The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), in collaboration with the University of Mauritius, hosted the International Conference on International Trade and Investment (ICITI 2025) on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 September 2025 at the Voila Hotel, Bagatelle, Mauritius.
Held under the special theme “Trade and Investment Facilitation in the IORA Region”, the Conference brought together experts, policymakers, academics, and practitioners to share insights, research findings, and best practices on issues related to international trade and investment.
The agenda featured presentations and panel discussions from IORA Member States — namely Mauritius, Seychelles, Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Oman, and Tanzania — along with contributions from international partners. Discussions focused on key topics such as:
- Intra-IORA trade opportunities
- Trade facilitation
- Foreign direct investment (FDI)
- The relationship between trade and the environment
- Digital and services trade
- Regional integration
In the context of a dynamic global trading environment, marked by economic uncertainty, shifting geopolitical trends, and emerging trade barriers, ICITI 2025 served as an important platform for dialogue. It enabled participants to explore strategies that enhanced resilience, promoted sustainable investment, and strengthened regional cooperation within the IORA framework.
