Mauritius strengthens ties with Madagascar

In the margins of the First Session of the Joint Commission between the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Madagascar, the Economic Development Board organised an interactive working session with its Malagasy counterpart last week. 

A 25 member-strong Malagasy delegation comprising Mr M. A. Rasamizafy, Chargé d’Affaires and Mr. Andry Tiana Ravalomanda, General Director in charge of Foreign Trade of Madagascar participated in the working session.

The Mauritian side was represented by H.E Mrs Usha Dwarka-Canabady, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ken Poonoosamy, Deputy CEO of the Economic Development Board and other institutional stakeholders namely Mauritius Africa Fund (MAF), Business Mauritius, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Consumer Protection, Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA), the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Mauritius Export Association (MEXA), Mauritius Bankers Association (MBA), Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture, Air Mauritius as well as private operators who have a presence in Madagascar across various sectors.

The meeting provided an excellent platform for exchanging of ideas and establishing greater cooperation between the Malagasy delegation and Mauritian stakeholders. In his welcome address, the Deputy CEO of the Economic Development Board reiterated the importance of the Joint Commission as a strategic tool for fostering economic ties between Mauritius and Madagascar.

He also highlighted that Mauritius benefits from its geostrategic location in the Indian Ocean between Africa and the emerging markets of India and China, and the rest of Asia, thereby positioning the country as a key player on the regional and international scene.

He further reaffirmed government`s commitment to stimulate investment and trade with African countries by pursuing the Africa Strategy to accelerate regional integration and increase intra-African trade and cross border investments.

H.E Mrs Usha Dwarka-Canabady, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, stressed that it is fundamental to establish a forum for constructive and continuous dialogue in areas of cooperation and development between the two countries.

Moreover, a comprehensive presentation on the legal and business regulatory environment of Madagascar was showcased by Mr. Johary Rajosefa, Director of Promotion and Economic Intelligence, Economic Development Board of Madagascar.

The working session was marked by substantial and intensive interactions pertaining to areas such as avenues of collaboration, commercial exchanges, business climate, and addressed the challenges hindering business between the two countries.