the phytosanitary protocols in the Republic of Mauritius, he will state whether a comprehensive review there…
(No. B/1050) Ms M. R. Collet (First Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to the phytosanitary protocols in the Republic of Mauritius, he will state whether a comprehensive review thereof has recently been undertaken and, if not, why not, indicating the measures being envisaged, in consultation with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, for the updating and strengthening thereof in relation to the inter-island movement of agricultural produce to safeguard food security and biosecurity standards.
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. I thank the hon. Member, Ms Collet, for putting this relevant question and there is no compromise in relation to sanitary, phytosanitary norms, biosecurity and biosafety. The hon. First Member can rest assured that there is good interactive meeting between the officers responsible for the Plant Protection Office under the provisions of the Plant Protection Act, and there is a scheduled meeting with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly to discuss on the update of the list of items that should be moved to Rodrigues and also in relation to the valid importation permit. Now, my Ministry will continue to work closely with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that phytosanitary system remains effective, science- based and responsive to evolving biosecurity challenges. I have also a list of issues raised, measures taken to address the problem and the relevance and importance of capacity building of officers, the inter-island phytosanitary certificate and now, this certificate is also issued electronically. It means that things are going on very positively, but if there is room for improvement, certainly we will make sure that we narrow the gap and it goes without saying that the collaboration is of utmost importance and we look upon Rodrigues as a granary of our great little island. Thank you very much.
Okay. Hon. Second Member for Port Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle! METRO EXPRESS NETWORK – LINE EXTENSION – SOUTHERN REGION