● Why have we not benefited from the EU aid we were entitled to in the context of the end of the sugar protocol?

The private sector is waiting for a meeting with the prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam, to discuss the issue. In fact, the European Union (EU) had set conditions ? related to the reform of our industry ? to the granting of the aid. As the conditions have not been fulfilled, the country can?t benefit from the financial envelope.

● Why does Mauritius take so much time in implementing the reform?

The sugar producers say that the main reason for the delay in implementing the reform fully is the conflict that arose between the government and the sugar sector ? especially on the energy policy, the extension of shareholding and the allocation of lands to the government for economic and social development.

● Another problem appears to have cropped up on the delivery of the sugar quota to the EU this year. What does this imply?

Even though the official statistics are not known yet, everything points to the fact that Mauritius will not be able to deliver the expected 500,000 tons of sugar to the EU this year. However, the authorities have not decided whether they will ask for an extended delivery ? which means Mauritius can use the sugar of 2008 to fill the deficit of 2007 ? or if they will simply abandon the amount of sugar they can?t deliver.