1. Could you start by outlining your vision for Mauritius’ foreign policy and its key diplomatic priorities in today’s rapidly changing global environment?
You see, we are witnessing an unprecedented evolution of the global landscape. There is a rise in protectionism, the imposition of unilateral tariffs, and growing bipolarity between East and West. We are also facing increasing threats to the multilateral system, with conflicts erupting on nearly every continent. For small island developing countries like Mauritius, it is quite challenging to steer our diplomatic, trade, and regional integration agenda in such a climate.
Unfortunately, we are also losing track of our priorities. We are just five years away from the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity for all, and we are off track.
However, Mauritius has several key assets that we must leverage. First, our strategic geographic location, at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, positions us as a gateway for investment into Africa.
We are also active members of several regional blocs such as SADC (Southern African Development Community) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promote the free movement of goods, people, and services. Moreover, the Indian Ocean region is gaining strategic importance, attracting the attention of global powers like China, the United States, and India.
Mauritius is a member of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), alongside Madagascar, Réunion Island, Comoros, and Seychelles, which allows us to address our regional vulnerabilities collectively. We are also part of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which brings together countries bordering the Indian Ocean. These partnerships are invaluable tools that enable Mauritius to strengthen its diplomacy, trade, and regional cooperation.
2. Mauritius is recognised for its strong international partnerships. How is your ministry working to deepen bilateral and multilateral relationships, especially across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East?
To attract investors and strengthen partnerships, a country must first be a trusted partner. Mauritius offers the ideal environment for this: political stability, a clean and dynamic financial sector, and a wide network of free trade agreements.
For instance, we have signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with both the United Arab Emirates and India. We were also among the first African countries to sign a Free Trade Agreement with China, a major milestone.
Altogether, our trade agreements cover about 70% of the world’s population, including the 1.3 billion consumers of the African market. These agreements position Mauritius as an attractive destination for investment from the Middle East and Asia.
3. Trade diversification is essential for economic resilience. What strategies are being implemented to expand Mauritius’ export base and reduce dependence on traditional markets?
To promote export diversification, we must produce goods and services that are globally competitive. Traditionally, Mauritius has exported sugar, rum, tuna, textiles, and seafood. However, we are now exploring new sectors such as the blue economy, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Recently, a high-level delegation led by the Prime Minister visited India to explore partnerships in the pharmaceutical sector. We are also positioning Mauritius as a regional education hub and strengthening our tourism sector.
Additionally, we have about 127,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that contribute roughly 40% of GDP and over half of national employment, many of them export-oriented. With our vast network of free trade agreements covering 70% of the global population, Mauritius has the foundation to become an export-competitive economy.
4. Mauritius is often praised for its stable governance and business-friendly environment. How do you leverage this strength to attract international investors and promote the Mauritius brand?
We attract investors through a range of incentives and facilitative schemes managed by the Economic Development Board. These include tax holidays, residence permits, and freight rebate schemes for exporters.
Our political stability, independent institutions, and constitutional guarantees of human rights further enhance investor confidence. Mauritius also has a dynamic international financial sector, with banks, law firms, and corporate service providers domiciled in our offshore sector.
In addition, Mauritius is considered a low-tax jurisdiction, and we maintain a flexible policy for the recruitment of foreign labour, which is particularly beneficial for the manufacturing sector. All these factors make Mauritius a compelling and reliable destination for investors.
5. Digital diplomacy and economic intelligence are becoming increasingly important tools in foreign affairs. How is your ministry adapting to this new era of diplomacy?
Digitalisation is a key national priority. The government has placed strong emphasis on ICT development and artificial intelligence in the latest national budget. The Ministry of Information Technology has introduced a white paper on AI and digital transformation, and we are currently digitalising the public sector, particularly in health services.
Mauritius is also recognized as one of the more digitally advanced economies in the region. We recently participated in an AI conference in Paris, where we signed the Convention on Artificial Intelligence, reaffirming our commitment to responsible digital innovation.
Our digital diplomacy is thus aligned with our domestic transformation agenda, ensuring that Mauritius remains competitive and forward-looking.
6. Global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and food sustainability demand collective solutions. How is Mauritius engaging with partners to address these issues regionally and globally?
Mauritius works closely with UN agencies on multiple projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in food security and climate resilience.
We also collaborate actively within the Indian Ocean Commission, addressing shared regional priorities such as renewable energy, food security, and maritime sustainability.
On the energy front, Mauritius is undergoing a green transition, shifting from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives. We are exploring investments in LNG infrastructure and recently acquired 100 electric buses from India to modernise public transport. These initiatives underscore our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
7. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about Mauritius’ vision for regional leadership and its role as a trusted partner for trade and diplomacy?
Mauritius is a small island developing state, but one with big ambitions and strong values. We are deeply committed to climate action, sustainable growth, and regional cooperation.
During my recent discussions with the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, we explored the possibility of the UAE opening an embassy in Mauritius, and of strengthening air connectivity between our two countries. We already have daily flights between Dubai and Mauritius, and we are considering increasing this frequency to encourage greater tourism and business exchange.
Mauritius remains a trusted, stable, and open partner, ready to collaborate with the UAE and the wider Middle East in building a more connected and resilient future.
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