The High Commissioner of Mauritius, RasidallySoobadar, has urged the business community of Karachi to explore Mauritius as a strategic hub for accessing the vast African market. Addressing a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Soobadar highlighted Mauritius’ favorable business environment, ranking 13th in the ease of doing business index, as an advantageous gateway to 54 countries in Africa. He emphasized that Pakistani businesses could establish production units in Mauritius, benefiting from favorable labor regulations and duty-free, quota-free access to the African market under the Continental Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Soobadar underlined the significant economic potential of Africa, projected to exceed 4 billion people by 2040, offering abundant opportunities in various sectors including land, mineral resources, agriculture, and investment. Highlighting Mauritius’ strengths, Soobadar noted the country’s strict rule of law, arbitration mechanisms, and good governance, ranking 20th globally for peace. He reassured potential investors of a conducive business environment, emphasizing the safety and flexibility of investments in Mauritius. Regarding bilateral relations, Soobadar highlighted Mauritius’ special ties with Pakistan, dating back to the establishment of its mission in 1970. He also outlined opportunities for Pakistanis to obtain Mauritian passports through investment schemes, further strengthening ties between the two nations. Responding to suggestions from KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, Soobadar discussed potential collaborations in sectors such as tourism and agriculture.
He highlighted Mauritius’ success in tourism and suggested collaboration between the two countries to promote technology-driven tourism enterprises. President Sheikh underscored the need to enhance trade ties between Pakistan and Mauritius, emphasizing the potential for Pakistan to leverage Mauritius as a gateway to Southern and Eastern Africa.
He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and livestock sectors, suggesting mutual benefits from sharing expertise and pursuing corporate farming ventures. Both sides agreed that liberalizing visa rules would facilitate easier travel, cultural exchange, and strengthen bilateral connections between people and businesses.
They expressed optimism about further enhancing trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Mauritius.
