Members supported a rapid accession of Seychelles taking into account the economic situation of the country and its status as a Small and Vulnerable Economy.  
 
During the examination, Members raised specific questions and requested further clarification on a number of areas: pricing policy, investment regime, state ownership, privatisation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, intellectual property, export subsidies, customs, import regulation and licensing.
 
Working Party Chair Hilda Ali Al-Hinai (Oman) stated that there was a sense of political commitment for WTO membership at the highest level of the Seychelles' Government. She added that there was considerable work ahead. She stressed the critical importance of technical assistance and urged members to continue providing such assistance for Seychelles' accession to the WTO. In that regard, the EU announced it will continue dispensing technical assistance to Seychelles.
 
“We remain fully engaged in the accession negotiations and committed to accelerate the process” stated the Seychelles Vice President Danny Faure. He added that the government was committed to change and was determined to be part of the global economy. He also said that Seychelles faced numerous obstacles, among them isolation and piracy, which had significant impact on its GDP.
  

Bilateral negotiations

Bilateral market access negotiations have resumed with interested Members on the basis of updated offers circulated in October 2010.
Seychelles signed its first bilateral agreement on market access for goods and services with Oman. Meetings were held with the EU and the US. Seychelles Vice President expressed readiness to meet with other interested Members.

Next steps

The next meeting could be held by mid-2011 but no firm date has been decided.

Background information

• Application received on 31 May 1995
• Working Party established on 11 July 1995
• Working Party Chair: Ms. Hilda Ali Al-Hinai (Oman)
• 1st Working party meeting: 20 February 1997