Strengthening Trade in Services Data in Mauritius

Strategic Insights -

Mauritius has embarked on a three-day workshop on Trade in Telecommunications, Computer, and Information Services at The Docks in Port Louis. Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the workshop aims to enhance the capacity of national stakeholders in managing travel services data. The workshop is part of the African Trade Observatory (ATO) project, one of the key instruments of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides vital trade intelligence to businesses and governments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The workshop, led by ITC's Economist (Trade in Services) Ms Katerina Blanchard Joklova, brings together participants from national institutions such as the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, the University of Mauritius, Statistics Mauritius, and the Economic Development Board.
  • The workshop focuses on topics including harmonisation of data collection methods, improvement of statistical quality, and identification of reliable data sources, as well as the use of additional data sources, metadata management, data integration, and automation of data processing.
  • The workshop aims to produce more reliable and detailed data to support international trade negotiations, guide policy formulation, and provide businesses with clearer insights into trade dynamics across Africa.
  • The ATO project, launched to support the AfCFTA, provides trade intelligence to businesses and governments, enabling them to monitor the implementation and economic impact of the agreement.
  • The workshop is organised within the framework of the ATO project, which has five key instruments aimed at promoting regional trade and economic integration in Africa.

Statistics:

  • The ATO project aims to provide trade intelligence to support the implementation and economic impact of the AfCFTA.
  • The workshop brings together 15 participants from national institutions to enhance their capacity in managing travel services data.
  • The ATO project has has five key instruments aimed at promoting regional trade and economic integration in Africa, including the workshop on Trade in Telecommunications, Computer, and Information Services.
  • The workshop will focus on critical topics including harmonisation of data collection methods, improvement of statistical quality, and identification of reliable data sources.
  • The workshop is part of a broader effort to strengthen trade in services data in Mauritius, which is crucial for international trade negotiations, policy formulation, and business decision-making.

Sources:

  • The Docks in Port Louis
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade
  • International Trade Centre (ITC)
  • Government of Mauritius
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)