International Conference on International Trade and Investment (ICITI2025) ‘Trade and FDI Facilitation in the IORA Region’

On 25-26 September 2025, an International Conference on International Trade and Investment (ICITI2025), on the topic of ‘Trade and FDI Facilitation in the IORA Region’, took place in Mauritius. The International Conference was organized by the University of Mauritius (UoM), the UoM WTO Chairs Programme (WCP), the Centre of Excellence for International Trade and Investment (CEITI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

WTO Deputy-Director General, H.E. Xiangchen Zhang, delivered opening remarks. In his speech, he highlighted the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Region to international trade and transport. Yet, DDG Zhang noticed that, despite the geographic advantage of the IORA waters connecting some of the busiest maritime routes, linking Asia, Africa, the Middle East and beyond, the full potential of the region's trade, investment flows and digital economy remains untapped. He emphasised that, unlocking these opportunities requires both deeper regional collaboration and a strong multilateral framework for trade and investment, stating that this is where the WTO and IORA's efforts converge. 

The Keynote Address “Wins and Woes of African Integration” was given by Prof Jim De Melo (Emeritus Professor, University of Geneva, Scientific Director at the FERDI and Academic Advisor at the Geneva Business School). You may find a copy of his presentation enclosed.