercio, su larga tradición de democracia parlamentaria, su buena gobernanza, sus 
sólidas instituciones y su libertad política han sido algunas de las razon es de su éxito económico, 
por lo que no nos resta más que desearles el mayor de los éxitos en la presentación de su quinto 
examen de las políticas comerciales.  
BRUNEI  DARUSSALAM  
4.398.   Brunei Darussalam expresses a warm welcome to the Honourable  Mr Alan Ganoo, Mi nister 
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 Secretariat and thank them for thei r 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.  
4.399.   Brunei Darussalam and Mauritius established 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 economy.  
4.400.   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 forec asted for 2021 
is still set to increase by between 5 -7% (with some uncertainty, again due to the pandemic).  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.401.   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, investme nt 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 
189 countries in 2014 to 13th out of 190 countries in 2020, and we congratulate them on this 
achievement.  
4.402.   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 tr ade 
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.  
4.403.   Mauritius also continues to be an active member of the 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.  
4.404.   This is particularly notable bearing in mind the challenges that Mauritius faces as a Small 
Island Developing State, particularly during this current crisis.  
4.405.   On this note, we would like to commend the work of H.E. Mrs Usha Dwarka -Canabady and 
her team in the Permanent Mission.  
4.406.   Both Mauritius and Br unei 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 the multilateral trading system and to the obje ctives of the 
WTO.  
4.407.   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 . 
PANAMÁ  
4.408.   Deseo ante todo saludar y felicitar atentamente a l Excmo. Alan Ganoo, M inistro de 
Relaciones Exteriores, Integración Regional y Comercio Internacional de Mauricio, y a toda la 
delegación mauriciana por su destacada preparación en su quinto examen de políticas comerciales.   
4.409.   A su vez, deseo agradecer a l Embajador  Cleopla Mailu de Kenia, Ponente en este examen, 
por sus comentarios introductorios tan esclarecedores que nos ayudan a evaluar las políticas 
comerciales de Mauricio y el panorama que le avecina. Además, agradezco a la Secretaría por 
preparar los respectivos reportes.  
4.410.   Felicitamos a Mauricio por lograr una transformación importante de su economía en solo tres 
décadas, pasando de ser una economía de monocultivo a una economía diversificada con distintos 
sectores que aportan a la economía: el sector de servicios , especialmen te el turismo y servicios 
financieros, la industria textil, los productos de mar, entre otros.  
4.411.   Como resultado de estos esfuerzos, antes de la pandemia de la COVID -19, el crecimiento 
medio del PIB de Mauricio fue de 3,5% anual . Gracias a ello, en el 2020 el Banco Mundial clasificó a 
Mauricio como un país de ingresos altos, por un aumento del 5 ,1% con respecto al 2018, cifras muy 
impresionantes que merecen reconocimiento, especialmente para un pequeño estado insular en 
desarroll o.  
4.412.   Como a muchos otros Miembros, incluyendo mi propio país, la pandemia COVID -19 provocó 
pérdidas importantes en la mayoría de los sectores productivos de Mauricio, tal y como lo expuso el 
Embajador Mailu en sus comentarios iniciales. Es por esto que nos complace conocer de la puesta 
en marcha de una serie de medidas para mitigar los efectos negativos de la pandemia. 
Específicamente, nos gustaría conocer ¿cómo planea Mauricio apoyar al sector de las mipymes para 
ayudarlos a mantenerse a flote durante este periodo?  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.413.   Nos llama poderosamente la atención los planes de Mauricio para potenciar la "economía 
azul" y fomentar aprovechamiento del potencial económico del océano, esbozada en su plan 
gubernamental denominado "Visión 2030 ". La estrategia consiste en traba jar en la consolidación de 
las actividades tradicionales, pero también desarrollar otras nuevas, como la acuicultura, servicios 
marítimos, biotecnología marítima, entre otros. En ese sentido, será interesante dar seguimiento a 
la labor del recién creado Mi nisterio de Economía Azul, Recursos Marinos, Pesca y Transporte 
Marítimo, por todo el potencial que representa este sector para Mauricio y demás países con 
características geográficas similares.  
4.414.   Mauricio es importador neto de alimentos. Importa más del 75 % de sus alimentos, y la 
diferencia entre producción y consumo se ha ido ampliando durante los últimos cinco años. Notamos 
con preocupación que la política agrícola orientada hacia la autosuficiencia no ha dado los resultados 
previstos. Actualmente, Mauric io solo es autosuficiente en la producción de hortalizas frescas, aves 
de corral y huevos. Seguiremos también con interés las diversas políticas adoptadas con miras a 
atender esta situación.  
4.415.   Esperamos que las medidas descritas, y otras puedan contribuir a la consecución de las 
actuales previsiones para el 2021, de un aumento del PIB real entre 5 y 7%.  
4.416.   Queremos felicitar a Mauricio por su activa participación en el sistema multilateral de 
comercio. Han demostrado un liderazgo proactivo y capaz en la Coordina ción del Grupo Africano en 
las negociaciones en curso de subsidios a la pesca. Su participación altamente visible en otros 
preparativos para la doceava conferencia ministerial es también remarcable.  
4.417.   Finalmente, Señora Presidente, le deseamos éxito a Mauric io en este examen y deseamos 
destacar la admirable gestión de su delegación en Ginebra encabezada por la Embajadora  Usha 
Dwarka -Canabady.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.418.   I would like to thank the delegation of Mauritius for preparing this Review. My special thanks 
go as well to Ambassador Dr Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu for his insightful contribution and to the Secretariat 
for its informative report.  
4.419.   Korea and Mauritius have enjoyed an excellent economic relationship over the years. Despite 
some fluctuations, trade activities b etween Korea and Mauritius have increased steadily.  
4.420.   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 respec tive competitive advantage.  
4.421.   We note that Mauritius achieved a steady economic growth between 2014 and 2019, by 
about 3.6% annually 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 normal path of growth 
soon.  
4.422.   Korea highly commends Mauritius ' openness to trade, which has functioned as one of the 
reasons f or its economic success. Even though Mauritius is a small island with a small population, 
its liberalization reforms have made full use 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, together 
with good governance and a strong institution, Mauritius is enjoying the numerous economic benefits 
of the free trade s ystem. Mauritius is one of the good examples of why a country needs to pursue 
an open system and why WTO exists and continuously needs go forward towards a free trade system.  
4.423.   We also notice that Mauritius ' recent economic growth is attributed to the servic e sector. 
This is a good sign for a resilient economy. The competition for cost reduction in the global 
manufacturing sector has become fiercer and will continue to be so as countries with strong WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  competitiveness in the manufacturing area are constantly eme rging due to their integration into the 
free trade system and the flow of global investment. Mauritius has actively participated in the JSI 
negotiations on services domestic regulation. If this regulation is implemented after MC12, it will 
enjoy more trans parency and predictability in the global service market.  
4.424.   Korea appreciates Mauritius ' efforts for the multilateral trade system in the 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 compe titiveness 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 
policy objectives of Mauritius. But the long -term effects from those measures need to be considered 
in a balanced manner.  
4.425.   We wish Mauritius a successful Review.  
MOZAMBIQUE  
4.426.   At the outset, my d elegation woul d 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.  
4.427.   Allow m e Chair, to congratulate you in our role as Chairperson and congratulate the 
Governmen t 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 and updates 
concerning developments in Mauritius' policies. Reforms undertaken and in progress by Mauritius 
Government , since the last Trade Policy R eview.  
4.428.   We thank very much H.E. Dr Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu, Ambassador of Kenya, who in his role of 
discuss ant, provided Members a detailed analysis on the economic and broader reform policies 
undertaken by Mauritius Government, since the las TPR.  
4.429.   As indicate d in the reports and also referred to by the Minister in his presentation, after the 
last TPR, the 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 improvements in several areas of the 
economic development.  
4.430.   The reforms enabled substantial advancement and development achievements that are 
historic and remarkable adva ncing a new stage to which Mauritius, committed to follow new vision 
of development and a more open 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.  
4.431.   We commend the Government  for its determination to continue reforms modernization that 
firmly contribute to safeguard the multilateral trading system and oppose protectionist trends, thus, 
contributing for promotion of a mor e open trade.  
4.432.   The government's  vision of development as well as its engagement, based on the undertaken 
economic policies and other relevant reforms, is leading the country to a successful promotion of 
development, through diversification of production, in vestment, more job creation, strengthening of 
small and medium enterprises.  
4.433.   Mauritius and Mozambique 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 belong 
to SADC, Africa Continental Free Trade Area, and OACP. In 2019 both renewed their strong 
commitment into deepening the existing bilateral and economic ties; e nhance engagement in Africa 
through the signing of three MOUs  related to: environment; tourism; and establishment of an 
Economic Development Board.   WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.434.   Mauritius investment is present in some of the Mozambique sectors such as logistics, agri -
business, textile s, manufacturing and ICT and more other are envisaged as new possible sectors 
including fisheries; these, just to mention a few.  
4.435.   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 Mauritius has for long been encouraging its companies to invest in 
Mozambique, in view to contribute for development.  
4.436.   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.  
4.437.   Despite recognizing that challenges are many, we are very encouraged by the progresses 
being attained, despite COVID -19 pandemic disease.  
4.438.   We would be remiss if not use this opportunity to express our gratitude for the commendable 
work tha t in a tireless manner, has been carried out by H.E. Usha Canabadi, 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 African Group on the WTO matte rs. 
4.439.   To conclude, we wish Mauritius a successful Trade Policy Review.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA   
4.440.   Let me start by  joining others 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 to acknowledge my 
delegation's appreciation to the Secretariat for the effort in drafting this report.  
4.441.   As a general remark, it is a pleasure to note that  two decades 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 par tners.  
4.442.   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' econom y has been able to obtain in the 
last decade.  
4.443.   We also commend Mauritius for its efforts to pursue 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 Mechanism platform . 
4.444.   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 c lothing, towards a service -oriented economy . 
4.445.   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, a nd construction.  We encourage Mauritius' authorities to further implement policies 
and tools oriented towards further liberalization and development of the services sector.  
4.446.   On a different note, we mention that  unfortunately since the COVID -19 pandemic has 
reinforced the tendency towards greater state involvement in the economy, mainly in industries 
considered critical to the national interest, therefore we encourage Mauritius to reconsider such 
protectionist te ndencies, 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.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.447.   On the bilateral lev el, Moldova and Mauritius registered very modest trade flows. However, 
our institutions stand ready to cooperate and strengthen our cooperation in the main sectors of 
interest.  
4.448.   On a positive mode, we are very pleased to mention that despite a small delegat ion, 
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 Organization , and we further encourage Mauritius to ensure the 
continuity in the submission of the WTO notifications setting a commendable example for peer 
countries.  
4.449.   To conclude, I commend Mauritius' delegation participation and contributions to the WTO 
work under th e 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  
4.450.   Uruguay desea brindar la más calurosa bienvenida a la delegación de Mauric io, encabezada 
por el Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Integración Regional y Comercio Internacional, Sr. Alan 
Ganoo, en oportunidad del quinto examen de sus políticas comerciales. Agradecemos el notable 
trabajo realizado tanto por la Secretaría como por Mauricio en la elaboración de los respectivos 
informes y felicitamos al Embajador Mailu por su informe de alta calidad.  
4.451.   Por otra parte, me permito reconocer el compromiso de Mauricio con el sistema multilateral 
de comercio que se ve reflejado en el destaca do liderazgo de la Embajadora Dwarka -Canabady y su 
equipo en los trabajos de la OMC.  
4.452.   Uruguay desea felicitar a Mauricio por sus esfuerzos continuos en transformar su economía 
para convertirse en una economía orientada a los servicios, en particular como pu erta de entrada 
de las inversiones en África.  Asimismo, notamos con satisfacción que el régimen de capital abierto 
y su creciente importancia como centro internacional de inversiones, junto con los tratados suscritos 
para evitar la doble imposición, han co ntribuido al desarrollo de sus servicios financieros.  
4.453.   Mauricio y Uruguay coinciden en el gran valor atribuido a la OMC y la función central de la 
misma en el sistema multilateral de comercio basado en normas, así como en la necesidad de 
alcanzar resultados  significativos en la Duodécima Conferencia Ministerial. Ambos reconocemos que 
apoyar y contribuir al sistema multilateral de comercio, mejorar la cooperación comercial y promover 
una política comercial inclusiva y sostenible será clave para navegar en el panorama económico 
posterior a la pandemia.  
4.454.   Asimismo, me permito reconocer el liderazgo de Mauricio en las discusiones del Grupo de 
Mipymes por acercar propuestas y sugerencias nutriendo la agenda y los trabajos del Grupo. 
Alentamos a Mauricio a que copatr ocine la Declaración Ministerial de Mipymes y forme parte como 
Miembro del Grupo Mipymes.  
4.455.   Para finalizar, quisiéramos reiterar nuestra apreciación por este nuevo ejercicio de 
intercambio sobre las prácticas comerciales de Mauricio, y esperamos seguir coope rando en todos 
los frentes: bilateral, regional y aquí en la OMC. Gracias y mis mejores deseos para un examen 
exitoso.  
FIJI ON BEHALF  OF THE PACIFIC  GROUP  
4.456.   I make this statement on behalf of the Pacific Group and wish to align ourselves with the 
ACP Group s tatement.  The Pacific Group warmly welcomes you Honourable  Alan Ganoo, Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, and his delegation to this Trade Policy 
Review.   
4.457.   The Pacific Group also acknowledges the two comprehensive r eports by the Secretariat and 
the Government of Mauritius. The Pacific Group especially thanks Mauritius for the high -quality 
report provided by the Government for this TPR and the excellent presentation made to Members WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  this morning on Mauritius national t rade policy.  We also thank the Ambassador of Kenya for the 
analysis of the Mauritius trade policy.  
4.458.    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 importa nt role played by H .E. Ambassador 
Usha Canabady  in this regard.  
4.459.   As small island developing states the Pacific Group shares many similarities 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 
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 li ke the ongoing global pandemic.  
4.460.   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 Membe rs like us.   
4.461.   The Pacific Group commends Mauritius for the high level of implementation of its WTO 
obligations including its notifications, the successful implementation of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and the various trade reforms that has been implem enting. 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.   
4.462.   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 an d the blue 
economy, as well as, to diversify its markets through bilateral and regional trade agreements noting 
that four of its trade agreements will enter into force this year.   
4.463.   The WTO must play its part in providing the necessary tools to assist Mauritius successfu lly 
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.  
4.464.   As Members that share common interests and challenges, we look forward to m aintaining t 
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 
4.465.   Fiji welcome s 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.  
4.466.   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 governance which is why 
Fiji committed to sign an MOU with Mauritius in 2014 between Investment Fiji and the Mauritian 
Bureau of Invest ments which allowed closer collaboration between our two countries on investment 
initiatives.   
4.467.   Most notably, the detailed report by Mauritius shows how vulnerable, small islands are in 
the phase of the COVID -19 pandemic, climate change and natural disaste rs 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.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.468.   In view of Mauritius smallness in economic size and eco nomy of scale, they vested heavily 
on a wide range of sectors to drive the economy from service, textiles, business, professional and 
technical services and is diversified even towards competitive niches in the service sector.  
4.469.   In addition, its reform to f acilitate easier access to doing business as indicated in the report 
supported by the World Bank is a class on its own. The wide range 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.  
4.470.   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. Mauritius has even adopted meaningful and strategic structural 
reforms as presented by the delegation in this evolving gl obal 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.  
4.471.   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 examined 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.  
4.472.   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 
econo mies to recover efficiently from the pandemic.  
4.473.   Finally, we congratulate Ambassador Usha Canabady and her solid team in Geneva 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  
4.474.   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.  
4.475.   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 d elegation to this Trade Policy Review session.  
4.476.   We further wish to thank H.E. Ambassador Usha Canabady, our able African Group 
Coordinator on WTO matters and her team for all their efforts and hard work.  In addition, we thank 
H.E. Ambassador Dr Cleopa Mai lu of Kenya for his insightful comments as the discussant.  
4.477.   Mauritius being a Member of SADC, shares a common vision with Namibia, towards trade 
and services and the enhancement of cross border investment in major areas identified under the 
SADC Regional In dicative Strategic Development Plan for 2020 –2030.    
4.478.   The efforts by Mauritius on trade liberalization under its trade and investment regime are 
commendable; efforts are evidently visible through its tariff reduction commitments with a view to 
achieve econ omic objectives of the World Trade Organisation by boosting trade and investment as 
well as expanding market access under AfCFTA. We also applaud Mauritius for being a leader in our 
SADC region in the sectors of ICT, financial services , and tourism.  
4.479.   We not e the structural reforms implemented since the previous Review, which includes 
amongst others re -alignment of the Customs Tariff Schedule to the World Customs Organisation HS WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  2017 version as well as the successful implementation of the online import and ex port permit system 
are commendable achievements.  
4.480.   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  
4.481.   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 
Integration and Inter national Trade. We wish to thank the Secretariat for their comprehensive report 
and to express our appreciation to the Chair for the excellent Introductory remarks. We also 
commend the discussant, H.E. Ambassador, Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu from Kenya for his in sightful 
comments.  
4.482.   Let me also, at the outset, thank H.E. Ambassador, Usha Dwarka -Canabady, Permanent 
Representative of Mauritius, Geneva, 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.   
4.483.   We note in the report, that Mauritius is one of the most economically affected countries in 
the world due 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 comm end Mauritius for the various measures 
put in place to mitigate the impact of COVID -19 on Mauritius economy and population.  
4.484.   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 textil e and apparel industry. We appreciate Mauritius steadfast commitment towards the 
improvement in its ease of doing business ranking from 20th to 13th position worldwide and 1st 
position in Africa.  
4.485.   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 hygiene stamp of approval for safety 
protocols by the World Touri sm 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 maritime sector with the setting up of Maritime Single Windo w.  
4.486.   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 include participation in the joint statement initiatives on e lectronic commerce, investment 
facilitation for development, the discussions on MSMEs, the discussions on Services Domestic 
Regulations, the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), Trade in Services 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.   
4.487.   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 trade.  
4.488.   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 openness 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.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.489.   To conclude, N igeria 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  
4.490.   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.  
4.491.   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 World Bank in July 2020.  
4.492.   We applaud Mauritius and the WTO Se cretariat 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.  
4.493.   We applaud Mauritius for the ambitious reform agenda it has unde rtaken to improve its trade 
and business environment resulting in its classifications as a high -income country by the World Bank 
in July 2020.  
4.494.   We note with keen interest that Mauritius has successfully transformed its economy away 
from its main manufacturing industries towards a service -oriented economy.  
4.495.   We appreciate Mauritius introduction of an Africa Strategy to encourage Mauritian 
entrepreneurs to invest in other African countries is highly commendable as we move towards the 
implementation of  the African Continental Free Trade Area.  
4.496.   Here in Geneva, Mauritius under the brilliant leadership of our Sister Excellency Ambassador 
Usha Canaby and delegation plays an active and thoughtful leadership role in the WTO ecosystem 
as Coordinator of the Afri can Group and in bilateral engagements with our delegation and other 
delegations.  
4.497.   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.  
4.498.   We note 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 relentles s efforts, commitment and thoughtful voice for 
multilateralism.  
4.499.   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 ec onomy and services.  
4.500.   We applaud Mauritius in its efforts to brake trade barriers, putting in place smart reforms 
and trade policy regimes as captures in the Review.  
4.501.   We take note with keen interest in Mauritius pragmatic regulatory frameworks, digitalisation s 
transformation efforts, stepping u p 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 capabi lities.  
4.502.   My delegation welcomed opportunities 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 intero perable digital trade platforms and services, 
e-commerce infrastructure and services, FinTech, innovative and affordable solutions to connectivity WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  challenges, cyber security capabilities and deployment, e -enable supply chains, AgTech, digital 
heath, and vi rtual education.  
4.503.   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 for scaling up of the 
appropriate and much needed capacity, competencies in emerging technologies and talent.  
4.504.   Finally, my delegation looks forward to deepening our bilateral relationships with Mauritius 
on areas of mutual int erest, and to continue our collective 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.  
BANGLADESH  
4.505.   At the outset, the Bangladesh delegation welco mes 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 insightful discussions. Our sincere appreciation also goes to 
the Government of Mauritius and to the WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive reports.  
4.506.   As one of the friendly countries, Bangladesh is delighted to note the great strides a nd 
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.  
4.507.   The report states  about two decades of liberalization reforms have transformed Mauritius 
into an almost duty-free economy. Its openness to trade has been one of the reasons behind its 
economic success.  
4.508.   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.  
4.509.   We are pleased to note that the Govern ment of Mauritius pursued ambitious reform agenda 
to improve the trade, investment, and business environment, and invested massively in 
infrastructure development. The reform has resulted in a substantial improvement in the case of the 
Doing Business ranki ng from 20th in 2014 to 13th position in the world in 2019.  
4.510.   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 ha s emphasized more on trade in services.  
4.511.   We congratulate the Government, the people of Mauritius for the country being classified 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.  
4.512.   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 
Commi ssion in Port Louis has also contributed 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.  
4.513.   Bangladesh consid ers Mauritius as a like -minded country, sharing common views on various 
international issues. The two countries are members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the 
Commonwealth of Nations.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.514.   Though trade volume between the two countries is not significan tly large, Mauritius' exports 
to Bangladesh stand at USD  15.69 million and imports from Bangladesh USD  11.21 million during 
2020. It has the potential to grow considerably.  
4.515.   Our willingness to enhance economic cooperation is well reflected in signing an MOU  between 
our two countries not too long ago.  
4.516.   Mauritius is a host country of a sizable Bangladeshi migrant work force, including women 
work force.  
4.517.   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.  
4.518.   To conclude, we wish the delegation of Mauritius a productive and successful TPR. My 
delegation will continue to work c losely with the Mauritius delegation, led by Ambassador Usha 
Dwarka -Canabady, to strengthen the multilateral 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  
4.519.   The delegation of the U nited Republic 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.  
4.520.   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 th e 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 th e planned  cycle.  
4.521.   The del egation 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 Community, 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 has elucidated more our understanding of the 
trade policy under the review.  
4.522.   Further, we apprecia te 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.  
4.523.   The United Republic of Tanzania commends 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 a nd investment to thrive in the country.  
4.524.   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 liberalized ec onomies in Africa and in the world. It has done so to foster economic 
growth and improve the welfare of its citizens.  
4.525.   For a number of years, especially before COVID -19 pandemic, Mauritius' services sector, and 
particularly tourism, has been the best perfor mer in Africa. Secondly, with the determination and 
zeal of the Mauritian Government, the sector will return to its prosperity as COVID -19 diminishes.  
4.526.   Mauritius, as a fellow  member State of the Southern African 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.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  4.527.   Both countries are takin g considerable efforts to link the private sector and businesses of 
the two brotherly countries with the view to boost trade and investment cooperation.  
4.528.   Tanzania would like to encourage the Government of Mauritius to continue with efforts of 
bringing back  its country's economic growth to the levels which were maintained prior to the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.529.   However, as mentioned by the Honourable Minister this morning, our efforts will certainly 
need to be complemented in various formats from support of other pa rtners.  
4.530.   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 tw o brotherly countries. With these brief 
remarks, the delegation of the United Republic of Tanzania, once again, wishes the delegation of 
Mauritius a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
BURKINA  FASO  
4.531.   Le Burkina Faso souhaite la cordiale bienvenue à la dist inguée délégation de haut niveau de 
Maurice, conduite par l'Honorable Alan Ganoo, Ministre des Affaires étrangères, de l 'intégration 
régionale et du commerce international, et la remercie de la présentation de son rapport national.  
4.532.   Ce rapport exhaustif qui  montre les efforts consentis par le Gouvernement Mauricien pour 
améliorer son environnement juridique et institutionnel, en vue de le rendre davantage propice à 
l'investissement et aux échanges commerciaux bilatéraux, régionaux et internationaux, a le ple in 
soutien de ma délégation.  
4.533.   A titre illustratif, le Burkina Faso note avec satisfaction qu 'en ce qui concerne le climat de 
l'investissement et de la simplification des procédures réglementaires, Maurice occupe le premier 
rang au plan africain. Il salue c ette performance de et l 'encourage dans cette dynamique.  
4.534.   Le Burkina Faso note cependant que le tourisme, qui constitue l 'un des secteurs porteurs sur 
lesquels repose l 'économie du pays a été durement impacté par la crise sanitaire de la COVID -19. 
En effet,  avec l 'avènement de la pandémie, les arrivées de touristes et les recettes du tourisme ont 
chuté en 2020, la contraction du sous -secteur des services d 'hébergement et de restauration étant 
estimée à 66% la même année. Quant au PIB réel, il a enregistré un e baisse de 14 ,9% en 2020.  
4.535.   Malgré ce choc exogène, le pays est resté résilient grâce à l 'adoption de mesures idoines 
pour faire face à la crise et pour relancer son économie. Ma délégation voudrait saluer ces 
performances et encourager Maurice dans sa dyna mique de relance post COVID -19.  
4.536.   Le Burkina Faso voudrait par ailleurs saluer l 'engagement soutenu de Maurice dans le 
système commercial multilatéral de l 'OMC, à travers notamment les différentes responsabilités que 
le pays a occupées et occupe actuellemen t dans les instances de cette organisation. Il salue en 
particulier le leadership de S.E. Mme Usha Dwarka -Canabady, coordinatrice des positions du Groupe 
africain au sein de l 'OMC.  
4.537.   Enfin, le Burkina Faso remercie le Secrétariat de l 'OMC pour l 'organisation  de cette session 
et la préparation des documents de travail, et se félicite de la présentation exhaustive faite par 
l'Ambassadrice du Kenya pour éclairer les membres sur le régime commercial de Maurice.  
4.538.   Pour terminer, le Burkina Faso émet le vœu que Mauri ce tire le meilleur profit possible de 
cet exercice et lui souhaite plein succès dans le cadre son examen.  
GHANA  
4.539.   At the outset, Ghana j oins others in congratulate Mauritius on its third Trade Policy Review, 
we also welcome the delegation of Mauritius led by Honourable Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, to Geneva. My delegation further ex presses WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  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.  
4.540.   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 average. However, due to the pandemic, the Mauritian economy was severely affected: the 
GDP contracted by 14.9% in 2020 while public s ector gross  debts reached 84.3% of GDP at the end 
of December 2020.  
4.541.   Ghana further takes note and commends the Mauritian Government for the pursuit of an 
ambitious reform agenda to improve the trade, investment, and business environment by massively 
investi ng 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.  
4.542.   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 clothing, 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 . 
4.543.   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 Community 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 . 
4.544.   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, embarked on a new chapter of cooperation with the signing of a Double Taxation Avoidance 
Agreement in 2017. The Agreement was signed by the Mauritian Prime 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.  
4.545.   Other areas of cooperation included the setting -up of a Joint Trade and Investment 
Committee, the conclusion of the MOU between the Mauritius Chambe r of Commerce and Industry 
and that of Ghana for the setting -up a Business Council, the ICT sector, the handicraft 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.  
4.546.   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 revie w. 
  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 also place on record our thanks a nd 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 that Mauritius has made signific ant 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 currently stands at 70%.  
5.3.  We also appre ciate 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 t he 
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. Unemployme nt rate 
increased to 9.2% from 6.7% in 2019. The current account deficit soared to MUR 54.4 billion  (12.7% 
of GDP) in 2020 compared to MUR 25.7 billion (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 developing country, it has no option 
than to pursue an open economy policy and t o 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 disburse to mitigate the 
impact of the pandemic stands at 32% of GDP, and acco rding 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 going 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 population 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 'Economie was unveiled 
in the 2020 -2021 Budget Speech. Our strategy on economic recovery an d 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 confidence.  
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; diversifying the "blue economy " value -chain; 
building a strong biomedical and phar maceutical 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 als o 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/W/ 200 
 
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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 initiatives 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 in vestment 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 coo peration 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 worldwid e.   
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 internal Market, limited factor 
endowment such as availability of raw materials and produc tion inputs, and the tyranny of distance 
from our main markets.  In these circumstances, it is important for the Government to attract 
investments through support measures.  These support measures are granted on a non -
discriminatory basis, in compliance wi th international standards.  
5.19.   In terms of our notification obligations, it is confirmed from the Secretariat report that 
Mauritius has been fulfilling its notification requirements on a regular basis.   
5.20.   Questions received from WTO Members also referred to th e 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 Mauritius Institute of Directors to improve corporate governance ; 
and its procurement pro cedures 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 procurement 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 matters, 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 n ot previously covered such as 
Geographical Indications and new plant varieties.  We are thankful to the EU for providing assistance WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  to build the capacity of our officers.  This will no doubt contribute in further improving our ranking 
in the Global Innovat ion 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 ne w 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 Government 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 (T INNS) for 
women entrepreneurs.  
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 good s 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 commitments 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 ser vices.  We are 
in favour of an ambitions 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 possibility 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 Maur itius is open to negotiate comprehensive 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 t his 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 He ritage 
Foundation.  
5.36.   Before concluding, 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 quest ions 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 w ork 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 
technically feasible, and taking into account security and confidentiality aspects.  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  DISCUSSANT  
5.38.   I wish to take this opportunity  to, once again, commend the delegation 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 commentaries 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 conc lusions from the discussions.  
5.40.   First, it is apparent that the COVID -19 pandemic has reversed 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, but 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 -Canabady, 
the Permanent Representative and her team of dedicated experts for steering the African Group 
during this challenging period at the multilateral trading system, charac terized by the C OVID -19 
pandemic and protracted negotiations even as we prepare for the 12th 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 trans formation 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 to 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 econ omic 
growth, social inclusion, and well -being for our peoples.  
5.45.   I would like to conclude 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 g iving 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 Acti on 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/W/ 200 
 
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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 Initiative. The UK and Mauritius both recognise the 
clear p ositive 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 provid ed 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  would 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. Th e 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 the 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 recognized 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 welcome 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 multilateral and 
plurilateral work. We encourage Mauriti us 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 delegat ion 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.  This fifth Trade Policy Review of Mauritius has off ered a unique framework for discussion 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 Mailu, 
as well as valuable interventions by Members, have contributed to the success of this two -day 
meeting.  
6.2.  I would like to express my appreciation to the high -level delegation of Maurit ius, 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. My gratitude also goes to our discussant and t o 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, with 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, i ncluding lockdowns and closures of businesses and borders, its GDP declined by 
15% in 2020.  
6.5.  Therefore, Members asked about Mauritius' COVID -19 Recovery Programme and expressed the 
hope that an expected good performance by the tourism industry, with the re sumption of foreign 
travel, would contribute to the recovery of the economy.  
6.6.  They sought information about Mauritius' tax policies and practices in its "Global Business" 
sector that dominates its financial services, and about actions to harness the potent ial 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 China, 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. Questio ns 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 Members praised Mauritius for having r emoved 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 implemented the Trade Facilitation Agr eement, 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, equipment 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 schemes, as well as the new Export Cre dit Insurance Scheme. Regarding SPS WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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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 implementation of the new Industrial Property 
Act; and about plans to join WIPO treaties and the International Convention f or the Protection of 
New Varieties of Plants. Some asked for information on seized counterfeit goods, and on measures 
against Internet piracy.   
6.12.   Much interest was expressed in Mauritius' agriculture and fisheries policies. Questions focused 
on the governme nt's recent strategy to increase self -sufficiency; the National Agri -Food 
Development Programme; the Agricultural Marketing Board's operations; 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 its services sector and suggested 
that its GATS commitment be upgraded.  They asked about incentives for services provide rs, 
including financial technology companies; about the openness of port operations to foreign entities; 
about market access in airport ground handling services; and whether an economic needs test is 
required for foreign telecom providers. Finally, interes t 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. I encourage Mauritius 
to reflect on Members' suggestions and concerns while formulating its coming reforms. This will 
surely strengthen its recovery pr ospects.   
6.15.   Members appreciated the oral and written responses provided by the Mauritian delegation to 
their questions and look forward to receiving further written responses to any outstanding and follow 
up questions within one month. This successfully con cludes this Trade Policy Review of Mauritius.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 200 
 
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  7  ADOPTION OF TPRB'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 202 1 
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 e nd of this year, which is 527 
instead of 526. I assure Members that the Secretariat will correct this in the final 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 your participation and please note 
that the next meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body will be held on 17 and 1 9 November , when 
the TPRB will discu ss the TPR of Oman . 
 
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