Strategic Management for Economic Development: Remaking the Singapore Model

The dynamics of international economic competition have far-reaching policy implications for
both developing and developed countries. Established industrial and trade policy regimes in most
countries are under tremendous strain, and this applies even to the dynamic Newly Industrialising
Economies (NIEs). The outward-oriented development strategies of the Asian NIEs, which once
seemed unbeatable, have run up against protectionist barriers in the developed countries, and
increasingly, against competitive pressures from other up and coming developing countries.
Governments in these NIEs have had to re-examine accustomed policies and strategies, and search
for alternative strategies and programs, in order to re-position their economies for the future.

Bridging the Gap Between TRIPs and the CBD

In 1992, after the Rio Conference, recognizing the importance of the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD), Mauritius has been one of the first countries to ratify the Convention. Nonetheless, over the years, it is being felt that there is a need to harmonise the objectives of the CBD and the requirements of TRIPs especially for developing countries. It is clear that minimum standards are required by TRIPs for patents and the sui generis option for plant varieties, geographical indications, trade secrets and trademarks, based upon the descriptions of the IPRs. By adopting higher standards than those required by TRIPs, it is possible for developing countries to address CBD-related concerns by imposing certain administrative requirements on the process of applying for IPR protection (example the Certification of origin) or by creating mechanisms to achieve specific objectives, for example benefit-sharing.

Financial Globalization and Financial Sector Developments in Small Island Developing Economies:

The Case of Mauritius

The rapid globalization in finance presents new challenges and opportunities to both developed and in particular, developing countries. Following the recent financial crises in emerging markets and some developing countries, an intense debate has emerged in both academic and policy circles on the effects of financial globalisation on developing countries relating to the international architecture, institutional and policy changes required for their successful financial integration. The objective of this paper is to discuss the implications of trade liberalisation in financial services on small island developing states (SIDs). A case study of Mauritius will be undertaken to investigate the impact of GATS commitments on financial services industry in terms of capacity building, capital flows and financial market efficiency. As for trade in goods, this paper also argues in favour of special treatment for SIDs in the context of liberalisation of trade in financial services and for an enhanced role of developed countries and international institutions to support these countries (SIDS) in order to maintain world financial stability, which is an important ingredient for greater financial globalization.

Economic Development in Small Island States (SIS) And Integration to International
Financial Markets: A Case of Cyprus 

This paper investigates the extent to which financial investments in SIS look attractive to investors. As far as we are concerned, the main factor of economic development in small island states is financial restructuring. In this context, small islands could be reorganized as financial centers. The present study analyses the effects of the financial center opportunities in development. The motivations for this study are twofold. First, there is a need for new alternative financial markets in competitive world. Second, SIS can provide alternative benefits (like tax and legal issues etc.) for investors. We focus on Cyprus and determine the advantages of Cyprus as a financial center. The analysis uses global model which takes into account capital volatility, capital accumulation, and the linkages between openness in trade and economic growth. Finally, we suggest some advices for SIS in economic development.

COMESA: A Solution to Self Sufficiency?

Mauritius is a Net Food Importing Developing Country (NFIDC). It is thus heavily dependent on the rest of the world for its food supply. More appropriately, the country’s dependence on imports is quite extensive. For a quite substantial import bill, the export earnings from a single commodity cannot be expected to be sustainable. Added to this is the fact that the export earning in turn is dependent on preferential market access to a certain extent. Under such a situation, searching alternatives for sustainability is of crucial importance. Can regional initiatives turn out to a solution to the above problem? In other words can the small economies of the region join together and co-ordinate a regional policy to attain self-sufficiency within the region?

Mauritius in the Global Economy: The Policy Options

Mauritius, right from its early development days has revealed its interest in integrating with the global economy. Through its participation in the multilateral trading system way back in the seventies it has opened up the process of the economy’s global integration. In its regional integration initiatives figure Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The Mauritian Textile and Clothing Industry: Facing the Challenges Associated with Globalisation

Mauritius’s economy grew rapidly during the early 1990’s as the country embraced trade liberalisation and became increasingly integrated in the world economy. For most of the 1990’s, annual growth was of the order of 5% to 6%, mainly due to the strong export performance of the textile and clothing sub-sectors aided by preferential access to the European Union. Despite this remarkable achievement, Mauritius now faces an economic slowdown due to a number of factors, both internal and external.