MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries organised an interactive meeting with H. E. Mrs. S. B. Hanoomanjee (G.C.S.K.), High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to India. In her remarks, H. E. Mrs. Hanoomanjee said, “Government of Mauritius has declared a dedicated economic zone for Indian companies and it invites Expression of Interest (EoI) from Indian investors in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, hi-tech and R&D sectors in that zone. Mauritius is positioning itself as a springboard for global pharma industry to access African market for vaccines and therapeutic drugs. Mauritius government provides USD 25 million immediate seed capital to Indian firms investing in biotech and pharma sectors.”

The High Commissioner suggested Indian companies to consider Mauritius as a strategic location to enter the 1.3 billion African consumer market. She remarked, “The consumer spending in Africa is set to grow from USD 1.4 trillion now to USD 7 trillion by 2030 because of rising middle class population and purchasing power. Indian manufacturers can set up regional center in Mauritius and export to the entire African region duty-free with a minimum value addition of 35% in Mauritius.”

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Seewraj Nundlall, Counsellor (Investment & Trade), Consulate General of the Republic of Mauritius remarked, “In the last one year, India exported Rs. 800 crore worth of pharma products to Mauritius. India’s goods exports to Mauritius grew 110%, while imports rose 45% last year. Indian companies can consider Mauritius as a gateway to the world as they can have duty-free access to 70% of the world market.”

Speaking about the emerging sectors of cooperation, Mr. Nundlall mentioned, “Mauritius has opened insurance, banking, telecommunication, architecture, tourism and other services for Indian investments. Indian companies can also invest in emerging sectors such as IT, digital technology start-ups, e-commerce, film production and hi-tech manufacturing. Government of Mauritius is willing to provide work permits to hire foreign labourers in case skilled workforce is not available locally.”

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) remarked, “India and Mauritius are like Sister countries, as Indians account for more than 70% of their population. India has supported Mauritius in mega projects such as metro rail and construction of Parliament.”

Speaking about the efforts taken by WTC Mumbai to promote bilateral trade, Dr. Kalantri pointed out, “The online exhibition launched by WTC Mumbai last month is our latest effort to promote India’s exports of 310 goods for which Mauritius has given preferential market access to India under CECPA.”

The program was also addressed by Mr. Vishwajeet Cheetoo, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Mauritius.

The event received overwhelming response from members of trade and industry, academia, financial institutions and consular corps.

Mr. Ajoykant Ruia, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai proposed the vote of thanks.

In Photo (From L-R): Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai felicitating H. E. Mrs. S. B. Hanoomanjee (G.C.S.K.), High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to India