The India-Mauritius Trade Conference 2024, organized by the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) in collaboration with the India Africa Trade Council (IATC), took place in Port Louis, Mauritius. The event aimed to strengthen economic ties and explore partnership opportunities between India and Mauritius.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO, welcomed His Excellency Keshwar Jankee, Ambassador of Mauritius to Russia, and Hon. Adv. P. Krishnadas, Honorary Trade Commissioner of the IATC for Mauritius. Dr. Iqbal emphasized the commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering a robust partnership between the two countries.
The conference, centered on "Promoting Investment and Growth in Collaboration with Mauritius Business Houses", drew approximately 70 participants from public, business, educational, and healthcare sectors. Discussions focused on improving bilateral economic cooperation, with several proposals for joint initiatives presented.
In his address, Ambassador Jankee highlighted the historical significance of the India-Mauritius relationship, praising recent positive developments. He emphasized the value of regular ministerial visits between the two countries and urged increased mutual recognition and trust between businesses in Mauritius and India. Jankee encouraged active participation in exhibitions and conferences in Mauritius.
A key moment of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for educational collaboration between Global Education Outreach Mauritius and Nehru Group of Institutions, Coimbatore. The MOU, signed by Mr. Jayasankar, Founder of Global Education Outreach Mauritius, and Dr. P. Krishnakumar, CEO & Secretary of the Nehru Group, aims to advance educational technology with a focus on Education 4.0. It also includes plans to establish educational institutions in Mauritius, particularly in dairy farming and food processing.
Mauritius has expressed significant interest in strengthening ties with India, recognizing the potential for growth in tourism, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors. The Indian delegation met with Mauritius' Minister of Education and Cooperatives to explore additional opportunities in education.
Ms. Chetana Ilpate, Honorary Trade Commissioner of the IATC, highlighted Mauritius' potential for Indian film productions due to its picturesque landscapes and cost-effective labor. She also noted opportunities for Indian medical students in Mauritius as a result of increased educational collaboration. Ilpate stressed India's role in supporting Mauritius' development and advocated for enhancing Indian exports to address trade imbalances and boost revenue.
Dr. Asif Iqbal remarked on the increasing awareness of Mauritius among Indians and the growing interest in visiting the country. He noted that previous IETO delegations had secured MOUs in areas such as agroforestry, tourism, solar energy, and pharmaceuticals. India’s large market offers significant opportunities for Mauritius in financial services, IT, skill development, affordable housing, agriculture, tourism, and entertainment.
Umaiz Ahmed, an Indian entrepreneur from Bangalore, spoke about expanding dry fruit businesses in Mauritius, citing the country's self-sufficiency and export capabilities. He highlighted the substantial opportunities presented by India's growing industrial sector and agricultural workforce.
Adv. Krishnadas, Honorary Trade Commissioner for Mauritius at the IATC, expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral relations and announced plans for the next India-Mauritius conference in January 2025, which is expected to generate substantial interest from Indian businesses.
The India Africa Trade Council plans to host various delegation programs to foster collaboration between Indian and Mauritian companies. Delegates also engaged with leading banks in Mauritius to explore financial collaboration opportunities.
Wali Kashvi, Vice President of IETO, managed the delegation's protocols and committed to adhering to the regulatory standards set by both governments. The focus of these trade initiatives is to build strong relationships between the people of both nations and promote business exchanges.
The enduring trust and mutual understanding between India and Mauritius are reflected in their ongoing political engagement and collaborative development projects. The Comprehensive Economic and Commercial Partnership Agreement (CECPA), signed during EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Mauritius on February 22, 2021, and effective from April 1, 2021, underscores their dedication to enhancing trade relations. Adv. Krishnadas reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing trade mechanisms and collaborating closely with Mauritius’ Trade Ministry and Chambers of Commerce to further bilateral cooperation.