Business updates

The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) hosted a B2B Networking session with a high-level U.S. delegation on August 22, 2024, at the MCCI Business School in Ebene. The event, held in partnership with the U.S Embassy in Mauritius, on the sidelines of the Mauritius-US Business Summit, brought together MCCI members and U.S business representatives from sectors including Pharmaceuticals, Bio-medical, Financial Services, ICT, Consulting & Engineering, and Energy.

Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General of the MCCI, opened the event, stating, "This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening commercial ties between Mauritius and the U.S." He highlighted the collaboration between Stanford University and the MCCI Business School, noting it as a first in Mauritius' history.

Mr. Charles Harel, President of the MCCI, emphasised the role of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in bilateral trade. He said, "AGOA has played a pivotal role in our bilateral trade, granting Mauritius duty-free and quota-free access to the U.S. market for nearly 7,000 products." Harel reported that Mauritius exported approximately USD 170 million to the U.S. in 2023, making it the third-largest export destination for Mauritius.

H.E Ambassador Henry Jardine highlighted Mauritius' position as a long-term investment destination. He stated, "Mauritius is one of the more welcoming, long-term investment destinations in sub-Saharan Africa. Its diverse and vibrant economy is a model for how a country can harness the power of democracy, good governance, and the talents of its people to unlock economic potential."

Mrs. Cynthia Griffin, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, Sub-Saharan Africa, led the U.S. delegation. She emphasised the purpose of the networking session, saying, "This event is about creating opportunities through the meeting of business operators from both countries."

The event facilitated discussions between MCCI members and the U.S. delegation, exploring potential joint ventures and investment opportunities. Sectors represented included financial services, ICT, healthcare, renewable energy, and sustainability.

Caption

From left to right: Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General of the MCCI, H.E. Mr. Henry Jardine, U.S. Ambassador, Mrs. Cynthia Griffin, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, Sub-Saharan Africa and Mr. Charles Harel, President of the MCCI.