Reply: The SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) was launched on 17 August 2008 pursuant to which SADC Member States eliminated tariffs on 85% of intra-SADC trade. Tariffs on the remaining 15% of intra-SADC trade, which concerned products deemed sensitive, were accorded a longer liberalisation time-frame up to 2012. Mauritius requested further time for the elimination of tariffs on the sensitive products due to economic challenges faced at that time resulting from the global financial crisis. By January 2014, Mauritius completed its tariff liberalisation under the SADC Protocol on Trade. Since the accession of Mauritius to the SADC FTA, there has been a constant progression in trade with the SADC Member States. Exports to the SADC region from Mauritius stood at Rs11.9 billion in 2013 and reached Rs19.5 billion in 2024, showing an increase of 63.9%. Imports on its part grew from Rs14.2 billion in 2013 to Rs31.1 billion in 2024. The SADC Trade Negotiating Forum and Retreat scheduled from 05 to 09 May 2025 in Mauritius will focus on the implementation and consolidation of the SADC FTA. The SADC TNF will be held from 07 to 09 May 2025 and is preceded by the SADC TNF Retreat from

158 05 to 06 May 2025. It may be highlighted that the SADC TNF Retreat is a first of its kind convened by the SADC Secretariat. The TNF is a critical platform, established under the SADC framework, for SADC Member States to discuss and negotiate trade-related matters within the SADC region. I wish to emphasise that the TNF is not mandated to discuss tariff reduction and trade-related matters relating to the African Union (AU). Mauritius is represented in the SADC TNF and Retreat by Mrs Minakshi Dabee- Hauzaree, Director, Co-operation and Mrs. F. Pokun, Acting Principal Trade Policy Analyst, from my Ministry. It may be noted that tariff liberalisation under the AU is negotiated under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, which aims to create a single continent- wide market for goods and services, promoting trade and investment within Africa. The AfCFTA adopted a phased approach to tariff liberalisation whereby Member States have committed to start implementation of tariff reduction on at least 90% of tariff lines upon entry into force of the Agreement, in 2021. Mauritius had submitted its tariff phase down schedule covering 90% of tariff lines for immediate liberalisation in 2021. The remaining 10% of tariff lines will be subject to negotiation, comprising 7% sensitive products and 3% to be excluded from tariff liberalisation. BEAU SEJOUR COMMUNITY CENTRE – RENOVATION PROJECT