Mauritius - A Gateway for Indian Firms to Africa

Jul 20, 2017

An interactive meeting was held in honour of Mr. Seewraj Nundlall, Consellor (Investment & Trade), Mauritius High Commission in India on July 20, 2017. Mr. Nundlall said, “Government of Mauritius wants to form a triangular partnership with India and the African continent. Indian companies can consider Mauritius as a gateway to their entry into the African markets. Products manufactured in Mauritius have duty-free access to the African markets as our country is a member of trading blocs such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Goods originating from Mauritius also enjoy preferential access to the European Union and USA. Therefore, Indian companies must take advantage of this by setting up manufacturing units in Mauritius. Companies from India can also explore investment opportunities in the special economic zones (SEZs) being established in Senegal, Madagascar, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Governments of these four countries have formed partnership with Mauritius to develop their economies through SEZs”.

Mr. Nundlall informed that Government of India and Government of Mauritius are negotiating a comprehensive economic co-operation and partnership agreement to enhance bilateral trade and investment. He said India and Mauritius can collaborate in sectors such as food processing, seafood, aquaculture, tourism, healthcare, life sciences and so on.

“We invite India’s pharmaceutical companies to set up plants in the upcoming pharmaceutical village in Mauritius. India’s film industry can produce movies in Mauritius by availing 30-40% refund of cost, which is provided by the Government of Mauritius,” Mr. Nundlall added.

Inviting India’s infrastructure companies to participate in the infrastructure projects in Mauritius, Mr. Nundlall said, “So far, many companies from China have developed roads, airports and other infrastructure projects in Mauritius. Now, we seek the expertise of Indian companies in this sector.”

Speaking at this occasion, Mrs. Koshita Napaul, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Mauritius said, “We want to have a dynamic relationship with World Trade Centre Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI). Jointly, we can promote bilateral trade and investment between both the countries through road shows, exchange of delegations, organising Business to Business Meetings and other trade promotion events. India-Mauritius relationship is based on shared values and strong ethnic linkages. Next year, Mauritius is celebrating its 50th Anniversary of Independence. Ahead of this occasion, Mauritius wants to rebuild its economic partnership with India, which is the largest democracy in the world.”

Mr. Y. R. Warerkar, Executive Director, World Trade Centre Mumbai said, “Presently, India’s bilateral trade with Mauritius stands around USD 900 million and it has the potential to grow manifold in future. World Trade Centre Mumbai is willing to provide all possible steps to promote bilateral economic partnership between both the countries.”

In Photo from (-R): Mr. Y. R. Warerkar, Executive Director, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Mr. Seewraj Nundlall, Consellor (Investment & Trade), Mauritius High Commission in India and Mrs. Bineshwaree Napaul, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Mauritius.