GIS- 25 April 2025: “Our goal is to produce in the region, and for the region, in doing so, we will create dynamics for regional trade” said the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, while addressing Member States of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) yesterday in Antananarivo, Madagascar. He stressed the importance of regional collaboration as a way to tackle global challenges and promote mutual growth.
The Prime Minister was participating in the Roundtable Two, focusing on the theme ‘Prospects for Strengthening the Food System and Developing Trade in Indianoceania’, held in the margins of the fifth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the IOC. He led a Mauritian delegation comprising, amongst others, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Dhananjay Ramful.
Dr Ramgoolam dwelt on the importance of ensuring food security and sovereignty in a world characterised by the effects of the post-climate change era, health crises, tariff threats and protectionist trade measures. He recalled that the recent COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts around the world, and the climate emergency have underlined the vulnerability of IOC Member States’ food systems, highlighting the fundamental importance of food security.
“We must address it to meet the needs of our populations, and must act collectively and urgently for the benefit of all”, he said.
He further stated that Madagascar, given its resources and potential, can play a leading role in this endeavour, adding that IOC’s regional ambition also relies on the availability of infrastructure, investment protection, regulatory adjustments and the establishment of facilitation systems.
Dr Ramgoolam underlined the importance of increasing production capacities and leveraging modern technologies. “We should create synergy among governments, agricultural producers, the private sector, and civil society,” he stated. This approach, he added, would enable the region to strengthen its autonomy and resilience in food production.
A key focus of the Prime Minister’s speech was the promotion of sustainable agriculture, digital agriculture, and biotechnology. He emphasised the importance of investing in technological, human, and financial resources, as well as enhancing the sector’s image to attract young people to engage in agriculture through modern, resilient technologies and innovative business models.
Moreover, he pointed out that the low level of inter-regional trade is one of the greatest challenges facing the IOC, underlining key reasons, namely: low agricultural production, customs tariffs, phytosanitary standards and poor inter-island connectivity.
Pertaining to the existing IOC economic and trade area, the Prime Minister underpinned the need for it to be implemented in full force. According to him, the setting up of an economic zone would facilitate the fluidity of investment flows, simplify the movement of people, goods, capital, and enable concerted action to overcome non-tariff barriers that hinder trade.
As regards enhancing maritime connectivity, Dr Ramgoolam highlighted the need to improve port connectivity, optimise maritime costs, and modernise logistics infrastructure as crucial steps towards efficient regional and global trade.
By ensuring the seamless interoperability of transport networks and developing efficient maritime corridors, IOC Member States can cut export costs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen international supply chains, he said.
In his concluding remarks the Prime Minister called for concrete actions to strengthen intra-regional collaboration and ensure sustainable and resilient trade ecosystems for all IOC Member States.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov