RESTRICTED  
  
WT/ACC/SYC/63  
 
23 October 2014  
(14-6145)  Page: 1/10  
Working Party on the Accession of the Republic of 
Seychelles  Original: English  
 
 ACCESSION OF SEYCHELLES 
SUMMARY OF THE SEVENTH AND FINAL MEETING OF THE WORKING PARTY 
This document is the record of the proceedings at the Seventh and Final Meeting of the Working 
Party on the Accession of the Republic of Seychelles held on 17 October 2014. 
 
_______________ 
 WT/ACC/SYC/63 
 
- 2 - 
 
  1  OPENING STATEMENTS 
1. The Chairperson of the Working Party (WP) on the Accession of the Republic of Seychelles 
(Ms Hilda Ali Al-Hinai, Oman) called to order the Seventh meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of the Republic of Seychelles.  She said that, as set out in Airgram WTO/AIR/4361 of 
3 October 2014, the purpose of the Seventh an d Final Meeting of the Working Party was to 
consider the entire draft Accession Package of Seychelles for adoption, ad referendum,  and 
transmission to the General Counc il for formal approval.     
2. In accordance with standard accession practice, the Chairperson proposed that the 
meeting would take place in formal and informal settings.  The Seventh Meeting would start off, 
formally, and the representative of the Acceding  Government and Members of the Working Party 
would be invited to make statements for the record.  After these statements, the formal session 
would be suspended and the meeting would continue informally.  In the informal setting, the 
Working Party would review and consider the draft Accession Package of Seychelles.  Following the 
consideration of the draft Accession Package in the informal setting, the Seventh Meeting of the 
Working Party would resume in formal session to consider for adoption, by consensus and 
ad referendum , the draft Accession Package of Seychelles.   
3. It was so agreed .   
2  FORMAL SESSION OF THE WORKING PARTY  
4. The representative of the Acceding Government (H.E. Minister Pierre Laporte, Ministry of 
Finance, Trade and Investment), in his opening statement, conveyed the sincere appreciation of the Government of Seychelles to the WP Chairperson, the WTO Director-General and the 
Secretariat team for the efforts in finalizing the draft Accession Package of Seychelles.   
5. Minister Laporte recalled that it had been 19 years since his Government first submitted its 
application to join the WTO, and almost four years since the WP Chairperson had convened the 
second WP meeting in 2010 - effectively resuming Seychelles' accession process.  Since that 
WP meeting and the initial visit to Seychelles by th e WP Chairperson, assisted by the Director of 
the WTO Accessions Division, significant progress had been registered.  He noted that although the 
basic requirements were in place to resume Seychelles' accession negotiations, the Government of 
Seychelles had recognized that significant work was required to bring Seychelles' regulatory framework into conformity with WTO rules.   
6. Minister Laporte recalled that, at the time, he had just been designated Minister of 
Finance, Trade and Investment.  Seychelles' WTO accession had to be completed for a range of 
reasons.  His Government had decided to resume  and pursue WTO accession negotiations because 
of the benefits that WTO membership would bring to the economy and the people of Seychelles.  
Over the course of the past six years, Seychelles' trade regime, notably the laws, regulations and 
other institutional set-ups, had been significantly modernized and upgraded to the level of international standards and best practices.  
7. Since the last WP Meeting in July 2014, Seychelles had concluded its last remaining 
bilateral market access negotiations - with the United States of America.  Minister Laporte specifically thanked Ambassador Punke, Permanent Representative of the United States to the 
WTO, and his team for their hard work and inva luable support.  He acknowledged the flexibility 
accorded to Seychelles during these bilateral nego tiations, which were key to reaching a successful 
conclusion.   
8. Minister Laporte conveyed the appreciation  of the Government and the People of 
Seychelles to: Canada; the Member-States of the European Union; Japan; Mauritius; Oman; 
Thailand; South Africa; Switzerland; and the United States of America.  Seychelles had negotiated bilateral market access agreements with these WTO Members.  He thanked them specifically for 
their flexibility and understanding of Seychelles ' vulnerabilities and sensitivities, which had 
emerged during the bilateral negotiations.  He also conveyed his Government's appreciation to the other WP Members that supported Seychelles' accession process over the years.  WT/ACC/SYC/63 
 
- 3 - 
 
  9. Minister Laporte also recalled that since the last WP meeting in July, Seychelles had 
worked very closely and intensively with WP Members and the WTO Secretariat to finalize 
Seychelles' draft Accession Package, includin g the draft Goods and Services Schedules. 
He acknowledged the valuable efforts of th e WTO Secretariat team for its efforts.  
10. In concluding, Minister Laporte reiterated his Government's appreciation to 
WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo for his support in the final stages of Seychelles' accession.  
11. The draft Accession Package of Seychelles was before the Working Party for consideration 
for adoption, ad referendum .  He invited the Working Party to consider Seychelles' draft Accession 
Package as a "business package", which was offered to the entire WTO membership. 
12. Fourteen (14) Members of the Working Party intervened to welcome and congratulate the 
Delegation of Seychelles.  Members expressed their appreciation to Ms Hilda Ali Al-Hinai (Oman), 
the Chairperson of the Working Party on the Acce ssion of the Republic of Seychelles; and the 
WTO Secretariat, in particular the Accessions Division - for their contribution and support for convening the 7
th and final meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of the Republic of 
Seychelles. 
13. The representative of the European Union (EU)  noted that, as with the entire ACP region, 
the European Union had close and privileged ties with Seychelles.  This close relationship was 
reflected in an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).  The EU had made Seychelles' accession a 
top priority since its first application submitted to the Organization in 1995.  The EU welcomed the fact that the Working Party had reached the stage of considering Seychelles' draft Accession Package for adoption, ad referendum .  The EU welcomed and commended the excellent 
cooperation of the Seychelles' negotiating team with the EU - throughout the entire accession 
process.  The representative of the European Union thanked Seychelles for its commitment and tireless determination, including for its institutional, administrative and economic modernization 
efforts and reforms, as reflected in the Draft Working Party Report.  The EU also thanked 
Seychelles and fellow WTO Members for the considerable flexibility demonstrated in the bilateral negotiations, which resulted in Seychelles' well-b alanced draft Accession Package.  The EU hoped 
that this Package would receive all the necessary support for formal adoption by the General 
Council before the end of the year.  The EU encouraged Seychelles to benefit from the advantages offered through its WTO membership and its integration into the Multilateral Trading System. 
14. The representative of Mauritius associated itse lf with the statement that would be made by 
Lesotho, on behalf of the African Group.  From the outset, Mauritius had consistently supported 
the Accession of Seychelles - a sister country to Mauritius in the Indian Ocean region with a similar history and a common vision for regional integration and enhanced participation in international 
trade.  Mauritius commended Seychelles for its determination and commitment in its 
WTO accession process, and praised its active participation in the negotiations.  The representative of Mauritius specifically applauded Seychelles' continued efforts to ensure full compliance with 
WTO rules and principles.  He expressed hope that the Working Party would adopt the draft 
Accession Package, ad referendum, for onward transmission to the General Council for final 
approval in December 2014. 
15. The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia noted that this meeting marked a 
historic moment.  His Delegation looked forward to working collaboratively with Seychelles - in 
Geneva and in their Capitals.  
16. The representative of Oman acknowledged that the final Working Party meeting marked 
the end of a long and difficult journey.  He paid tribute to the Government of Seychelles and its 
negotiating team, under the leadership of Minister Laporte - for the commitment, dedication, determination and hard work to achieve this success.  He noted that this was particularly 
commendable given the small size of the Administra tion of Seychelles.  He referred to the long 
historic relations between Oman and Seychelles, and noted the technical assistance that Oman had provided to Seychelles throughout its WTO accession process.  Oman commended the draft Accession Package of Seychelles, recognizing the large number of rules and commercially 
meaningful market access commitments, including on agriculture, goods and services.  
Oman expressed its support for the adop tion of the draft Accession Package, ad referendum , and 
its transmission to the General Council for approval.  With this, Seychelles would be integrated in WT/ACC/SYC/63 
 
- 4 - 
 
  the world economy and the Multilateral Trading System.  Its WTO membership would be another 
milestone in making the WTO a truly univer sal Organization.  WTO membership would 
demonstrate that small developing countries could play a role in the global trading system, and that the WTO had the capacity and the ability to accommodate them as equal Members.   
17. The representative of Lesotho delivered a stat ement, on behalf of the African Group.  
The African Group congratulated the Republic of Seychelles on its achievement so far in its bid to 
accede to the WTO.  The Group had long awaited the completion of the Accession of Seychelles.  
The addition of Seychelles to the WTO membership would be a further confirmation on how 
important the Multilateral Trading System (MTS) wa s to the African continent.  The Group stressed 
the fact that the efforts made by the Government of Seychelles in its accession process should be recognized by all WTO Members.  He noted, however, that it would be negligent, on the part of the 
African Group, not to recognize the goodwill and flexibility shown by WTO Members - both 
developing and developed - as well as the WTO Secretariat in advancing Seychelles' accession to this advanced stage.  He noted that WTO Member s could all attest that the "accession journey" 
was not an easy one, especially for small Stat es.  However, against all odds, Seychelles had 
managed to undertake relevant, substantial reform s, which had upgraded Seychelles' trade regime 
close to full compliance with WTO rules.  The African Group commended the draft Accession 
Package of Seychelles; and considered that th e draft Package represented the willingness and 
unequivocal determination of the Government of Seychelles to accede to the WTO.  The African Group looked forward to the endorsement of  this draft Package by all WTO Members. 
18. The representative of India congratulated the Government of Seychelles on the successful 
conclusion of its accession negotiations.  He acknowledged that Seychelles had managed to 
overcome several challenges in modifying its regulatory and policy framework, foreign trade policy regime and relevant legislative action for implementing required obligations to ensure conformity 
with WTO rules and requirements.  India applauded the leadership of Minister Laporte in steering 
the accession process, particularly during this end-phase.  India also commended Seychelles' commitment to the Multilateral Trading System and its efforts throughout the long accession 
process.  India enjoyed close and friendly relations with Seychelles based on deep rooted historical 
linkages, and looked forward to formally welcoming Seychelles as a new Member of the WTO family.  In conclusion, the representative of India stated that his Government supported the adoption of the draft Accession Package, ad referendum , and its transmission to the General 
Council for formal approval. 
19. The representative of Brazil commended Seychelles for its efforts in the accession process, 
which included domestic policy and legislative reforms to ensure consistency with WTO rules and 
also bilateral negotiations with several Members.  The representative of Brazil noted with 
satisfaction that all bilateral negotiations had been successfully concluded.  His Government recognized the high quality work performed by the WTO Secretariat throughout this process.  
He underscored the spirit of mutual collaboration that had prevailed in this accession process.  
Brazil reiterated its full support for the WTO Access ion of Seychelles.  It expressed the hope that 
the draft Accession Package be adopted, ad referendum , by the Working Party at this meeting. 
20. The representative of the United States (US)  congratulated Seychelles on its remarkable 
effort over the last three Working Parties to address identified issues.  He noted that Seychelles 
was an island developing country that had created a remarkable economy and undertaken strong commitments, confirming liberal tariffs and broad access to its services market.  The US was 
impressed with the commitments undertaken, which included: the removal of licensing for the 
right to import; joining the Information Technolo gy Agreement (ITA) and the Agreement on Trade 
in Civil Aircraft; commitments on transparency in the licensing of services; commitment to initiate 
negotiations for accession to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) within a year of WTO 
accession; commitment to the implementation of enhanced transparency measures within two 
years of accession for notification and comment for trade-related regulations and other measures.  These were in addition to the implementation of  the "WTO Agreement", the elimination of "other 
duties and charges", the substantial reductio n of export licensing requirements, and the 
replacement of import bans with a licensing pr ocess based on evaluation of the actual risk 
associated with importation.  He acknowledged that the work, including on legislation, as well as 
the scope of the reform of Seychelles' trade regime, were substantial.  He specifically paid tribute 
to Seychelles' entire negotiating team, especially Minister Laporte, Ambassador Fock Tave, Chief Negotiator Charles Morin, and Director General for Trade Cillia Mangroo.  He further stated that 
Seychelles' negotiating team had accomplished a great deal in a short time, which had brought the WT/ACC/SYC/63 
 
- 5 - 
 
  Working Party to this final meeting and to the pros pect of final approval of the Accession Package 
by the end of the year.  The United States looked forward to continue working with Seychelles in the WTO once it became a WTO Member.   
21. The representative of Barbados noted with satisfaction that the seventh meeting was the 
final meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of the Republic of Seychelles.  The draft 
Accession Package was ready for adoption.  Barbad os congratulated Seychelles for its efforts to 
modernize and adjust its trading regime; and commended all the modifications Seychelles had 
applied to its legislation in order to accept WTO rules and conditions.  The representative of 
Barbados recognized and applauded the market access commitments undertaken by Seychelles.  She encouraged fellow WTO Members to adopt the draft Accession Package, ad referendum , at this 
meeting, and to transmit the Accession Package to the General Council for final approval.  As a 
fellow small developing country, Barbados understood how difficult it was for small countries to 
make the necessary sacrifices to complete accession negotiations.  Barbados looked forward to Seychelles' WTO membership, and to working with Seychelles upon its membership.   
22. The representative of Canada commended the determination and ambition of the 
Delegation of Seychelles throughout its accessi on process, thanked the WP Chairperson and the 
Secretariat for their work and collaboration, an d expressed its support for the transmission of 
Seychelles' Accession Package to the Ge neral Council for final approval.   
23. The representative of Japan expressed its appreciation to Seychelles for its hard work since 
the beginning of its negotiations in 1995.  He noted that his Government had continuously 
supported the Accession of Seychelles, having rega rd to the importance of integrating an island 
developing economy such as Seychelles into the Multilateral Trading System through WTO 
accession.  Japan supported the adopti on of the draft Accession Package, ad referendum , at this 
meeting, and looked forward to formal adoption of  the Accession Package at the General Council in 
December.  
24. The representative of Chinese Taipei noted that multilateralism was the only system which 
allowed all countries regardless of their size to participate in the drafting of global trade rules.  
He underscored that the Accession of Seychelles would not only be beneficial to the Government of 
Seychelles but also to the Multilateral Trading System as a whole.  Chinese Taipei supported the adoption of the draft Accession Package, ad referendum , and looked forward to welcoming 
Seychelles as a new Member to the WTO family. 
25. The representative of the Republic of Korea a pplauded Seychelles' effort in meeting all the 
necessary requirements for WTO membership despite the small size of its economy.  Korea also 
specifically commended the leadership of Minister Laporte.  Korea fully supported the adoption of 
Seychelles' draft Accession Package, ad referendum , and its transmission to the General Council 
for final approval in December. 
26. The representative of China joined others in welcoming Minister Laporte and his team.  
He noted that China and Seychelles enjoyed close and reciprocal relations since 1976 when the 
countries first established their diplomatic relations.  On 31 January 2014, Minister Laporte opened the first "China Day" in Seychelles.  China had continuously supported Seychelles' accession to the WTO.  To facilitate the accession of this smal l and vulnerable economy, China had not addressed 
any bilateral market access requests to Seychelles.  China called on Members of the Working Party 
to support the adoption of Seychelles' draft Acce ssion Package at this meeting, unanimously, and 
to agree to transmit the Report of the Working Party to the General Council for approval in 
December.  This would enable Seychelles to become the 161
st WTO Member.  China looked 
forward to working closely with Seychelles as a WTO Member, and stood ready to provide any required assistance for its integration into the Multilateral Trading System.   WT/ACC/SYC/63 
 
- 6 - 
 
  3  INFORMAL SESSION OF THE WORKING PARTY  
27. The Working Party considered the draft Accession Package of Seychelles in informal 
session.1  In the course of the consideration, clarifications were made and technical edits were 
agreed.   
4  RESUMPTION OF THE FORMAL SESSION OF THE WORKING PARTY  
28. The Seventh Meeting of the Working Party resumed in formal session for consideration and 
adoption of the draft Accession Package of Seychelles, ad referendum .   
5  ADOPTION OF THE ACCESSION PACKAGE OF SEYCHELLES 
29. The Chairperson proposed that, in accordance with longstanding accession practice, the 
Working Party consider the draft Accession Package of Seychelles for adoption, ad referendum , in 
its specific components, in the sequence, as follow s:  (i) the Draft Report of the Working Party on 
the Accession of the Republic of Seychelles to  the WTO (WT/ACC/SPEC/SYC/6/Rev.2 & Corrigenda 
1 and 2); (ii) the Draft Schedule of Concessions and Commitments on Goods (Schedule CLXXI) (WT/ACC/SPEC/SYC/7/Rev.1); (iii) the Draft Sche dule of Specific Commitments on Trade in 
Services (WT/ACC/SPEC/SYC/8/Rev.1); (iv) the draft Decision of the General Council on the 
Accession of Seychelles; and (v) the draft Pr otocol on the Accession of Seychelles.   
30. It was so agreed .   
31. The Chairperson, in accordance, with agreement by the Working Party, proposed that the 
Working Party adopt, ad referendum,  the Draft Report of the Working Party 
(WT/ACC/SPEC/SYC/6/Rev.2), together with any agreed adjustments, including those listed in Corrigenda 1 and 2 (WT/ACC/SPEC/SYC/6/Rev.2/C orr.1 and WT/ACC/SPEC/S YC/6/Rev.2/Corr.2). 
32. The Working Party so agreed. 
33. The Chairperson proposed that the Working Party adopt, ad referendum,  the Draft 
Schedule of Concessions and Commitments  on Goods (WT/ACC/SPEC/SYC/7/Rev.1). 
34. The Working Party so agreed. 
35. The Chairperson proposed that the Working Party adopt, ad referendum,  the Draft 
Schedule of Specific Commitments on Trade in Services (WT/ACC/SPEC/SYC/8/Rev.1). 
36. The Working Party so agreed. 
37. The Chairperson proposed that the Working Party adopt, ad referendum,  the draft Decision 
on the Accession of Seychelles (Appendix of document WT/ACC/SPEC/SYC/6/Rev.2, on page 157 
of the English version). 
38. The Working Party so agreed. 
39. The Chairperson proposed that the Working Party adopt, ad referendum,  the draft Protocol 
on the Accession of Seychelles (Appendix of document WT/ACC/SPEC/SYC/6/Rev.2, on 
pages 158-160 of the English version). 
40. The Working Party so agreed. 
41. The Chairperson noted that further to her consultations with the Government of 
Seychelles, assisted by the WTO Secretariat, the timeframe envisaged by Seychelles within which 
it would  ratify its Protocol would be six months (i.e. from formal adoption at the December 2014 General Council to 1 June 2015). 
                                               
1 The Chairperson of the Working Party on the Accession of the Republic of Seychelles conducted the 
"formal mode" of the meeting personally, and asked the Di rector of the WTO Accessions Division to conduct the 
"informal mode", on her behalf. WT/ACC/SYC/63 
 
- 7 - 
 
  6  CONCLUSION 
42. The Chairperson concluded that the Working Party had adopted, ad referendum,  and by 
consensus, the Accession Package of Seychelles .  The Working Party had successfully completed 
its mandate.   
43. The Chairperson paid tribute to H.E Mr Pierre Laporte, Minister of Finance, Trade and 
Investment of Seychelles; his negotiating team; and the Government and People of the Republic of 
Seychelles on this historic accomplishment.  Sh e acknowledged that Seychelles had remained fully 
committed and dedicated to pursuing its accession and putting in place WTO-consistent legislation, 
particularly during the last two years.  She also thanked Members who supported Seychelles' accession for their engagement, goodwill, and spirit of compromise, which had enabled the Working Party to bring this accession process to a successful completion.  The successful 
conclusion of the Accession of Seychelles was a tr ibute to both the rules-based Multilateral Trading 
System and the Government of Seychelles.  
44. The Chairperson also paid tribute to the prec eding Chairperson of the Working Party on the 
Accession of the Republic of Seychelles - Am bassador Jaona Ravaloson (Madagascar), for his 
leadership in the earlier stages of this accession process. 
45. Finally, the Chairperson conveyed to the Government of Seychelles the congratulations of 
Director-General Roberto Azevêdo; the Chairperson of the General Council, Ambassador Fried 
(Canada); and the entire WTO membership. 
46. She informed the Working Party that based on her consultations with the Chairperson of 
the General Council, the WTO Director-General, WTO Members, and the Government of Seychelles, 
a consensus had emerged for the Accession Package of Seychelles to be placed on the agenda of 
the General Council in December 2014. 
47. In accordance with longstanding accession practice, the WTO Secretariat would reflect all 
agreed technical edits and adjustments in the fina l version of the Accession Package and re-issue it 
in the WT/ACC-series for transmission to the Gene ral Council.  The Working Party agreed that the 
Accession Package shall be re-issued in the WT/A CC-series on 31 October 2014.  The Chairperson 
noted that, also in accordance with longstanding accession practice, the ad referendum  period 
would be 4 weeks, starting on the day of the 7th and Final Working Party Meeting, i.e. 
17 October 2014.   
48. The Chairperson noted that the year 2014 marked the "International Year of Small Island 
Developing States" (SIDS).  Accordingly, the comp letion of Seychelles' WTO accession process in 
2014 was timely, as it meant a warm welcome to a SIDS into the rules-based Multilateral Trading System.  She underlined that within the WTO family; each WTO Member mattered and had a voice 
irrespective of its economic size.  She further noted that WTO membership offered systemic 
benefits, such as improved compliance with ma rket access commitments in goods and services 
and with WTO rules.  She quoted a statement ma de by the Government of Samoa (an Article XII 
Member) at the launch of the International Year of SIDS in February 2014, in stating that "no 
partnership was too small or unimportant".  Seyc helles' WTO accession was a strong, positive and 
clear signal to its trading partners, including to other Small Island Developing States, for Seychelles' commitment to engage with the global  economy in the framework of the rules-based 
Multilateral Trading System. 
49. In his concluding remarks, Minister Laporte noted that with the adoption, ad referendum , 
of the Accession Package, Seychelles had one foot inside the door of the World Trade Organization.  
His Government looked forward to the final approval of the Accession Package by the General 
Council in December; and Seychelles' WTO membership in 2015, upon ratification of the Accession Protocol by the National Assembly. 
50. Minister Laporte stated that Seychelles' WTO accession process had coincided with a period 
in Seychelles' history when the country had also undergone one of the most austere but much needed macro-economic reforms in its history.  Despite these arduous reforms, the Government had maintained its determination to proceed with the accession process.  He noted that his 
Government's efforts during the accession process had enhanced and strengthened Seychelles' WT/ACC/SYC/63 
 
- 8 - 
 
  regulatory framework and trading system.  He noted that WTO membership would provide 
Seychelles with a platform to continue to reform its trade regime.  Implementation and further reforms would continue, and the Government of Seychelles remained committed.  He acknowledged that although reaching the finishing line was never easy, having regard to the 
Accession Package, he felt proud that his country  had achieved so much and reached this far - 
with the support of the entire Working Party.  He concluded by placing on record his acknowledgment and appreciation of the efforts by  his predecessor, H.E. Mr Danny Faure, now 
Vice President of Seychelles, who re-launched Seychelles' accession process in his capacity as 
former Trade Minister.  He also thanked him for his continued dedication to the process of the WTO Accession of Seychelles. (Annex 1: "Concludin g Remarks" by H.E. Minister Pierre Laporte, 
Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment of Seychelles) 
51. The Chairperson of the Working Party invited Members to take note of all statements made 
and to conclude the mandate of the Working Party on the Accession of Seychelles.   
52. It was so agreed .   
 
 
_______________ 
 WT/ACC/SYC/63 
 
- 9 - 
 
   
ANNEX 1 
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY H.E. MINISTER PIERRE  LAPORTE, MINISTRY OF FINANCE, TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT AT SEVENTH AND FINAL MEETING OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE ACCESSION OF 
THE REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES 
 
Madam Chair, 
WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, WTO Deputy Director-General David Shark, 
Ambassadors, 
Members,  Ladies and Gentlemen, 
 
I t  i s  w i t h  e n o r m o u s  p l e a s u r e  t h a t  I  t a k e  t h e  f l o o r  o n c e  a g a i n ,  t h i s  t i m e  t o  m a k e  t h i s  c l o s i n g  statement.  
 
Madam Chair, together under your esteemed leadership we have reached the doorstep of history. On this note I want to recognize the role of ea ch and every member present here today, and those 
who despite their absence have had a hand in finalizing Seychelles' accession package.   
 
With this accession package now approved, albeit ad referendum,  Seychelles has one foot inside 
the door of the World Trade Organization. And as you can imagine, we cannot wait to make that 
final step upon full membership, which we hope will happen during by first half of 2015 when our 
National Assembly expects to ratify our protocol of accession.  And as you can also imagine Madam Chair, I cannot begin to tell you just how elated I am, an elation that is shared by each and every 
member of my delegation present here today, and I am certain, also shared by each and everyone 
of you present.   Madam Chair, in my opening remarks this mornin g I reminded members of the long process that 
Seychelles has been through with its accession—over 19 years. Besides our efforts of the last few 
years toward our WTO accession process, this has coincided with a period in our history when our country has also undergone one of the most aust ere but much needed macro-economic reforms in 
its history. Despite those arduous reforms, we ma intained our determination to proceed with our 
accession process as we considered both to be equally important and complementary.  
We consider WTO membership as an extremely important step forward for Seychelles. Accession is 
only a stepping stone for us to pursue our reforms. In fact, reform is an ongoing process. In addition to the fact our efforts during the accession process have enhanced and strengthened our regulatory framework and trading system, membership will provide us with a platform to continue 
to reform our trade regime. It will open our economy further to the benefits of a more open 
trading system and complement our efforts toward further integration at both regional and multilateral trading system.  
 
Madam Chair, as noted during the interventions earlier, accession would only be a next major 
step. Implementation and further reforms remain and I want to reiterate our commitments to this 
accession.  
 Membership of the WTO will also provide a more effective platform for Seychelles to address and seek resolution of trade-related issues. It will  enhance investor confidence and boost our image 
amongst international stakeholders such as multilateral institutions and rating agencies. Evidence 
has shown that countries who have taken the route of WTO membership have made major progress in unleashing the potential of their trade regime. We are confident that this will be the 
case for Seychelles. 
 Madam Chair, the United Nations has dedicated 2014 as the year of Small Island Developing 
States (SIDs). I find it rather fitting that Seychelles, as a SIDS who has been at the forefront in 
the fight for the cause and recognition of the role  of small island states, would be signing the 
Protocol of accession in December 2014. Seychell es' membership of the WTO is no doubt a great WT/ACC/SYC/63 
 
- 10 - 
 
  development for SIDs as I am sure it is for the WTO as an institution, as it reflects the 
Organization's principle of recognizing the importance of all members, large or small.  Today as we prepare to wrap up the accession package I would be lying if I say that reaching the 
finish line was an easy feat. But when I look at the accession package, I feel proud that we have 
achieved so much and reached so far. With the support of all of you, we have been able to present an accession package that is liberal and modern , and I thank the working party for recognizing 
this. 
 Madam Chair, I have so many people to thank for having reached where we are today. I have already thanked all working party members for thei r support and I reiterate the gratitude of my 
Government once again. I also thank all other members who have been there for us throughout 
the process. However, there is a few other groups of people that I would be doing gross injustice if I would not acknowledge their efforts. 
 
First, from the bottom of my heart, from the te am, the Government and the people of Seychelles 
let me thank you Madam Chair for your exceptional leadership. I cannot find words to express our 
feelings of gratitude. You led us through this journey with exceptional leadership, with passion and 
with our interest at heart. You treated our accession like it was your own country's accession and for this the Seychelles people will forever be grateful.   
I want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the Secretariat team who worked on the 
Seychelles dossier, especially Mr. Chiedu Osakwe  and his team, including Petra Beslac for their 
tremendous efforts, as well as all others who constitute this team. Chiedu, your experience and 
tact throughout this process has been remarkable. 
 But above all, I want to thank my staff here. You are an exceptional bunch of talented and 
hardworking individuals. I congratulate you for the exceptional quality of your work, for the 
passion and determination that you showed toward our membership to this important institution. You never gave up, even when things got tough and when setbacks emerged.   
I want also before I end recognize the efforts of my predecessor, now Vice President, Danny Faure 
for relaunching our accession process in his capacity as former Trade minister and for the dedication he continues to have for this process.  
 
 Madam Chair, Members, ladies and gentlemen on this note let me end by once again thanking you 
all. 
   
__________