Delegation at MCCI: Southeast Asian Giants Eye Mauritius for Big Deals

A significant delegation of business representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand visited the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). This group operates in various sectors, including tourism and hospitality, retail, information technology, e-commerce, and investment, among others.

The primary goal of this visit was to enhance economic relations between Mauritius and these Southeast Asian nations.

The delegation was led by Dato Pardip Kumar Kukreja, the Executive Chairman of the Paradise Group of Companies, and included Jagdishwar Goburdhun, Mauritius’ High Commissioner to Malaysia.

On the Mauritian side, around fifty MCCI members, representing a diverse range of economic sectors, engaged with the visiting delegation.

During the meeting, Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, the Secretary General of MCCI, highlighted the importance of the trade relationship between Mauritius and the Southeast Asian countries.

He noted that in 2023, Mauritius exported goods worth MUR 1.8 billion to Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, which accounted for 12% of the total exports to Asia.

“These figures demonstrate the growing significance of these markets for Mauritius,” he stated.

The discussions also illuminated the potential for growth in trade. Dr. Ramdenee referred to an analysis by the International Trade Centre, indicating substantial untapped potential in existing trade exchanges.

He pointed out, for instance, that Mauritius could increase its exports of raw cane sugar to Malaysia by USD 640,000.

On the import side, Dr. Ramdenee emphasized that Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand comprised 3.6% of Mauritius’ total imports in 2023.

These Southeast Asian nations are vital suppliers of key products, particularly in the petroleum, electronics, and agro-food sectors.

Dato Pardip Kumar Kukreja expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative opportunities that lie ahead.

“This visit has allowed us to gain insight into the vibrancy of the Mauritian economy. We are confident about the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships,” he remarked.

Jagdishwar Goburdhun also stressed the diplomatic importance of the meeting, stating, “The High Commission of Mauritius in Malaysia is ready to assist the private sector in fully capitalizing on commercial opportunities.”

The discussions included a focus on high-growth potential sectors such as information technology and renewable energy.

Participants explored opportunities for joint ventures and technology transfers.

MCCI officials assert that this meeting is part of a broader strategy aimed at diversifying Mauritius’ trading partners and establishing the country as a business hub connecting Asia and Africa.

Source: Defi Media