<B> In practical terms, what are the threats to the sugar protocol of Mauritius?</B>

The threat is a reform of the sugar regime in Europe, which would lead to a substantial drop in prices within a short period. It would involve a decrease in the prices of African and Carribean Pacific countries that benefit from the protocol and it would have dramatic repercussions on these countries and on Mauritius particularly.

<B> Do you think there is a real will on the part of the government to keep this protocol? What are the measures that have already been taken?</B>

Yes, there is a very strong will on the part of the government to maintain the protocol. On the local level, this will was expressed by the ambitious strategic plan on sugar in 2001. From an international point of view, we can see this determination through the leadership Mauritius has at ACP level and its presence in many international authorities. The government plans to undertake a political and diplomatic approach at various levels like the European Commission, the member-states of the European Union for instance.

<B>If sugar prices drop despite these efforts, what could Mauritius do to survive? At the EU level, what could be done for instance?</B>

If prices in the current proposal are accepted, there would be only a few sugar producers who would survive. If a more flexible proposal comes up, Mauritius could ensure the accelerated setting-up of the measures recommended by the strategic plan for sugar. Then, a mid-term review of the strategic plan should be quickly considered. If the first proposal is accepted, European beetroot producers would be compensated and producers from ACP countries would benefit from a programme financed by the European Development Fund. But it would not be sufficient for Mauritian producers.

<B> We have heard about the end of the sugar protocol for some time now…</B>

No. The sugar protocol is supposed to last indefinitely. It is attached to the Cotonou convention – and the Lomé convention before it – and the EU has committed itself to granting the ACP countries this protocol. The agreement is part of the European regulation and cannot be taken separately. The sugar protocol has never been questioned. Given the EU commitments, we expect member-states to support the protocol.

<B>What are the risks for the Mauritian economy on the whole?</B>

Mauritius will have to face two major difficulties. First, the export revenue would fall since sugar constitutes 17% of it, which is not negligible. Then, sugar cane covers nearly half of the territory. A rapid decline would have catastrophic consequences on ecology. While our lands are now covered with crops every year, they would suddenly be neglected. The state does not have the financial means to preserve and support the lands like in Europe.