Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Economic Development, International Trade, Investment, Industry and Commerce
This broad-spectrum ministry, often shortened as the Ministry of Economic Development & External Relations, handles a range of portfolios critical to Mohéli’s growth and its interaction with the wider world. Though Foreign Affairs is chiefly a Union (federal) responsibility, this ministry acts as Mohéli’s liaison in international cooperation and economic diplomacy. It works to attract foreign investment to the island and facilitate trade links. Key functions include: promoting Mohéli’s products (like vanilla, ylang-ylang oil, fisheries products) in international trade fairs, managing any twin-city or cooperation agreements Mohéli has with regions abroad, and coordinating foreign aid projects on the island. For instance, if an international donor funds a solar energy project or a new school in Mohéli, this ministry would coordinate the agreements and implementation locally.
On the Economic Development, Industry and Commerce side, the ministry formulates strategies to stimulate economic growth on Mohéli. It supports local industries – from small-scale agro-processing (e.g. vanilla curing facilities, essential oil distilleries) to budding manufacturing or handicraft cooperatives – aiming to create jobs and diversify the economy. It runs the Mohéli Investment Promotion Office, which serves as a one-stop shop for investors. Through this office, potential investors (domestic or foreign) are provided with information about opportunities and incentives on Mohéli, such as tax breaks or simplified licensing in priority sectors (agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, etc.). The ministry works closely with the Mwali International Services Authority (M.I.S.A.), the body that regulates international business companies in Mohéli’s jurisdiction, to ensure that the island remains a reputable and attractive destination for global financial services (offshore companies, banking licenses, etc.) – thus contributing to the financial industry growth .
In terms of International Trade, the ministry may assist local businesses in export procedures and compliance with international standards. It also helps implement any trade agreements or customs arrangements that Comoros has, making sure Mohéli’s traders benefit from them (for example, preferential access to certain markets or participation in regional markets like the Indian Ocean region).
