In the property sector, banks need to exercise greater caution in lending because of the higher risk of default on loans for purchase of apartments and office premises. In the SME and microenterprise sector, lending soared in 2004 and this trend can be expected to continue in the years to come.
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.