I
am thankful to UNCTAD for having selected Mauritius to host one of its series
of flagship courses which aim at increasing the capacity of policy makers in
dealing with policy issues related to Trade, Investment, Finance and Development.
It is also interesting to note that the syllabus is drawn from real experience
in Africa and is therefore action oriented. As the Minister responsible for
Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, I am pleased that the
University of Mauritius is hosting this particular UNCTAD programme in
Mauritius. This opportunity will enable us to build regional networks and help
our universities to build knowledge in the specific areas of international
trade and the global economy. Thus strengthening our policy making, governance
and leadership capacity. The hosting of this regional activity therefore bears
great significance for us as it is one small example of how we can act as a
regional centre for dissemination of knowledge. I am also pleased to note that
we will have both foreign as well as national experts delivering the course. I
have no doubt that the training programme will be an enriching experience for all of them.