PRESS RELEASE 

A business delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry visited Mauritius from 5-7 February 2017. It comprised heads of several Indian companies in the fields of infrastructure, IT, textiles and financial services.

In connection with the visit, the High Commission of India in collaboration with the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industries organised a Business Meet at Hotel Voila, Bagatelle on 6^th February 2017. Hon’ble Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mr. Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo, was the Chief Guest at the Business Meet. In his keynote address, Minister Lutchmeenaraidoo spoke about the advantages of the Mauritian membership in SADC and COMESA and encouraged Indian investors to utilize the potential of Mauritius as a gateway to Africa. He also spoke about the promising prospects of triangular cooperation between India, Mauritius and mainland African nations such as Ghana and Senegal.

Mr. S. Kuppusamy, Advisor, Shapoorji Pallonji and Co Pvt Ltd spoke about potential areas of sectoral collaboration between India and Mauritius. Mr. Azim Currimjee, President of MCCI spoke about various opportunities available for Indian investors. Mr. Ajit Gupte, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, gave a presentation on GoI Lines of Credit and success stories in Africa. High Commissioner Abhay Thakur underscored the special importance and exceptional treatment accorded by both India and Mauritius to each other in tax matters, developmental assistance and OCI scheme. Lauding the ongoing implementation of GoI-assisted projects in a timely manner, made possible through the excellent cooperation extended by the Government of Mauritius, he said that India looked forward to a similarly close bilateral cooperation in implementation of future LoC projects or even private initiatives.

The delegation called on the Hon’ble President Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Pravind Jugnauth, Hon’ble Minister of Public Infrastructure Mr. Nandcoomar Bodha, Hon’ble Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Mr. Soomilduth Bholah and Hon’ble Minister of Commerce, Industry and Consumer Protection, Mr. Ashit Kumar Gungah. Thanking Government of Mauritius and MCCI for facilitating a range of high level calls and productive business interactions, the CII invited Mauritius to participate in the upcoming 12^th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership to be held in New Delhi from 9-10 March 2017. 

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