UK Strengthens Trade Ties with Madagascar Amid WTO Review

UK Highlights Strengthened Trade Ties and Economic Reforms in Madagascar’s WTO Policy Review

Geneva, 12 February 2025

The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Madagascar’s economic development and trade aspirations during the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Policy Review in Geneva. Addressing the gathering, the UK delegation, led by representatives from the UK Mission to the WTO, applauded Madagascar’s progress in economic reforms and trade integration while emphasizing the need for further advancements to tackle poverty and attract foreign investment.

Madagascar’s Trade Policy Review revealed promising developments, including significant growth in trade, which now accounts for over two-thirds of the nation’s GDP, up from just under half. The UK commended Madagascar’s efforts to integrate into global supply chains and implement structural reforms, including updates to the Mining Code and the introduction of a new Investment Law.

“Madagascar’s location and rich natural resources make it an attractive destination for foreign investment,” the UK delegation noted, adding that sustained efforts to enhance governance and address corruption are essential to unlocking the country’s full economic potential.

The UK also highlighted the nations’ historic and enduring ties, celebrating Madagascar’s inclusion in the regional Economic Partnership Agreement, which aims to improve market access, stimulate economic growth, and foster development cooperation. In line with these goals, the UK pledged technical support to enhance Madagascar’s regulatory framework and boost trade between the two nations.

Environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation were key themes in the discussions. The UK emphasized the critical need to combat deforestation, a pressing issue highlighted during high-level talks between UK officials and Malagasy leaders last November. The UK reiterated its commitment to preserving Madagascar’s iconic landscapes and supporting renewable energy initiatives to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Gender equality and women’s participation in trade also featured prominently. The UK lauded Madagascar’s efforts to meet African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocols and encouraged its active involvement in Geneva’s trade and gender initiatives.

Looking ahead, the UK expressed optimism about Madagascar’s potential to expand in key sectors such as telecommunications, vanilla, lychee production, and renewable energy. It called for greater competition in these markets and urged Madagascar to leverage available international support mechanisms, including the WTO’s Enhanced Integrated Framework.

Concluding with a nod to Malagasy cultural heritage, the UK quoted the Ibonia epic: “So long as this tree is green and healthy, I will be all right,” symbolizing the importance of a robust and sustainable economic foundation.

The UK delegation praised the transparency fostered by the WTO review process and expressed confidence in Madagascar’s ability to achieve its economic and developmental aspirations.