Sharjah Mauritius Investment Cooperation Explored Between SCCI And Mauritian Leaders

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Lands of the Republic of Mauritius, as Guest of Honor at the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition "ACRES 2026", using the visit to deepen UAE-Mauritius cooperation in trade, real estate, manufacturing, logistics, and wider investment activity.

The invitation to the Mauritian minister stemmed from an earlier SCCI trade mission to Mauritius in 2025, which aimed to build on growing economic ties between Sharjah and Mauritius. The visit focused on turning those discussions into concrete projects, using the UAE-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as the main framework for new partnerships.

At SCCI headquarters, an official meeting reviewed how the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Mauritius, in force since 1 April 2025, shapes cooperation. The agreement removes tariffs on more than 97 percent of UAE exports and 99 percent of Mauritian exports, targeting an increase in bilateral non-oil trade from about US$209 million to US$500 million within five years.

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, said that Sharjah–Mauritius commercial relations are built on a solid investment base, supported by the CEPA’s legal and trade rules. Al Owais highlighted that bilateral trade grew by 82.5 percent during the first four months of 2024, aligning with joint plans to promote investment opportunities and enhance cooperation between business communities in both markets.

Al Owais welcomed the visiting delegation in a session attended by Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, with participation from Abdelrahman Bin Taliah, Director of Executive Affairs at Air Arabia, Farid Belbouab, Group CEO of Gulftainer, and Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of the International Relations Department at SCCI, alongside senior chamber officials from Sharjah.

Discussions covered cooperation in aviation, logistics, and supply chains, where Sharjah companies already have regional experience. Participants examined how these strengths could support cross-border investments, especially in cargo, maritime services, and distribution networks, helping businesses in both countries access new markets across the Middle East, the Indian Ocean region, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sharjah-Mauritius ACRES 2026 real estate and African gateway strategy

The meeting coincided with the opening of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition "ACRES 2026" at Expo Centre Sharjah, where the Mauritian delegation reviewed real estate and urban development projects. The delegation assessed potential partnerships in property development, recognising real estate as a strategic sector within UAE-Mauritius investment collaboration, particularly for long-term infrastructure and city expansion plans.

Both sides also examined investment opportunities in manufacturing and logistics for the Sharjah and Mauritius business communities. Officials underlined that Sharjah-based firms could use Mauritius’ freeport facilities as a hub for storage, distribution, and re-export to African markets, combining Sharjah’s growing role as a global trade centre with Mauritius’ position as a platform for Sub-Saharan African access.

Al Owais noted that a memorandum of understanding signed with the Economic Development Board of Mauritius adds momentum to expanding bilateral trade relations and supports the exchange of business opportunities. For Mauritius, "Mauritius offers a strategic gateway for UAE companies seeking expansion into Sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging supportive legal and tax incentives reinforced by the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement signed in 2015."

Throughout the talks, officials encouraged investors to make use of the legal, fiscal, and investment incentives available in both Sharjah and Mauritius. The discussions stressed sustainable growth and shared prosperity as core objectives, positioning Sharjah as a global trade hub, while confirming Mauritius as a strategic entry point to African economies under the CEPA framework and related agreements.

With inputs from WAM