Towards Better Protection of Food Supply Chains

47 developing countries met virtually on March 9 within the G33, a coalition of the World Trade Organization (WTO), to discuss food security and agricultural trade.

The meeting, hosted by Indonesia, brought together several ministers, including Ritish Ramful, Mauritius’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of ensuring a stable food supply for the population in an uncertain international context. “Mauritius’s absolute priority is to guarantee a continuous supply for its population in a fragile global environment,” he stated. Mauritius, like several G33 members, is among the net food-importing developing countries (NFIPs) and remains particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in international markets.

Ritish Ramful warned against the export restrictions adopted by some countries during times of crisis. According to him, these measures could cause panic in the markets, drive up prices, and weaken already strained supply chains. This framework called for the establishment of clear and enforceable rules to regulate these practices and prevent imbalances in global food trade.

Discussions also focused on agricultural subsidies, the special safeguard mechanism, and the links between international trade and food security. The Mauritian Minister reiterated the need to correct imbalances in global agricultural trade and enable developing countries to support their local production.