● Mauritius is currently hosting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) International Conference on Poverty and Development. What are the stakes involved?

SADC has a great potential but there are many different fields; so we tend to concentrate mainly on the problems at hand, such as the reinforcement of the Secretariat and, as is characteristic of the Eastern and Southern African region, there are a multiplicity of organizations. In fact, half of SADC members are members of other organizations with similar agendas. HIV-Aids is also a very serious problem for the region and there is also a wide range of development issues, such as health, infrastructure, economic growth and employment. Stability in the region is improving, which is very important, for as long as there is instability and war there will be negative development.

● What sort of outcome does the European Union hope to see?

We hope to see SADC go forward with the issue of regional integration. SADC members have already agreed on a wide range of issues but now they must be put into practice. SADC has a huge untapped potential in trade and for this to be exploited fully, it will be vital to eliminate custom tariffs, as well non-tariff barriers, as this would eliminate all sorts of costs. There is also the need for reliable economic governance, which depends on the correct and prompt application of regulations and laws. There are challenges facing each of SADC?s different policies. The nearest challenge will perhaps be the launching of the customs union in 2010. More broadly, member states will have to prioritize the issue of regional integration.

● What is the EU?s impression concerning good governance in the region?

With regards to good governance, we have seen good progress in some cases and, in others, it is clear that there is much room for improvement. SADC is doing a good job within the possibilities at its disposal. For example, I can say that its efforts in terms of electoral observation have been much appreciated beyond the region.

● Mauritius is already quoted as an example for the region. What additional roles can the country take on?

Mauritius is certainly an interesting example, especially in respect to the issue of multiple memberships. Mauritius is a highly respected member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the country?s double-membership will provide a good example of whether membership of both organizations is possible in the long-term, namely in terms of the customs union. Mauritius is one of the best cases of economic development in the region.

«SADC has a huge untapped potential in trade and for this to be exploited fully, it will be vital to eliminate custom tariffs, as well non- tariff barriers, as this would eliminate all sorts of costs».

● In your opinion, has SADC been firm enough on the Zimbabwe question?

We are following the situation very closely. SADC has ensured an observation mission and recently organized an extraordinary summit in Lusaka, Zambia.

●What obstacles will SADC have to surmount if it is to succeed in the regional integration ambit?

It?s certainly not an easy process. We have seen how difficult the process can be and how long it can take in Europe. There are different problems in different areas but it must be said that SADC has very high ambitions in terms of regional integration. The problems usually arise when there are costs involved as long-term benefits often involve short-term costs.

● Speaking of costs, can SADC count on the EU?s continued financial support ?

The EU is the main supplier of development aid to the region and individual member states, such as Germany and the UK, are also important donors. The EU is also very active at regional level because of its experience in terms of regional integration. All the donors are very keen on strengthening their cooperation with SADC and its member states both at the country and at the regional level. Many of SADC members are also active at country level within the African Union. One of the problems will be to address all the issues at country, regional and continental levels.