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(...) A concurrent objective is to improve the compliance of Malagasy products with international standards, so that they can compete on export markets. The following have been identified as priority export sectors: mining, agriculture (including organic), fisheries and aquaculture, the textile/clothing and agrifood industries, handicrafts, information and communication technologies (ICT), and tourism. (...)

A large proportion of the electricity consumed in Madagascar comes from hydroelectric stations, and the rest from thermal stations. (...)

Wood and coal are the main sources of energy for households. However, the continuing use of these resources poses a threat to the environment. In order to provide energy for all consumers while conserving the environment, the Government has made it an overall objective in this sector to supply high quality energy on a sustainable basis at an affordable price, and to extend services gradually to the whole population.

Three fundamental principles underpin the action to be taken in this field:
• rationalization of the conditions of energy supply, generation, distribution and consumption with due regard for the country's long term interests;
• respect for fundamental environmental balances and encourage rational management of rural areas where forests are being exploited for energy purposes;
provision to both the rural and the urban population of access to at least basic energy services.

Other activities are envisaged as follows:
(...)
• strengthening of the standard setting and quality grading system for industrial products, in conformity with an ecologically sustainable approach to industrial development;
(...)

The Trade Department is also working with UNCTAD to develop trade in organic products; this involves promoting sectors based around Malagasy cultivars. The ITC is helping the country to link trade and the environment.

(...) The ITC is also working with the MCC (Ministry of Trade and Consumer Affairs) on a Trade and Export Development Support Project which would be financed by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This US$9.4 million programme would focus on developing the export competitiveness of non traditional subsectors such as essential oils, organic cocoa, pepper, Cape peas and organic vanilla.

Restructuring the electricity operator JIRAMA and upgrading the country’s electricity supply had already been identified as priorities in Madagascar’s previous review, in 2008. These priorities remain as relevant as ever, and Madagascar’s per capita electricity consumption is less than one tenth of average African consumption. Although the sector is, de jure, open to competition, the fact that electricity selling prices are fixed by the State at low levels (below production cost) does not encourage the entry of new operators. Some economic operators are obliged to lease costly and polluting generators in order to produce their own power.

Since 2007, regulations intended to protect the ozone layer have been in place for the importation, sale, resale and use of refrigerants, refrigeration equipment and halons. (…)

Table 2.1 New trade related laws and regulations, 2007-2014
Field: Ozone depleting substances
Instrument/text: Decree No. 2007 327 of 24 April 2007 regulating the importation and use of ozone depleting substances