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Mauritian High Commissioner Calls for Revival of Pakistan–Mauritius Preferential Trade Agreement to Boost Bilateral Trade

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Mauritian HC underscores need to restore PTAHigh Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Munsoo Kurrimbaccus has underscored the need for collective efforts by both countries to restore the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that previously existed between Pakistan and Mauritius, under which approximately 120 commodities enjoyed preferential market access. He noted that the agreement had become inactive due to various reasons and stressed that its revival could significantly boost bilateral trade.

Exchanging views during a meeting held at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Mauritian HC stated that diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Mauritius date back to 1970, adding that Pakistan holds the distinction of being the first country to establish its embassy in Mauritius following the island nation’s independence. While relations between the two countries have traditionally been cordial and cooperative, he observed that bilateral trade has witnessed a slowdown in recent years, which requires urgent attention.The meeting was attended by Honorary Consul General of Mauritius in Karachi Sohail Yasin Suleman, President KCCI Muhammad Rehan Hanif, Senior Vice President KCCI Muhammad Raza, Chairman Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Liaison Subcommittee Ahsan Arshad Sheikh, Chairman Fairs, Exhibitions & Trade Delegations Imran Moiz, along with members of the KCCI Executive Committee.The Mauritian High Commissioner pointed out that Mauritius currently imports significantly more from Pakistan than it exports, resulting in a sizable trade imbalance. Pakistan’s exports to Mauritius include Basmati rice, cement, textiles, bedsheets, towels, and other products, whereas Mauritian exports to Pakistan remain minimal. He recalled that Mauritius had earlier exported pineapples to Pakistan, describing them as among the finest in the world, along with other premium tropical fruits such as lychees and mangoes.

Referring to international markets, he noted that Mauritian lychees command the highest prices in France, surpassing those from Thailand, Madagascar, and other competing countries.He stressed the need to explore renewed opportunities for exporting Mauritian pineapples and fruits to Pakistan, while also encouraging Pakistan to expand its exports of pharmaceutical products to Mauritius. He acknowledged that although Pakistan produces high-quality pharmaceuticals at competitive prices, often at nearly half the cost of European products, issues relating to certifications, regulatory recognition, and compliance need to be addressed to unlock this potential.Discussing tourism, he said that Mauritius is actively working to promote itself as a premium tourist destination, although it is not yet widely popular among Pakistani travelers. Turning to the Halal food sector, the High Commissioner noted that the Muslim community in Mauritius is highly particular about Halal standards and currently imports Halal meat primarily from Australia and India.

He emphasized that this sector holds significant untapped potential for Pakistani exporters, particularly because Mauritian Muslims prefer fresh Halal meat rather than frozen products. He encouraged exporters from Karachi to also explore opportunities in Halal food exports to Mauritius.Looking ahead, he said Mauritius is now prioritizing the blue economy and green economy, with particular interest in ocean-based industries, including aquaculture and marine-derived pharmaceutical products. Despite being a small island, Mauritius possesses a vast Exclusive Economic Zone spanning nearly two million square kilometers, making it an ocean state with immense potential. He expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan in research and investment related to the blue economy.Earlier, President KCCI Muhammad Rehan Hanif, while welcoming the Mauritian High Commissioner and his delegation, expressed appreciation for the visit, terming it a reflection of growing interest in strengthening Pakistan–Mauritius economic relations, particularly in trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation.Recalling his visit to Mauritius as Vice President of KCCI in 2018, Rehan Hanif noted that he had led a trade delegation that held high-level meetings with the President of Mauritius, relevant ministers, and the Mauritian Chamber of Commerce.

During those discussions, concerns were raised by Mauritian authorities regarding the acceptance of Halal certification for Pakistani meat. He stated that KCCI had offered to host Mauritian experts in Pakistan to inspect slaughterhouses and meat-processing facilities at its own expense, and expressed interest in understanding the current status of this issue.He highlighted that Karachi’s diverse business community offers substantial opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT, financial services, tourism, seafood, and joint ventures, and expressed confidence that significant untapped potential exists between the two economies.President KCCI conveyed KCCI’s readiness to work closely with the Mauritian High Commission to strengthen institutional linkages, facilitate B2B engagements, and promote mutual investments, assuring that the Chamber stands fully committed to converting bilateral goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.He also acknowledged the contributions of Sohail Yasin Suleman, Honorary Consul General of Mauritius in Karachi, praising his consistent efforts in strengthening bilateral ties and supporting the Pakistani business community in exploring opportunities in Mauritius.

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