Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the proposed G2G arrangement with the Government of India provides Mauritius with several strategic economic and energy security advantages, namely – (a) Enhanced energy security; (b) Strengthening bilateral relations; (c) Greater supply stability during global crises; (d) Improved payment flexibility; (e) Long-term procurement predictability; (f) Potential preferential treatment, and (g) Technical cooperation and capacity building. Under the Government-to-Government agreement, the State Trading Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation Limited have been designated as the authorised agencies to negotiate and conclude the full framework which will serve as the basis for the long-term supply agreement. I am informed that the State Trading Corporation (STC), initiated discussion with IOCL early this year for a long-term supply arrangement of petroleum products for an initial period of five years with provisions for renewal and/or termination. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to point out that several meetings have been held to negotiate the different aspects of the agreement, amongst which the specifications, pricing, premium, payment terms, and currency contamination liability provisions, quantity tolerances, and other contractual and legal considerations amongst others. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the preparation of a framework agreement is not an easy task given the high uncertainty due to the geopolitical situation and the global oil market passing through unprecedented volatile phases. There was originally uncertainty in outlook of oil prices and availability. The problem was further compounded by the fact that even shipping rates had substantially gone up and there was no visibility of shipping freight in near and mid-term. Hence, with a view to come up with a scenario that would match our expectations, we had to wait for some time till the international market stabilises and the price volatility normalises. As at date, negotiations have largely progressed and it is expected that by end of July, the parties would be able to finalise the agreement. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member would agree that once a Government has committed itself towards another Government, it would not be appropriate nor ethical to engage in negotiations with alternative suppliers of petroleum products. Notwithstanding this, necessary arrangements have been made to meet the country's energy needs pending finalisation of the agreement. Thank you.

The hon. Third Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle! MINISTRY OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION, SS & NS – MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS – MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS