Africa-Press – Mauritius. Mauritius strongly believes that the deepening of intra COMESA trade and development can be a key enabler to drive economic growth, create jobs and bring prosperity to nations.
This was the gist of the statement of the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, at the 21st COMESA Heads of State and Governments Summit held, today, in Cairo, Egypt. The theme of the Summit is “Building Resilience Through Strategic Digital Economic Integration”.
According to the Prime Minister, the choice of the theme for this year’s Summit, reflects COMESA Member States’ determination to find new and creative ways to adapt to the new normal which the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed upon the world.
Building a stronger integrated regional digital economy, he stated, is the most fitted response to the challenge we are facing. It is one that has proven itself in developed economies and is capable of providing a business continuity that will revitalize our own economies and pave the way for sustainable growth and development, he added.
Speaking about the severe impacts of inevitable lockdowns on the economy, Mr Jugnauth noted that the momentum gained through the establishment of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area has lost its steam. However, he underlined, the combined estimated population of 800 million and US$1.4trillion Gross Domestic Product, the Free Trade Area has the potential to stimulate growth as well as boost trade and investment to ensure that our people are not left behind.
Resilience building against pandemics will necessitate a readjustment of our industrialization strategy, stated the Prime Minister, adding that all COMESA countries should endeavour to become self sufficient in products of vital importance such as vaccines.
While congratulating Egypt for the production of Sinovac vaccine, Mr Jugnauth recalled that his Government had issued an expression of interest for the development of a pharmaceutical industry and the setting up of a biotechnology plant in Mauritius. International companies with relevant experience and know-how have been invited to express their interest in such a venture.
The digitilisation of trade facilitation instruments for cross border trading of goods and services can greatly enhance the speed and volume of trade, stated the Prime Minister. He lauded the COMESA’s Secretariat for developing the digital online platform for exchanging and sharing information on availability of essential products within the COMESA region.
Consequently, he stressed on the need to ensure internet accessibility at affordable cost across COMESA countries as well as to develop and enhance the skills of the youth so that they may participate in the global economy.
Moreover, Prime Minister Jugnauth also congratulated the President of the Republic of Egypt, His Excellency, Mr Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as the incoming Chairperson of the COMESA.
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