I align myself with the view that the mutual benefits of trade are too important not to be preserved and it is in the interest of one and all to maintain and enhance trade openness at all costs. Indeed I strongly believe that, protectionist sentiment notwithstanding, trade continues to function as the hand-maiden of economic growth and will support global economic recovery.
Regional cooperation/economic integration In Mauritius, our trade policy has always been one of openness, whether it is to the world economy or to the region. We have of course, never been averse to drawing benefits from preferential trade arrangements. We are a member of various important international organisations such as WTO and of regional blocks such as COMESA and SADC.