The 2024 edition of the Juristconsult Investment Summit took place on April 18th.
The summit focused on the importance of utilizing innovative strategies in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, in order to stay ahead of the curve and avoid being left behind.
Discussions at the summit highlighted the direct impact that various factors can have on investment decisions, especially in the face of challenges that threaten a company’s sustainability.
Key themes addressed included the need for businesses to consider the environmental and social consequences of their actions, as well as the importance of transparently disclosing efforts to integrate ESG principles into their strategies.
Other topics of discussion included the implementation of investment projects with clear objectives, ensuring that environmental and social sustainability data meet established standards, assessing the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, and the future of Mauritius’ financial services sector.
The summit also addressed the importance of dispute prevention and resolution, as well as the need for industry leaders and experts to stay updated on new trends and phenomena that may impact both public and private sectors.
Marc Hein, Senior Counsel and president of Juristconsult, expressed his hope that the summit would continue to serve as a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering innovation in the investment landscape.
He emphasized Mauritius’ untapped potential in this area and envisioned the summit as a local equivalent to the prestigious Davos World Economic Forum.
The call for increased focus on investment in the country stems from the belief that economic development, job creation, and improvement in living standards can only be achieved through an investment model that benefits everyone.
According to Marc Hein, there are three sectors in which Mauritius should seek new directions: the stock market, emigration, and immigration of skills.
Hein emphasizes the importance of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius exploring opportunities to enhance the visibility of the Mauritian stock market internationally.
With the arrival of new banks, there is potential to create substance for an entity based in Mauritius to demonstrate residency and ensure funds for financing come from within the country.
In order to improve job prospects for young Mauritians seeking work abroad, Hein suggests increasing skills within the Business Process Outsourcing sector.
As Mauritius continues to open its economic borders, there is a significant expatriate community present, prompting consideration for creating a conducive living environment for them.
Aziz Mebarek, founder and associate director of AfricInvest, highlights the success of the Mauritian financial services sector in attracting both regional and global investors.
The sector’s operations align with stringent international standards, making it a preferred destination for structuring multinational transactions by African fund managers.
Nicolas Richard, Managing Partner of Juristconsult, looks ahead to the next edition of the summit, urging participants to share the knowledge, ideas, and sense of responsibility gained from the 2024 forum.
He stresses the importance of integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into wealth management practices and ensuring clear objectives accompany any investment projects.
Overall, the speakers at the summit advocate for a strategic and holistic approach to investment that aligns with sustainable development goals and fosters a conducive environment for economic growth and prosperity in Mauritius.
Source: l’Express
