Seychelles’ WTO accession process completed
The general council of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has approved Seychelles’ accession package, including the Accession Protocol.
This took place during the council’s last meeting for 2014 which took place in Geneva, Switzerland.
Immediately thereafter, through an official ceremony, the Protocol was signed by the Seychelles Minister for Finance, Trade and Investment Pierre Laporte and Roberto Azevedo, director general of the WTO.
This marked the end of a process which started in 1995, but which was re-initiated in 2008.
In his address to the council, Minister Laporte stated that this was an historic day for Seychelles and its people.
He paid tribute to President James Michel, noting that “the leadership and guidance of our President, His Excellency, Mr James Michel, to the process has been crucial”.
Minister Laporte also recognised the role of Vice-President Danny Faure as former trade minister.
This sentiment was also echoed by Mr Azevedo, who added: “President James Michel’s leadership in pursuing WTO membership and undertaking the far-reaching reforms have made it possible for Seychelles to conclude the accession negotiations successfully.”
Minister Laporte also noted the benefits that WTO membership will bring to Seychelles.
“The reforms that we had to undertake during the accession process have already brought about important benefits. Our laws and policies are now at par with best international standards and our private sector has already began to reap the benefits of a more predictable and transparent trading system. Seychelles now has a platform which provides the country, as a small island nation, with an equal opportunity as its large counterparts to make its voice heard on trade issues,” Minister Laporte pointed out.
Seychelles will officially become a member of the WTO 30 days after the ratification by the National Assembly of its Accession Protocol, which is expected to be completed by latest, in the first quarter of 2015.
Minister Laporte was accompanied by Vivianne Fock-Tave, Seychelles’ resident ambassador in Brussels and also responsible for the Seychelles Mission to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva; Michael Nalletamby, principal secretary for Natural Resources; Charles Morin, chief negotiator for WTO Accession; Cillia Mangroo, director general of Trade Division and other staff of the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment.
This took place during the council’s last meeting for 2014 which took place in Geneva, Switzerland.
Immediately thereafter, through an official ceremony, the Protocol was signed by the Seychelles Minister for Finance, Trade and Investment Pierre Laporte and Roberto Azevedo, director general of the WTO.
This marked the end of a process which started in 1995, but which was re-initiated in 2008.
In his address to the council, Minister Laporte stated that this was an historic day for Seychelles and its people.
He paid tribute to President James Michel, noting that “the leadership and guidance of our President, His Excellency, Mr James Michel, to the process has been crucial”.
Minister Laporte also recognised the role of Vice-President Danny Faure as former trade minister.
This sentiment was also echoed by Mr Azevedo, who added: “President James Michel’s leadership in pursuing WTO membership and undertaking the far-reaching reforms have made it possible for Seychelles to conclude the accession negotiations successfully.”
Minister Laporte also noted the benefits that WTO membership will bring to Seychelles.
“The reforms that we had to undertake during the accession process have already brought about important benefits. Our laws and policies are now at par with best international standards and our private sector has already began to reap the benefits of a more predictable and transparent trading system. Seychelles now has a platform which provides the country, as a small island nation, with an equal opportunity as its large counterparts to make its voice heard on trade issues,” Minister Laporte pointed out.
Seychelles will officially become a member of the WTO 30 days after the ratification by the National Assembly of its Accession Protocol, which is expected to be completed by latest, in the first quarter of 2015.
Minister Laporte was accompanied by Vivianne Fock-Tave, Seychelles’ resident ambassador in Brussels and also responsible for the Seychelles Mission to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva; Michael Nalletamby, principal secretary for Natural Resources; Charles Morin, chief negotiator for WTO Accession; Cillia Mangroo, director general of Trade Division and other staff of the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment.
Forrás: www.nation.sc