Syed Zahid Raza, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Mauritius : “Pakistan’s Textile, Pharmaceutical, and IT Sectors Hold Great Potential for Mauritius”

As Pakistan celebrates its National Day, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the enduring diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Mauritius. In this interview, Syed Zahid Raza, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Mauritius—also accredited to Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles—shares insights into the current state of bilateral relations, opportunities for enhanced cooperation, and Pakistan’s unwavering support for Mauritius on key international issues such as the Chagos Archipelago dispute. He also discusses the prospects of strengthening economic ties under Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa Policy’ and explores avenues for educational, cultural, and humanitarian collaboration.

Pakistan and Mauritius have enjoyed diplomatic ties since 1969. How would you assess the current state of relations between the two nations?
Our diplomatic relations, established in 1969, have been consistently cordial and mutually beneficial. We share a common heritage as members of the Commonwealth and a commitment to multilateralism. The current state of our relations is characterized by mutual respect and cooperation across various sectors. We have seen high level visits and exchanges in the past. However, there is always room for further deepening and broadening our partnership. The excellent relations should continue without any biases and mis-understandings. We are committed to building upon the strong foundation laid over the past decades.  

The leadership of Pakistan extended its warm wishes to the new Prime Minister of Mauritius His Excellency Navin Ramgoolam on his landmark victory in November 2024 elections. Prime Minister of Pakistan also sent his greetings to the people and leadership of Mauritius on its 57th Independence Day. I expect that under the stewardship of PM Ramgoolam we will see further deepening of our bilateral relations.

More Scholarships for Mauritian Students in Emerging Fields"

Pakistan has consistently supported Mauritius on the Chagos Archipelago issue. Can you elaborate on Pakistan’s position and commitment to Mauritius in this regard?
Pakistan’s position on the Chagos Archipelago issue is rooted in our unwavering support for the principles of territorial integrity and self-determination. We firmly believe that the Chagos Archipelago is an integral part of Mauritius. We have consistently supported Mauritius in international forums, including the United Nations, and will continue to do so. This support stems from our commitment to upholding international law, right of self-determination of other peoples around the world, and our strong solidarity with Mauritius. Recent indications of an agreement with the UK to recognise full sovereignty of Mauritius on Chagos islands is a welcome development and Pakistan stands by the government of Mauritius in their just demands. 

Mauritius is seen as a gateway to Africa, and Pakistan has an ‘Engage Africa Policy.’ How can both nations collaborate to strengthen economic ties in the region?
Pakistan's 'Engage Africa Policy' aligns perfectly with Mauritius's role as a gateway to Africa. Let me expound on what Pakistan’s Engage Africa Policy is all about. Prime focus of this policy is to expand trade with Africa and increase people-to-people contacts. We opened five new missions in Africa which brought positive results. 

Pakistan and Mauritius can collaborate by establishing joint ventures, facilitating trade delegations, and promoting investment in key sectors. For instance, we can leverage Mauritius’s financial services sector to facilitate Pakistani investments in Africa. Conversely, Pakistani industries can provide goods and services to the African market through Mauritian channels. With attractive incentives offered by the Mauritius government, setting up industries in Mauritius by Pakistani businessmen can open up African market for Pakistani products and vice versa. We can also establish stronger transport links, including shipping and aviation, to enhance connectivity.

I expect that under the stewardship of PM Ramgoolam we will see further deepening of our bilateral relations"

Which Pakistani sectors do you see as having the most potential for investment and trade partnerships with Mauritius?
Pakistan's textile, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors hold significant potential. Our textiles are renowned for their quality, and our pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing. Our agricultural products, particularly rice, vegetables and fruits, can find a ready market in Mauritius and beyond. Additionally, our IT sector has the potential to provide valuable services to Mauritian businesses. There is also potential in engineering goods, sports goods, and surgical instruments. We can also explore collaboration in the tourism sector, promoting both countries as attractive destinations.

Is there any plan to revisit or enhance the Preferential Trade Agreement to encourage more business between the two countries?
Absolutely, revisiting and enhancing the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) is something I'm personally very invested in. I've already opened discussions with our headquarters in Islamabad to prioritize this matter. The Agreement was signed in 2007 and I recognize that the current economic landscape has evolved significantly. We need to ensure our trade agreements reflect these changes. I've noted the stagnation in certain areas, and I'm determined to see that rectified.

PTA could not help expand bilateral trade as the two sides initially envisaged. Certain regulatory duties and NTBs made it ineffective. Existing mechanisms under the PTA were not utilised to discuss a way forward. 

My aim is not just to address existing trade barriers and update the agreement to reflect current economic realities, but to significantly expand its scope. I envision a PTA that unlocks new opportunities for both our nations. To that end, I'm actively pushing for a Joint Working Group session, hopefully very soon, involving experts from both Pakistan and Mauritius. This session would be crucial to delve into the specifics – not just tariff reductions and addressing non-tariff barriers, but also exploring innovative areas of cooperation. I'm keen to see us identify and leverage new sectors where we can create mutual benefits, ultimately driving increased trade flows and fostering stronger economic ties between our countries. This is a personal commitment, and I'm determined to see tangible progress.

The potential for collaborative filmmaking between Pakistan and Mauritius is not just promising, it is a natural extension of our shared historical journey"

Pakistan provides scholarships to Mauritian students in medicine, engineering, and pharmacy. Are there any plans to expand educational cooperation further, such as with AI among others?
Our scholarship programs have been a cornerstone of our educational cooperation, and I'm particularly proud of the strong legacy built in medicine and engineering. It is heartening to know that a significant number of practicing doctors in Mauritius have earned their medical degrees from esteemed Pakistani institutions. These scholarships have been highly sought after by Mauritian students for decades, and we are absolutely committed to their continuation. It's a vital link that strengthens the bond between our nations.

During last few years, we saw Mauritius students going to Pakistan in veterinary education as well as in IT. A good number of female students from Mauritius are opting for medical studies in Pakistan. 

Naturally, I'm eager to see the scope of subjects offered expanded to encompass a wider range of disciplines. Pakistan has a rich history of producing exceptional experts who have made significant contributions on the global stage. We've seen remarkable achievements in fields like Computer Science and Information Technology, exemplified by individuals like the late Arfa Karim Randhawa, whose pioneering work in technology inspired a generation. Our engineers, medical professionals, scientists, and business leaders are making their mark worldwide.

I'm personally committed to making efforts to advocate for the expansion of government-sponsored scholarships to include these diverse fields. Furthermore, I would love to see other esteemed scholarship programs from Pakistan, such as the Aga Khan Awards and those offered by institutions like NUST, become accessible to Mauritian students. We are indeed planning to expand these programs to include emerging fields like artificial intelligence, information technology, and renewable energy. I would also like us to explore the possibility of establishing joint research programs and faculty exchanges between Pakistani and Mauritian universities. By focusing on these areas, we can equip our youth with the skills needed to address the challenges of the 21st century and truly unlock their full potential.

Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad has reached out to Private universities in Pakistan which agreed to offer hundreds of scholarships under Engage Africa Policy to African students including Mauritius.

I firmly believe that the shared vulnerabilities of Pakistan and Mauritius necessitate a robust framework of cooperation to address the complex challenges of our time"

The Pakistani community has contributed to Mauritius in various ways. Are there any new cultural or humanitarian initiatives planned to strengthen people-to-people ties? `
The Pakistani community is relatively small in Mauritius. Its contributions to Mauritius are deeply appreciated and have enriched the cultural tapestry of this beautiful island. We recognize the importance of strengthening these people-to-people ties, and to that end, we have several exciting cultural and humanitarian initiatives in the pipeline.

Firstly, we are planning to host a series of vibrant cultural festivals designed to showcase the rich and diverse heritage of Pakistan. These festivals will feature not only our traditional arts, music, and cuisine, but also contemporary expressions of Pakistani culture, including modern art exhibitions, film screenings, and literary events. We aim to create immersive experiences that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared cultural values.

Secondly, I'm particularly enthusiastic about leveraging the recently announced Urdu Speaking Union Headquarters in Côte D'Or. The foundation stone for this important project, organized by the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, was laid in 2024, demonstrating the government's commitment to social harmony. I would like to make use of this location to establish and host workshops, seminars, language classes, and artistic collaborations. It would be a space where Pakistanis and Mauritians can come together to learn from each other, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. We envision it as a dynamic platform for cross-cultural dialogue and creative expression.

In terms of humanitarian initiatives, I am sure, you have seen the group of Pakistan opthalmologists that have been coming to Mauritius since last 17 years to conduct complex surgeries. I am thankful to the support extended by the Mauritius government in this initiative. The MoU about this initiative has been extended and the doctors from Al Shifa Eye Trust will continue this project in coming years.

Furthermore, we recognize the power of sports to unite people and promote goodwill. We are actively exploring opportunities to enhance sports exchanges, particularly in cricket, which holds a special place in the hearts of both our nations. We would also consider organizing joint sports tournaments and training programs to foster athletic talent and promote healthy competition. Beyond cricket, we would look at other sports that would be of interest to both nations. We want to see more frequent exchanges between our sports teams.

Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa Policy’ aligns perfectly with Mauritius’s role as a gateway to Africa"

In the face of global challenges such as climate change, food security, and economic instability, how can Pakistan and Mauritius work together to find common solutions?
From Pakistan's perspective, as a nation deeply committed to fostering strong bilateral relations, I firmly believe that the shared vulnerabilities of Pakistan and Mauritius, as fellow developing states and climate stressed countries, necessitate a robust framework of cooperation to address the complex challenges of our time. When we consider the pressing issues of climate change, water scarcity, food security, and economic instability, it becomes evident that a collaborative approach is not merely advantageous, but essential.

Firstly, we see a crucial opportunity in the exchange of best practices regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation. This includes sharing technological innovations in renewable energy, sustainable coastal management, and climate-resilient agriculture. We are also eager to engage in joint research initiatives, particularly in the development of drought-resistant crops and advanced water management systems, which can significantly enhance food security for both our nations.

Secondly, Pakistan recognizes the importance of a unified approach in international forums. By coordinating our positions on critical issues, such as climate finance and equitable trade agreements, we can amplify our collective voice and advocate effectively for the specific needs of developing countries.

Furthermore, we are keen to explore the considerable potential of collaborative initiatives within the blue economy. This encompasses joint ventures in sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and the exploration of renewable ocean energy sources. By aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Pakistan is confident that we can contribute to a resilient and sustainable development trajectory, ensuring long-term prosperity and stability for both our populations. 

Climate Change is also resulting into unexpected floods and droughts. Our disaster management authorities can also collaborate to learn best practices in this regard. I will propose to have an MoU between Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and its counterpart in Mauritius.

Could there be future collaboration between Pakistani and Mauritian filmmakers in co-producing documentaries or movies that highlight shared historical or cultural aspects?
Absolutely, the potential for collaborative filmmaking between Pakistan and Mauritius is not just promising, it is a natural extension of our shared historical journey. Both Pakistan and Mauritius carry the weight of historical subjugation, having endured periods of external rule and resource exploitation. This shared experience, though challenging, has forged a deep understanding of resilience and the value of self-determination.

Our respective paths to independence, achieved through the unity, hardship, and visionary leadership of our founding figures, are stories that deserve to be told and retold. These narratives are not just historical accounts; they are blueprints for future generations, demonstrating the power of collective action and the pursuit of freedom. Such projects would not only educate but also inspire, fostering a deeper sense of national identity and mutual respect. These films can provide valuable opportunities for artistic expression and economic development within our creative industries.