Statement by Mauritius
27th Session of IFAD Governing Council
Rome, 18-19 February 2004

Mr Chairperson,
Mr President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development,
Distinguished Governors,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a great honour and pleasure for me to address this august gathering of the Governing Council of IFAD on behalf of the Mauritian Minister of Agriculture, Food Technology and Natural Resources who is unable to participate here today. He has asked me to convey his best wishes for a successful session of the Council.

In line with its original mandate, IFAD has played an important role in reducing poverty and food insecurity in rural areas of developed countries over the last twenty-five years. Various countries have been making substantial progress in poverty reduction, however, the outlook for the rural poor in many other developing countries remain grim. The role of IFAD has now become more crucial. We are confident that IFAD will continue in its daunting task of combating rural poverty. Furthermore, we sincerely appreciate its enormous contribution to the Millennium Development Goals initiative for the heavily indebted countries. To fight poverty, there is a need for massive investment, particularly in the agricultural sector. It is felt appropriate that donor agencies and the international community re-think their assistance strategy. In this respect, an appeal is made to IFAD members to contribute generously to the Seventh Replenishment of Resources to help more countries in their poverty reduction programme.

IFAD has provided assistance to Mauritius for nearly two decades now and this support has proved to be very beneficial to the country. Funds to the tune of some USD 11 million have been allocated in 1999 for a Rural Diversification Programme in support to the Mauritian government poverty – alleviation strategy and to stimulate diversified and sustainable economic development for the low income households in rural areas. We are grateful to IFAD for this generous contribution.

The agricultural sector should remain one of the country’s main development pillar. In the light of developments at international level, Mauritius is sparing no effort to restructure and reform this sector. In year 2001 and 2003, government launched respectively two major Strategic Plans for the sector, one for sugar and the other for the non sugar sector which are already in the implementation phase.

However, Mauritius like other small island developing states, face specific problems arising from various factors including smallness, remoteness, geographical dispersion and vulnerability to natural disasters. There is now international recognition of the inherent difficulties the SIDS economies have to face at a juncture when dramatic changes are occurring on various fronts. The sustainable development of SIDS is explicitly addressed through the Barbados Programme of Action. The International Conference of SIDS which will be held in Mauritius from 30th August to 3rd September 2004, will gather international community around the challenges facing SIDS. It will be an opportunity to put things in perspective, to reflect on achievements and bottlenecks of SIDS Agenda 21, ten years later and to forge a long term vision based on partnerships. It is expected that the International Community will spare no effort to support the small island developing countries in their endeavor to implementing the Barbados Plan of Action with a view to improving management of SIDS vulnerability.

This year’s interactive panel discussion is on the major theme of trade and rural development. Debates come at an opportune time as it is very much recognised that agricultural trade contributes enormously to economic growth and development processes and in poverty reduction. International markets for agricultural products are important for a very large number of people particularly those living in poverty.

International Trade Regime has a direct impact on the economic lives of many countries particularly the rural poor producers. During the WTO Negotiations on agriculture, some members are pressing for fast liberalization in agriculture whereas the majority of members, including, Mauritius believe that vulnerable countries deserve full attention and the recognition of their specificities and limitations. Accordingly liberalization should be gradual and cautious. We should take into account that trade concerns creation of employment, provision for food security, prevention of migration of rural people, preservation of the environment and other related issues. Furthermore, it is recognized that certain types of subsidies has a developmental aspect and contribute to poverty alleviation. Many countries, in the absence of appropriate policy measures will not be able to compete on the external market and may be marginalized. Thus, poverty reduction goals will not be achieved through trade regime only. For instance, there are different groups of countries with varying situations and involving specific challenges. We trust that IFAD through sharing insights with other development partners will reconcile with all those concerns in meeting its objectives.

Today, against a background of increasing trade liberalization and stronger competition, Mauritius has reviewed its vision on agriculture and is moving from a traditional to a modern agriculture based on the adoption of new emerging technologies. Various projects are being initiated including the setting up of a Biotechnology Institute which will bear a regional dimension. In view of heavy financial implications of projects associated with modernization of the agricultural sector, Mauritius would be seeking international and regional collaboration for the implementation of such projects. In this respect Mauritius needs further support from IFAD.

Mr Chairman, to conclude, in the name of my country, allow me to congratulate IFAD in its praiseworthy effort to combat poverty through agricultural and rural development. I, on behalf of my country wish IFAD best of luck in all its endeavors.

Mr President, I wish the 27th Session of the Governing Council all success.

Thank you.