The International Affairs Committee (IAC) of the National Assembly, chaired by Hon. Waven William met with the Principal Secretary of the Trade Division, Mr. Ronald Cafrine, on Thursday 28th April 2022. The meeting took place at the National Assembly of Seychelles to discuss the way forward from the recent visit of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to Seychelles’ Trade Policy Review (TPR).
Following previous discussions on Seychelles’ TPR, the IAC found the need to meet with the PS Cafrine who was accompanied by the Director-General for Trade Division, Mr. Ricky Barbe, and Trade Consultant, Mr. Charles Morin. The meeting was with the objective to get a better understanding of the WTO’s processes as well as Seychelles’ position within the Trade organization. This covered Seychelles’ Trade compliance and transparency in line with the country’s commitments to WTO as well as various legislative challenges faced by the Trade Sector both nationally and internationally.
Furthermore, the Trade Division provided the committee with an update and further explanation of the TPR processes and its deliverables. The meeting successfully identified venues for further cooperation on the trade-related issues specifically how Seychelles as a small island developing state and WTO member, will adapt to the drastic changes in global trade. Especially in times of pandemic and conflicts such as The Ukraine and Russia armed conflict. This has impacted supply chains with a rise in the cost of freight, commodities, and cost of living. The International affairs Committee felt that the public at large is not well informed of the advantages, dangers, and future potential of being a member of the WTO.
In conclusion, IAC felt that there is a need for the Trade Division to give a statement in the National Assembly for Members and the general public to better understand the position of Seychelles as a WTO member where risks and opportunities are concerned. Other members of IAC present were Hon. Phillip Arissol, Hon. Egbert Aglae, Hon. Wallace Cosgrow
