International Conference on International Trade and Investment (ICITI 2025)

Theme: "Trade and FDI Facilitation in the IORA Region"

The University of Mauritius, in collaboration with the UoM WTO Chair Programme (WCP), the Centre of Excellence for International Trade and Investment (CEITI), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), hosted the International Conference on International Trade and Investment (ICITI 2025) on 25–26 September 2025 under the theme: “Trade and FDI Facilitation in the IORA Region.”

The two-day conference brought together over 70 participants from 16 countries, including Mauritius, India, Kenya, Bangladesh, Seychelles, Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania, Indonesia, Oman, Ghana, Rwanda, Togo, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

The Opening Ceremony featured addresses by:

Associate Prof. Dinesh Surroop, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Mauritius

H.E. Mr Sanjiv Ranjan, Secretary-General, IORA

Mr Xiangchen Zhang, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organisation (virtual)

Dr the Hon. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research

A keynote address was delivered by Prof. Jim De Melo (University of Geneva), titled “Wins and Woes of African Integration.” The event included a dynamic Round Table Discussion on “Trade and Investment Facilitation in IORA” with leading experts, including Dr Sunil Boodhoo, Mr Michael Gurner, Prof. Jim De Melo, Mr Paul Baker, and Dr Myriam Blin, moderated by Dr Sheereen Fauzel (University of Mauritius).

Conference Highlights:

4 thematic tracks covering Trade, FDI, Digital Trade, and Environment
Over 40 research presentations from distinguished academics and policymakers
Active engagement on regional cooperation, digital trade, sustainability, and investment facilitation

This international platform strengthened collaboration across the Indian Ocean region, reinforcing the University of Mauritius’s commitment to advancing evidence-based research and policy dialogue in trade and sustainable development.