The past week has been a monumental one for Europe. You are just back from the celebrations. How would you define the importance of this event?

It is a historic moment in the economic, social and political integration of the organisation. Several countries that were under the communist Soviet regime are today sharing the same values in human rights, respect of minorities and market economies.

Historically, Mauritius has enjoyed close cultural and commercial ties with two main European powers, England and France. How will the arrival of 10 new countries in the union affect these relationships?

There have been a lot of reactions, mainly negative, because the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) countries and other developing countries think that Brussels will give more attention to the new EU members. Of course, there is the question of European solidarity, but I think that neither our economic capacity nor our political decisions will affect the ACPs negatively. Our partnership with them is so strong that enlargement will not affect them.

The 10 new countries will increase the unique market by 20% (450 million Europeans). Can you imagine the benefits for countries like Mauritius exporting goods to only one European market, with only one set of rules?

Mauritius has strong traditional links with England and France, but even if it is part of la francophonie and the Commonwealth, political and trade dialogue must go through the European Union, independent of colonial legacy.

The EU has accepted some less prosperous members into what was hitherto a very exclusive club, which could result in a more protectionist line on trade. Are the effects on Mauritius and other ACP countries being considered in Brussels?

We need to put this in the context of trade agreements. The textile question is outside EU control. People have known for ten years that the Multifibre Agreement would end in January 2005. It?s no surprise but a consequence of the Uruguayan round trade agreements. Today if there are policy changes, they are in the context of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Three years ago, I said that the Sugar Protocol was not sustainable because we were defying WTO rules by paying three times more than the real price of sugar. From 1975 until today, Mauritius has received 3.5 billion euros in compensation for its sugar. This money has been used in a fantastic way for the development of the country.

Sugar is a very sensitive issue affecting many countries and many small farmers, but it is very important to note that European producers will be affected on exactly the same level as Mauritians.

How will enlargement affect the European Development Fund (EDF) and the allocation of aid?

Absolutely nothing will change. The allocation has already been made. The European Commission?s intention is to increase the EDF envelope for the next allocation.

How does the EU plan to harmonise its policies across such a wide range of different cultures and economies?

One of the main benefits of enlargement is the sharing of values but we have no intention of harmonising cultures. Our motto is « Unity in diversity ».