Sharjah Chamber Strengthens Investment Cooperation With Africa During Inaugural Trade Mission To Mauritius

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) recently completed its inaugural trade mission to Mauritius. This initiative, held from June 30 to July 3, was organised alongside the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius. The mission aimed to enhance economic ties and explore investment opportunities between Sharjah and Mauritius. It sought to foster business-to-business engagement and expand cooperation between the two regions.

During the mission, SCCI's delegation engaged in high-level discussions with key Mauritian officials. These meetings included talks with Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance; Shakeel Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Lands; Hambirajen Narsinghen, Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sayed Muhammad Aadil Ameer Meea, Minister of Industry; and Hon Mahomed Osman Cassam Mahomed, Minister of Land Transport. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and exploring investment opportunities in sectors like real estate, infrastructure development, financial services, tourism, and renewable energy.

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais led the delegation as Chairman of SCCI. He was accompanied by Sheikh Majid Faisal Khalid Al Qasemi, First Vice Chairman of SCCI, along with board members Ziyad Mohmoud Khairalla AlHaji and Mohamed Ali Marzook Binkamil. Other notable participants included Dr. Fatema Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations at SCCI; Mai Sultan bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Head of Partnerships at SCCI; Dr. Lina Al Samkari; and Dr. Hassan Al-Kharrat from Al Hanan Ind LLC.

The mission featured an interactive business forum titled ‘Deepening Economic Ties’, co-organised by the Sharjah Chamber and EDB. The session brought together the Sharjah delegation with Mauritian business leaders from industries such as financial services, hospitality, real estate, healthcare, and manufacturing. Dr. Fatema Khalifa Al Muqarrab presented "Business and Investment Opportunities in Sharjah", highlighting the emirate’s investor-friendly environment.

Mahen Abhimanu Kundasamy also presented on Innovative Mauritius during the forum. His presentation showcased the country's innovation strategy and its diverse economy with strong collaboration potential with Sharjah. The event underscored both regions' commitment to advancing bilateral ties for sustainable growth.

Formal Agreements

A significant outcome was signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SCCI and the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). Signed by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais and Charles Harel, President of MCCI, this agreement aims to unlock new collaboration channels across strategic sectors like financial services, tourism investment, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

This MoU coincided with MCCI's 175th anniversary celebration. It reflects deepening UAE-Mauritius relations further strengthened by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Since 2018, CEPA has contributed to a remarkable 221% increase in Mauritian exports to the UAE.

Strategic Collaborations

The trade mission concluded with a field visit to IFFCO Group facilities in Mauritius. This UAE enterprise exemplifies successful industrial expansion into global markets. The visit highlighted how Emirati companies can leverage Mauritius’s strategic location as a gateway to African markets.

In his keynote address during the mission, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais emphasised that Mauritius serves as a dynamic regional gateway linking Africa with Southeast Asia. He noted that this first-of-its-kind trade mission is a strategic step toward deepening economic cooperation between Sharjah and Mauritius.

"The importance of this mission is further underscored by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Mauritius," said Al Owais. "The agreement opens the door for business communities in both countries to benefit from exceptional advantages."

The partnership agreement aims to bolster cooperation between MCCI and SCCI while capitalising on over 70 strategic global partnerships within Sharjah Chamber's network.

With inputs from WAM