Increasing the visibility of the Comoros on the international stage

At the 13th Ministerial Conference (CM13) held in Abu Dhabi on February 26, the Union of the Comoros achieved a significant milestone by officially becoming the 165th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

After a 17-year-long journey of negotiations within the Working Party on the Accession of the Comoros, this accession marks a decisive step forward for the nation. President Azali Assoumani highlighted the importance of this achievement, emphasizing its significance in strengthening the Comoros’ international presence.

The accession to the WTO comes at a pivotal moment for the Comoros, coinciding with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This development opens up new opportunities for the country to forge regional and international trade partnerships, thus contributing to its economic growth and development.

President Azali underscored the country’s commitment to leveraging WTO membership to advance its goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction. Key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, the environment, maritime affairs, and the digital economy are poised to benefit from increased investments and enhanced trade opportunities.

However, the President acknowledged that reforms will be necessary to align with international trade standards and fully realize the benefits of WTO membership. These reforms are crucial for ensuring the Comoros’ successful integration into the global trading system and maximizing the potential of its accession to the WTO.