Mauritius Offers Dedicated SEZ For Indian Companies

Mauritius has invited Indian companies to develop a dedicated special economic zone for themselves, said Arvind Radhakrishna, Strategic Advisor to the Economic Development Board of Mauritius. 

“Mauritius is developing a dedicated special economic zone (SEZ) for Indian companies. I invite Indian investors and real estate developers to develop the zone and strengthen our economic ties,” said Radhakrishna said addressing an interactive session organised jointly by WTC Mumbai and the All India Association of Industries (AIAI). 

He is leading a delegation of 21 companies to explore new areas of economic collaboration, technology exchange and joint ventures. 

“Mauritius has signed investment protection agreement with 44 countries and double taxation avoidance agreement with 21 African countries. It has preferential market access to 70 per cent of the world consumer market as it has signed trade agreements with Africa, USA, European Union, China, UK, Turkey and other countries,” he stated. 

Sharing a trading overview between the two countries, Seewraj Nundlall, Counsellor (Investment & Trade), Consulate General of the Republic of Mauritius said that India is the second largest source of import, accounting for 10 per cent of the total import of Mauritius. 

"Mauritius' total exports to India grew from USD 16 million in 2010 to USD 56 million by 2022. Around 90 per cent of the over USD 70 billion Indian investment in Africa is routed through Mauritius," said Nundlall.

Highlighting the past initiatives of WTC Mumbai to promote bilateral relations, Vijay Kalantri of WTC Mumbai said pointed out that the current level of bilateral trade, which is around USD 500 million, is below the true potential. 

He mentioned that Indian companies can set up manufacturing units in Mauritius and export to Africa and other countries. Both countries can also explore business in emerging areas such as renewable energy, biotechnology, hi-tech manufacturing and blue economy.