Mauritius and Turkey will sign a Free Trade Agreement in June

A number of important issues were on the table during the Cabinet meeting on May 6. Among the points raised included the visit of Najat M’jid Maalla, special UN rapporteur, to collect data on child prostitution in Mauritius.

Light rail system report under review

Following Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam’s intervention during his last visit to Singapore, a delegation from Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Corporation fielded a mission in March. The corporation has now submitted its report on the introduction of the light rail transit system in Mauritius which is being examined.

Island joins commission against crime

Mauritius has been elected as a member of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for 2012-2014. The announcement was made at the elections held during the UN Economic and Social Council session in New York on April 27.

Law database to be launched online

With a view to further modernise the legal system and better promote justice, attorney general Yatin Varma will, on May 12, launch the Laws of Mauritius Online Database. The database will contain the Constitution of Mauritius, regulations made under it, as well as Acts of Parliament.

Turkey to provide duty free access

Mauritius and Turkey will sign a Free Trade Agreement in June. The agreement will provide for duty free quota free on all industrial products with the exception of 60 textiles products on which Turkey has agreed to phase out tariffs over four years. It will also provide for a duty free access on some 40 agricultural products, including raw fish and tropical fruits.

Protocol on child rights to be ratified

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography will be ratified. The protocol creates obligations on state parties to criminalise and punish activities related to the above mentioned offences. Najat M’jid Maalla, special rapporteur appointed by the UN, is currently visiting Mauritius to gather information on child prostitution.

Training for new cruise ship crew

In view of the increasing demand for skilled workers, the Ministry of Labour will launch a four-month training programme for those wishing to take up employment on board cruise ships.