Ghana, Mauritius sign trade deal

Ghana’s Investment Promotions Centre (GIPC) and its Mauritian counterpart on Thursday signed a trade and investment agreement, which will engender a rise in trade traffic between the two countries.

Mawuena Trebarh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIPC initialed for her outfit while Dev Chamroo, CEO of Enterprise Mauritius signed for his organization. According to Mr Chamroo, Mauritius, with a population of 1.3 million and a land mass of 2,000 square kilometers, wants to invest in Ghana’s oil and gas, construction, ICT, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Mauritius has 42 different established businesses that have operated in Ghana over the last 20 years with a value of about $1 billion.

Mr Chamroo noted: “Mauritius, strategically located along the trading route between Asia and Africa, has emerged into a major source of quality products and services. Currently, the island economy is proudly exporting over 1500 products lines to 150 countries worldwide,” adding that its main exports include refined sugar and special sugars, sea food, agricultural rum, wheat flour, processed food, fresh fruit and vegetables jewellery and cut diamonds.

It also produces footwear, leather garments and accessories, among others. He added that “Mauritian quality products are exported worldwide and can be found on the shelves of leading retail and departmental stores in major capitals. Our exporters have built long-term customer relationship with buyers worldwide and at the regional level, Mauritius has emerged as the hub par excellence for trade, investment and finance.”

Ken Poonoosamy, Managing Director of Mauritius’ Board of Investment (BoI), in a speech, said with the booming trade opportunities in Africa, countries need adequate infrastructure.

“Mauritius has had commendable economic track-record since its independence and would want to share such experiences with Ghana. The Board of Investment has therefore undertaken the initiative to develop an outward investment strategy to tap into the growing investing opportunities in Africa.

“This is why we are organizing this investment prospecting mission from September 16-20 in Lagos and Accra.” Ambassador Azad Dhomun led the 50-member Mauritian business delegation to the country.