Reporting Month and Year: July, 2012 1. Name of the Country ...

Reporting Month and Year: July, 2012
1. Name of the Country: Mauritius
2. Trade with India (month-wise & annual)
Total Imports
CIF Value (In US$)
Country 2011 1 st Quarter 2012
India 1.2 billion 317 million
Source: Statistics Mauritius
Total Exports
FOB Value (In US$ Millions)
Country 2011 1 st Quarter 2012
India 15.97 4
Source: Statistics Mauritius
Month wise:-
Imports (C.I.F.) Value : MRs Mn
2011 2012
Country April May April May
India 2,235 3,777 2,934 4,034
USD Mn 77.60 131.14 101.87 140.07
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United Kingdom (20.3%), France (14.5%) and USA (8.6%) were the major export destinations
in May 2012 while Imports were mainly from India (28.1 %), China (15.3 %), France (6.4 %)
and South Africa (5.7%)
3. Trade Promotional Activities organized (month / year) in Mauritius and activities planned
in the next six months
At a handing-over ceremony on July 12 in Rodrigues – (i) Indian Oil (Mauritius) presented 4
computers to the Rotary Club of Rodrigues as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
activities; (ii) SBI (Mauritius) and New India Assurance donated furniture including bookshelves,
filing cabinets, computer tables, chairs, etc to the Rodrigues Library Services; and (iii) The High
Commission donated more than 1000 books and DVDs to the Rodrigues Library services.
4. Trade and Commercial delegation from India to Mauritius and Trade and Commercial
delegation from Mauritius to India.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Dr. Arvin
Boolell was on an official visit to India (New Delhi and Mumbai) from 04 to 07 July 2012. He
called on Hon‘ble PM and met Hon‘ble EAM, CIM, Deputy Chairman of the Planning
Commission and Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (PMEAC). He
also called on the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He attended the International
Fiscal Association Conference on International Tax – The Emerging Landscape in Mumbai on
July 7 and addressed the session on ― Recent Developments in International Taxation‖.
His visit received widespread coverage in the context of the Double Taxation Avoidance
Convention (DTAC). Newspapers also reported that the next Joint Working Group (JWG) on
DTAC meeting will be held on August 22-24.
Mauritian Tourism Minister Mr Sik Yuen was on an official visit to India from July 11-14. The
Minister and his delegation comprising Ms Premila Roy, Permanent Secretary, Mr Karl
Mootoosamy, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Agency (MTPA) and Mr Vijaye
Haulder, Deputy Director of MTPA met Hon‘ble Tourism Minister Mr Subodh Kant Sahai and
had discussions with Indian tour operators in Mumbai.
5. Important International Trade Fairs/Exhibitions in Mauritius. Report on recent such
fairs/exhibitions, including details of Indian participation & response.
To celebrate 40 years of industrialization in Mauritius, “Mauritius International Trade Expo
(MAITEX) 2012 ”, organized by Enterprise Mauritius (EM) was held from 5-8 July, 2012 at ‗Swami
Vivekananda Convention Centre at Pailles. More than a hundred exhibitors including 61 Small and
Medium Enterprises (SME) companies displayed a variety of Mauritian products in four sectors
namely Textiles/Apparel, Agro-industry, Light Engineering – Metal and Plastic based products and
Luxury goods. Chemical and Fertilizers, Printing and Publishing and Jewellery also formed part of the
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showcased products. It attracted visitors from the region, including foreign visitors from countries like
Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique, Comoros Islands, South
Africa, etc. The exhibition had the participation of three Indian companies based in Mauritius, namely
Apollo Tubes Ltd (Tubes and Pipes), Aadicon Biotechnologies Ltd (Bio-fertilizers , Greenhouse) and
Etchelle Papers Ltd (Paper Recycling).
6. Important Trade & Investment activities by other countries in Mauritius and Analysis of
export performance of competing countries
The Ministry of Health and Quality of Life and Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Pakistan Institute
of Ophthalmology of Rawalpindi signed on 6 July 2012 at the Subramania Bharati Eye
Hospital in Moka a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a period of five years to
further strengthen the existing cooperation in the field of ophthalmology. The signature
ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Mr Lormus
Bundhoo, and the Chief Consultant/Dean of Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Professor Wajid Ali
Khan, and his team who were on a visit to Mauritius from 30 June to 7 July 2012 to carry out
voluntary ophthalmic operations.
It was reported that MRs 8 to 10 billion (US$ 347 million) worth of investment is about to be
made by French group Sapmer in the fisheries sector of Mauritius. The Mauritian Minister of
Fisheries, Mr. Nicolas Von Mally welcomed the proposal and direct investment of the group,
which will allow a re-boosting of the Mauritian seafood hub and global economy.
7. Analysis of global exports & imports of Mauritius, especially with respect to products of
export and import interest to India.
Exports
Statistics Mauritius reveal that total export proceeds for the first quarter of 2012 stood at MR 18,232
million (633 USD million) showing a decrease of 7.3% over the previous quarter. For the first quarter
of 2012, almost 37.0% of exports consisted of “articles of apparel and clothing accessories”,
18.7% of “fish and fish preparations” and 11.5% of sugar. The main export market remained the
European continent with a share of 60.7%, while on a country-wise basis, the United Kingdom was
the main buyer, accounting for 20.0% of total exports. The other main markets were the France
(13.7%), U.S.A (9.8%) and South Africa (9.2%)
Imports
Total imports for the first quarter of 2012 reached MRs 36,950 million (1 billion USD approx. ), lower
by 12.8% over the previous quarter and higher by 7.3% over the corresponding quarter of 2011.
Around 23.9% of total imports consisted of “mineral fuels, lubricants & related products”, 22.6%
of “machinery & equipment”, 16.9% of “Food and live animals” and 16.1% of “manufactured
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goods classified chiefly by materials”. The Asian countries supplied 55.1% of imported products
for the first quarter of 2012 and another 25.5% came from European countries. The main source of
imports was India (24.7%) followed by China (12.6%), France (8.6%) and South Africa (6.0%).
8. Market prospects in respect of major items of Indian export interest.
It was reported that Winners (owned by Ireland Blyth Limited (IBL) group of Mauritius), one of the
supermarket chains in Mauritius is planning to enter the retail market in India. ― IBL has an office in
Mumbai and we will explore the opportunities‖ said Mr Nicolas Merven, Chief Operating Officer
(COO) of Winner‘s.
9. Trade Enquires from India and Trade Enquires from Mauritius.
Month Indian Enquiries Mauritian Enquiries Total
July 76 3 79
10. Trade Complaints received during the month, and follow up action on earlier complaints
No trade complaints were received during the month of July.
11. Indian investment in Mauritius (company wise and sector wise), and performance of
existing Indian Subsidiaries/ Joint Ventures / Collaborations, if any, in Mauritius.
Gross Inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from India by Sector
(Excluding GBC1s)
(USD thousand)
Sector
1st
(ISIC ^ 1 Description 2011 1 Quarter
digit) 2012 2
C Manufacturing 111 271
I
Accommodation and food service
activities
2,962 -
L Real estate activities 295 -
P Education 140 -
Total 3,508 271
(Source: Bank of Mauritius)
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Gross Outward Direct Investment to India by Sector
(Excluding GBC1s)
(USD thousand)
Sector (ISIC
Description 2011 1 1st Quarter
^ 2
1 digit) 2012
C Manufacturing 38 5
G
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor
vehicles and motorcycles
- 4
I Accommodation and food service activities - 1,000
J Information and communication 0 100
K Financial and insurance activities 142 -
M Professional, scientific and technical activities 351 -
N Administrative and support service activities - 69
Total 531 1,178
12. Status of ongoing major investments by Indian PSU’s / Pvt. Sector in Mauritius, and
proposed Indian investments in Mauritius.
Indian PSUs
Bank of Baroda (BOB) opened its 8th branch in Rose Belle on July 25, 2012. The bank recorded
pre-tax profits of MRs 164m (5 million USD) during its last financial year, compared to Rs 157m the
preceding year.
Others
The Indian telecom company, Bharat Telecom Limited was listed on the Stock Exchange of
Mauritius (SEM) this month. The company shares were floated for trading on the
Development and Enterprise Market (DEM) and 93,317 shares were reported to have been
traded.
The Suzlon-Padgreen consortium, which holds a Letter of Intent since last February for the
installation of a wind park of 14 turbines at Plaine-Sophie was engaged in negotiations with
the Central Electricity Board for the signing of an Energy Supply and Purchase Agreement.
This agreement will lead to the setting up of a first wind farm in Mauritius. Suzlon-Padgreen
plans to invest about MRs 2 billion (US$ 69 million) in the project.
It was reported that construction works at the mega project, Neotown, a venture of Patel
Engineering of India, for the construction of a satellite town which was supposed to lift up the
landscape of the capital, are proceeding at a slow pace. The project is estimated to have
investments worth US$1 billion.
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Newspaper reports highlighted that the two Indian pharmaceutical companies based
inMauritius Mascareignes Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (MPM) and Ajanta Pharma
(Mauritius) Ltd are now targeting Africa, Asia and the regional countries as export
destinations. MPM is investing US$ 12.5 million in the renovation of its factory. Ajanta, which
is already supplying some 10 African countries, from its factories, is also planning to increase
its exports, the article reported.
13. Analysis of Investment opportunities in Mauritius.
Foreign direct investment inflows rose by 15% in the first quarter of the year, driven by investment
in real estate and construction.
14. Status of trade and investment related issues taken up by the Mission with the
Government of Mauritius.
The Mission has been taking up a trade complaint against a Mumbai-based company, M/s Kaydour
Cables India Pvt. Ltd. by Plumbelec, a well established electrical engineer contractor in Mauritius
through Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA).The parties have
reached an agreement for an amicable settlement of the dispute.
15. Details and Result of meetings & interactions of the Mission with Trade, Industry &
Economic Ministries / Department / Agencies in Mauritius.
Ms Asha Burrenchobay, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer
Protection led a Mauritian delegation to India for the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Textiles on 23-24
July. She also called on Mr S. R. Rao, Commerce Secretary, Indian Ministry of Commerce and
Industry to discuss, among other things, the basmati rice exports from India to Mauritius. Mr Rao
suggested that a communique could be issued by both the sides/Governments stating that the
certification issued by the Export Inspection Council (EIC) is acceptable to Mauritius.
16. Important policy changes by the Government of Mauritius, especially with respect to
trade, investment, aid / credit facilities etc.
The Central bank set up a US$762m credit line to help exporters refinance maturing loans. The
measure will help shield the country's most vulnerable sectors—manufacturing and tourism—from
weakening external demand.
17. Position of Mauritius on WTO related issues, and issues with respect to other important
multilateral fora. Recent important changes in policy and the public opinion in these
areas.
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Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mr Xavier-Luc Duval was awarded the African
Finance Minister of the Year 2012 by the African Leadership Magazine, a publication based
in Nigeria.
HE Dr J.N. Milan Meetarbhan, GOSK, Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, has
been elected President of the 18th Session of the International Seabed Authority. The
presidency of HE Dr Meetarbhan will enhance the contribution of Mauritius on ocean
governance issues and help build capacity in the region.
According to the World Investment Report (WIR), which was released earlier this month,
both in terms of FDI inflows and outflows, Mauritius is in the top 5 of the category 'Small
Island Developing States (SIDS)' which regroups 29 countries. The UNCTAD FDI Attraction
Index 2011, which ranks countries by the FDI they receive in absolute terms and relative to
their economic size, places Mauritius in the category of countries which are "in line with
expectations".
19. Major International Tenders issued & Bids invited in Mauritius.
Four (4) tenders published in the month of July, 2012 in the local newspapers, for which foreign firms
were also eligible, were communicated to the respective institutions in India so that they could in turn
pass on the information to the concerned parties.
19. Aid/Assistance received by Mauritius from other countries/international agencies,
funding organizations etc.
Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Mr Chen Jian visited Mauritius on July 3 for the 9 th Sino-
Mauritian Joint Commission Meeting where a US$ 9 million grant by China for infrastructural
projects was announced. Change in terms and conditions for land use of the Jin Fei project to
make it attractive was also finalized. Currently, Chinese firm (China International Water and
Electric Corporation) is constructing a dam (Bagatelle) financed by Chinese Export and
Import Bank through favourable loans.
It was reported that the Japanese government is financing the project on Inundation, Flooding
and Landslide National Risk Profile, Strategic Framework and Action Plans for Disaster Risk
Management for Mauritius to a tune of $ 2.9 million.
20. Commercial, Economic and Political Report of Mauritius.
Commercial :
Visits:
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The Mauritian Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection Mr Abd-Al-Cader
Sayed Hossen was in Cape Town, South Africa, in the context of the "Buyers Sellers Meeting"
organized by Enterprise Mauritius. 32 Mauritian companies, including 19 SMEs participated in
the event to showcase their ―savoir faire‖. Products displayed included textile and clothing,
fancy jewellery, agro-products, shoes, chemicals, plastics, and light engineering products. In
the margins of the Meeting, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection
participated in an interactive Trade and Investment Workshop to promote Mauritius as a
business destination for sourcing quality products and services. He also met many potential
investors.
The Mauritian Minister of Tourism and Leisure Mr Sik Yuen visited Seychelles, India and
Dubai, where he led a delegation to further promote Mauritius as a tourist destination. In
Seychelles, the Minister attended the Routes Africa 2012 event and had discussions on the
Vanilla Islands concept. In India, the Minister had interactive sessions with the media and
discussed with the travel trade operators where he renewed partnership and enlisted their
collaboration for a more dynamic marketing of the destination for family holidays, honeymoon
and weddings. In the margins of his visit, the Minister met the Hon Subodh Kant Sahai,
Minister of Tourism of India and discussed collaboration in the field of tourism. In Dubai, the
Minister engaged consultations with Emirates Holidays on the marketing of Mauritius on their
network, as well as on the furtherance of the twin destination concept together with Dubai, on
routes demonstrating high traffic potential, such as Russia, Germany and China.
The Mauritian Minister of Health and Quality of Life Mr Lormus Bundhoo was in South Africa
to participate in a meeting on Strengthening Representation for Africa in Global Fund
Governance. The purpose of the Meeting was to discuss representation for Africa on the
Global Fund Board and on the Standing Committees so as to ensure that the voice of Africa is
heard and the Continent is able to input effectively into the Global Fund Policy Development.
The Global Fund, a public-private partnership, was established in 2002 to mobilize and
disburse additional resources to support the scaling up of interventions in the fight against
HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Economic :
The Mauritian economy has been successfully metamorphosed from a mono-crop agriculture to a
diversified economy comprising innovation-driven and knowledge-based activities. INSEAD, a Parisbased
international graduate business school with campuses in Europe and Asia, ranked Mauritius
as the most innovative country in Africa in its fifth annual Global Innovation Index. The endeavor to
pursue innovation is confirmed by recent developments. For instance, the introduction of the Clinical
Trials Act which now allows clinical trials to be conducted in Mauritius is a stepping stone in terms of
research. Technology also plays an important role in all spheres of the economy. Many companies in
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the manufacturing, ICT-BPO, biotech, healthcare and agricultural sectors have moved up the value
chain by implementing projects which leverage technology. The future of the manufacturing industry
is geared towards innovation, creativity and value-creation through specialised and high- tech
activities such as precision engineering in the field of medical devices, original equipment
manufacturing and instrumentation, pharmaceuticals and textiles. The agricultural landscape has
changed significantly and growers have shifted their activities towards other more profitable ventures
such as the cultivation of new crops through the use of technology, such as hydroponics. The country
is now moving towards more innovative services sectors with a very strong focus on high valueadded
activities. The Board of Investment, in collaboration with different stakeholders, is working on
an innovative scheme named the Land-Based Oceanic Industry project.
Political:
Mr. Rajkeswur Purryag was sworn in as the fifth President of the Republic of Mauritius on 21
July by the Chief Justice Sik Yuen, at the State House, Le Réduit following a motion
presented at the National Assembly by the Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam. (The
post of President fell vacant as a result of resignation of Sir Anerood Jugnauth, in March
2012, from his seat as President of Mauritius.)
Mr Abdool Razack Mahomed Ameen Peeroo was unanimously elected Speaker of the
Mauritius National Assembly on July 24, 2012. He took over from Mr Rajkeswur Purryag, who
assumed office as President of the Republic.
21. Pending References from the Mission.
22. Monthly expenditure of the Commercial Budget.
Progressive expenditure statement as on 31-07-2012 is attached.
23. Any other relevant inputs.
Operators in the logistics sector reported that the turnover of cargo freight services went down by
25% as the volume of imported products contracted by 30%.
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