Africa-Press – Mauritius. An Information sharing session focusing on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) followed by a brainstorming session, was held this morning in Port-louis. The Information Sharing session elaborated on the AfCFTA’s objectives, its membership and ratification status, the architecture of the Agreement, the challenges, opportunities and way forward.
Representatives of SME Mauritius Ltd, Mauritius Export Association, Business Mauritius and the Economic Development Board (EDB), were in attendance.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr. Alan Ganoo, underlined that the AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063. He emphasised that as an African country, Mauritius continues to be a strategic development partner in and for the continent.
The Minister further added that Mauritius has been advocating for the development of economic bridges between the country and African states, by leveraging on its position as Africa’s best place to conduct business.
Moreover, Mr.Ganoo stressed that the AfCFTA provides a golden opportunity to access Africa’s vast market of 1.3 billion people, while pointing out that our exports for 2021 to the African continent amounted to Rs. 16 billion and imports amounting to Rs. 26 billion.
With its coming into force, added the Foreign Affairs Minister, it is important to tap in new markets in Western and Northern Africa. This can only be achieved with close collaboration with private operators and the EDB, he affirmed.
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