Comoros is pursuing a proactive trade policy focused on deepening its integration into global and regional value chains, underpinned by a series of landmark policy achievements.

• World Trade Organisation (WTO): ): In a major milestone, Comoros's membership was formally approved in February 2024. This accession anchors the country to the global rules-based trading system, enhancing transparency and investor confidence. Ratification is targeted for 2025.
• EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA): As a signatory to the interim EPA, Comoros benefits from duty-free, quota-free access to the European Union market for its goods, a vital channel for its key exports.

• AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area): Comoros has ratified the agreement, opening access to the vast African market for its unique products and emerging service sector.
• Dual Bloc Membership: It is a member of both COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) and SADC (Southern African Development Community), placing it in a unique position to leverage trade benefits across Eastern and Southern Africa.

• National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANPI): The primary institution responsible for attracting FDI and facilitating business operations in the country.
• Investment Code: Provides a legal framework with incentives, including tax exemptions, for new investments in strategic sectors.

Comoros aims to diversify its economy by adding value to its world-renowned agricultural products and harnessing the immense, largely untapped potential of its vast maritime territory.

Current Trade Snapshot:

• Primary Exports: World leader in Ylang-Ylang (essential oil for perfumes), and a major global producer of Vanilla and Cloves.
• Key Imports: Dominated by essential goods like Rice, poultry, petroleum products, and cement, highlighting opportunities for import substitution and local production.

1. "Cash Crop" Processing
   • Strategy: Move beyond exporting raw and semi-processed agricultural goods.
   • Value Addition: Focus on developing capabilities for the distillation of higher-grade essential oils, grinding and consumer-ready packaging of spices, and certification for entry into high-value organic markets.
2. Harnessing the Blue Economy
   • Vast Maritime Zone: Comoros has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that is over 70 times its landmass, offering enormous potential.
   • Fisheries: TThe strategy is to transition from artisanal fishing to developing a modern, sustainable fishing industry. This includes investment in cold chain infrastructure, processing facilities for freezing and canning (tuna), and export logistics.
3. Eco-Tourism & Niche Services
   • Unique Biodiversity: With its distinct culture, volcanic landscapes, and rich marine life, Comoros is a prime destination for niche, high-end eco-tourism.
   • Services Growth: Investment is needed in boutique eco-lodges, diving centres, and tour operations, creating a high-value service export sector.

As an archipelago, improving physical and digital connectivity is the critical enabler for unlocking Comoros's trade potential. The focus is on modernising key infrastructure and streamlining processes.

• Port Infrastructure:
  • Key Ports: The main ports of Moroni (Grande Comore) and Mutsamudu (Anjouan) are the lifelines for the country's trade.
  • Modernisation Efforts:: Ongoing efforts are focused on improving port efficiency, reducing vessel turnaround times, and enhancing container handling capacity to lower the high costs of shipping.
• Customs & Digitalisation:
  • Comorian Customs Authority: The Direction Générale des Douanes is working to modernise its procedures to align with international standards, improving transparency and revenue collection.
  • Single Window Development:A key national priority is the implementation of an electronic Single Window system, which will allow traders to submit all documents via one digital portal, significantly cutting down on time and costs.
• Inter-Island Connectivity: Improving the reliability and frequency of maritime transport between the three main islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli) is crucial for creating an integrated national market and efficient export supply chains.