Assembly role as Seychelles bids to join WTO |23 October 2008

The International Affairs Committee (IAC) of the National Assembly was, among other key stakeholders, invited by the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance to form part of the working group involved in the process.

The committee was represented at the group’s first preliminary meeting by its chairman Waven William and member Nicholas Prea.

The IAC representatives felt their contribution to the working group is important for the assembly’s proper role as an overseer.

They believe this first step of negotiations will have implications for future bilateral trade agreements Seychelles might consider setting up, especially with respect to the erosion of preferential tariffs.

Globally, there is a growing recognition that parliaments should be involved in these matters and the IAC members feel Seychelles is moving one step ahead now the government is also adopting this approach.

Mr William and Mr Prea both said they pledge their support to the working group and hope Seychelles succeeds in its mission.