Pakistan and Mauritius have deep-rooted, time tested
friendly and strong ties and both the countries are
striving for peace , stability , people’s
empowerment, betterment and more opportunities of
trade and economic cooperation at various forums.
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean
about 2000 Kilometers off the southeast coast of the
African continent. Its capital is Port Louis. It got
independence from Britain on 12 March, 1968.
Mauritius has population of 1.5 million with a
mixture of Hindus, Christians and Muslims and is the
best example of tolerance, harmony and unity among
various religions. In 1992, Mauritius became a
republic within the common wealth of nations. The
people of Mauritius are multi-ethnic, multi-religion
multi-cultural multi-lingual. It is highly ranked
democracy and for economic and political freedom.
Mauritius president Bibi Ameenah Firdous Gunib Fukim
is highly qualified and is doctor of science, a
biodiversity scientist. She is serving as president
since 2015. Her nomination was unanimously approved
by National Assembly which shows great respect and
high degree of confidence on her abilities. She
worked as managing director of SIDP research and
innovation; where she devoted her time researching
the medical nut rive implications of indigenous
plans of Mauritius. Previously she was a professor
with a personal chair in organic chemistry at the
University of Mauritius and where she served
successfully as the faculty of science and pro-vice
chancellor. She received various awards including
L’Oreal UNESCO Award for women in science in 2007.
She is Ph.D in organic chemistry from Exeter
University. He husband Dr. Anwar Fatim is a surgeon.
Mauritius is the member of WTO, Common Wealth of
nations, La Franco Phonier, The African union, The
Southern African Development Community.
Economy of Mauritius
Mauritius is ranked first in Africa in global
financial index, economic freedom of the world,
Economic Freedom Index. In Global Competitive index
is 5th in economic freedom of the world, 8th in
economic freedom index, Mauritius is ranked 2nd in
air quality index by WHO.
With a well developed legal and commercial infra
structure and a tradition of entrepreneurship and
representative government, Mauritius is one of the
developing world’s most successful democracies.
Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has undergone
a remarkable economic transformation from a low
income , agro based economy to a diversified , upper
middle income economy with growing industrial
,financial and tourist sectors Mauritius has
achieved steady growth over the last several decades
, resulting in more equitable income distribution ,
increase life expectancy, lowered infant mortality
and much improved the economy currently rests on
sugar, tourism, textiles and apparel, and financial
services but is expanding into fish processing,
information and communication technology,
hospitality and property development. Sugarcane is
grown on about 99% of the cultivated land area and
accounts for 15% of export earnings, development
strategy centers on creating vertical and horizontal
clusters of development in these sectors. Mauritius
has attracted more than 32,000 offshore entities
many aimed at commerce in South Africa and China.
Investment in the banking sector has reached over
One billion dollars. Mauritius textile sector has
taken advantages of the African growth and
opportunity Act, a preferential trade programme that
allows duty free access to US market, swith
Mauritius exports to the US growing by 40% from 2000
to 2014. Pakistani textile industry can take
advantage of Mauritius free trade access to US
market and can invest in textile sector there to re
export to USA and African countries.
Economic Indicators
GDP (PPP) : $ 25.85 billion (2016)
GDP ( Official exchange rate ) $ 11.74 billion
GDP (real growth rate) $ 3.5 % (2016)
GDP per capita $ 20,500 (2016)
GDP composition by sector
Agriculture 4%
Industry 22.1%
Services 73.9 %
Exports $ 2.676 billion (2016)
Export commodities: clothing and textile, sugar, cut
flower, molasses, fish , primates ( for research)
Export partners
UK 13.2% , UAE 12.4 % , France 11.9% , USA 10.7 %
South Africa 8.6%
Imports : $ 4.355 billion
Import commodities: manufactured goods, capital
equipment, petroleum products, chemicals
Import partners:
India 18%, China 7.8%, France 7%, South Africa 6.5%
World Economic Forum describes Mauritius as ideal
gateway to Africa .Mauritius infrastructure is at
par with international standards.
There are no foreign exchange controls and foreign
companies enjoying free repatriation of profits. It
has also eliminated double-taxation with several
important African countries, signing tax treaties
that help Mauritian-based firms to trade across the
region. It boasts one of the most advantageous
jurisdictions for tax structuring in Africa,
offering a tax-free environment for investing
capital and zero tax on interest gained at banks in
Mauritius. All of this means that private equity
firms are able to offer investors highly tax
efficient earnings in one of the region’s most
transparent and well-run democracies, which is why
global PE companies such as Quantum Global have
registered multi-billion dollar funds on the island.
The firm’s newly established office and team of
highly experienced PE professionals, is the hub for
the seven registered funds worth $3 billion offering
investors optimal returns in a very well governed
and risk-assessed environment.
Investors should also recognize that Mauritius is a
country that has never shied away from reforms that
support social development – an important ingredient
in the development of a skilled workforce and a
knowledge-based economy. The country’s reliance on
its traditional export – sugar cane – fell from 90%
in 1968 to 3.5% now – a shining example of success
in moving away from reliance on one primary
industry. Historically, textiles and the manufacture
of garments, financial and business services and
tourism have been the backbone of the economy for
many years.
The small and medium-sized enterprises sector is
growing, providing new jobs and supporting social
mobility. World Bank figures tell us that the growth
in Mauritius looks sustainable too – it forecasts
steady YOY GDP growth of around 4% per year up to
2018.
This is a nation that has all of the key ingredients
for investor confidence: economic diversity, a
highly completive tax regime, investor-friendly
regional trade and tax arrangements – all
underpinned by a working democracy, independent
judiciary and a global reputation for transparency.
During such unpredictable times, Mauritius is an
island of stability and reliability.
Pakistan and Mauritius Friends , Brothers
Ms. Nilofer Shahid, top fashion designer from
Pakistan organized a Fashion Show at Mauritius by
showcasing contemporary Pakistani high end designer
wear. The show was held at Gardens of Sugar Beach
Resort, on the evening of 21st October 2016.
President of Mauritius was the Chief Guest on the
occasion. At the start of show, a documentary on
TDAP and leading exportable Pakistani products was
shown to the audience. CE TDAP welcomed the Chief
Guest and briefly spoke about Pakistan-Mauritius
bilateral trade and commercial relations and also
highlighted the purpose of high powered business
delegation to Mauritius. The event was attended by
large number of Fashion Lovers, Ministers/government
functionaries, heads/representatives of the resident
diplomatic Missions, prominent Mauritian
Businessmen, leading Pakistani community members and
media representatives. During Pakistan Fashion Show
Top 18 models displayed more than 50 unique
collection of Pakistani designs representing deep
cultural as well as traditional heritage of
Pakistan. Fashion Show was followed by a dinner in
honour of President of Mauritius which was also
attended by Government functionaries, local
dignitaries, media representatives and prominent
Pakistani Community members. Enclosed herewith are
few snaps taken during the Fashion Show which may be
published in special supplement.
II. Pakistan Food Festival at the premises of
Greenwich University
In association with Greenwich University, TDAP and
Pakistan High Commission, "Pakistan Food Festival"
was organized at the premises of Greenwich
University. The food festival started on 20 October
2016 and continued till 25 October 2016. Four
prominent chefs were flown from Pakistan to prepare
and present best Pakistani cuisine to Mauritian food
lovers. The festival was inaugurated by Mr.
Atmarannoo Sonoo, Mayor Quatre Borne sister city of
Port Louis. It has been observed that every day more
than 500 Mauritian food lovers visited Pakistan Food
Festival and greatly enjoyed best cuisines of
Pakistan.
III. Pakistan Food Festival at Sugar Beach Resort
In association with TDAP, Sugar Beach Resort and
Pakistan High Commission, another "Pakistan Food
Festival" was organized at the premises of Sugar
Beach Resort. The food festival started on 20th
October 2016 and continued till 25th October 2016.
Chef Mehboob, a celebrity Chef of Pakistan was
specially flown in. During his six days festival, he
prepared and presented the best Pakistani cuisine as
well as continental cuisine to Mauritian food lovers
and foreign tourists.
IV. Book Launch on the State Visit of President of
Mauritius to Pakistan
H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President, Republic of
Mauritius paid an official visit to Pakistan from
17-20 April 2016. During her stay in Pakistan, she
met our leadership in Islamabad and also visited
Karachi. Greenwich University Pakistan prepared a
book highlighting her meetings with political
leadership, meetings with various dignitaries
including prominent business leaders, visit to
different places including laying of floral at the
mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and
visit to HEJ Institute University of Karachi. The
book launching ceremony was held at the premises of
Greenwich University, Mauritius Campus, which was
attended by few ministers, former Vice President,
government functionaries, prominent Mauritian
personalities, leading Pakistani community members
and media representatives.
H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President, Republic of
Mauritius in her concluding remarks vividly recalled
her state visit to Pakistan and emphasized that
though Pakistan-Mauritius political relations are as
envisioned by the leadership of both countries but
trade/commercial and economic relations are not up
to level of potential exists between the two
countries. She urged businessmen from both countries
to enhance trade/commercial and economic relations
by setting up joint ventures in various fields,
improving people to people contacts and increasing
high level contacts between the Chambers and
business community from both sides. She also
informed the audience that Mauritius is member of
various economic groupings such as The Common Market
for Eastern and Sothern Africa (COMESA), Southern
Africa Development Community (SADC), African Growth
and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Indian Ocean
Commission (IOC) and has also signed many PTAs/FTAs.
Thus making Mauritius a launching pad for African
continent. She urged Pakistani businessmen to
benefit from Mauritius's geo-strategic position and
being member of many economic groupings. She assured
Pakistani businessmen her continued support for
promoting business between Pakistan and Mauritius.
The event was widely covered by print and national
TV channel.
With the passage of time these relations further
would be strengthened. Mauritius is going to
celebrate its 49th Independence Day and whole
Pakistani nations conveys them best wishes and
prayers for their prosperity, integrity and further
development and for the longevity of their
leadership.