I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the University
of Mauritius and the World Trade Organisation for the organisation of this Second Edition of the International Conference on International
Trade and Investment. This meeting which will group experts from various
fields and will be an opportunity to
get acquainted with the latest thinking in international trade, investment,
aid, regional integration, trade competitiveness, climate change, labour market
issues and poverty. My
Ministry aims at making Mauritius a knowledge society and position the country
as a Knowledge Hub, and a Centre of Higher Learning and Excellence to serve
both local and regional needs. I am
convinced that today’s presentations and discussions will further contribute to
the existing knowledge on international trade and investment and will prove
immensely useful not only to academics but also to policy makers, practitioners
and the wider public. I would like to thank all participants for the interest
and enthusiasm they have shown by coming from all the corners of the world to participate
in this international Conference in Mauritius. I
wish them all a very fruitful conference.