ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Mauritius, Dr. Ahmad Rashid Beebeejaun Saturday said that his country was keen to develop trade relations with Pakistan and enter into the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to tap the trade potential existing between the two countries.
Dr. Ahmed who is also holding post of Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities of his country, stated this in an exclusive interview with APP here at the sidelines of International Riphah University convocation.
Pakistan and Mauritius had signed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), during July 2007 in Mauritius, which became operational since 30th November 2007. Under the Agreement, Pakistan offered concessions to Mauritius on 130 items, whereas Mauritius has given concession on 102 items.
The ultimate objective of this PTA was to pave the way for FTA encompassing almost all products, trade and services, however this agreement is yet to be materialized.
Dr. Ahmad Rashid said that on his return to his country he would take up the issue of FTA to help make progress in this regard for the sake of trade development.
Talking about the overall trade, he pointed out that communication connectivity was the main hurdle in boosting the trade between the two countries, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue to boost the trade.
He said that currently, there is not direct air connectivity between the two countries and the flights are running through Dubai.
He said that the bilateral trade between the two countries was in favour of Pakistan and added that Pakistan has great potential to enhance its food exports to Mauritius.
He said that Pakistan was producing best mangoes, however again the issue would be how to transport these mangoes to Mauritian markets as these are perishable commodities and could not resist transportation.
Talking about the investment opportunities, the Mauritian Deputy Prime Minister said that both the countries provide lucrative investment opportunities.
He said that Pakistan needs to come to Mauritius and educate the businessmen about the investment opportunities available there which would help bring Mauritian investment.
"If we are investing in Africa, why not in Pakistan," he remarked, however said that somebody has to come to brief Mauritian investors about the investment opportunities available in Pakistan. He said that there are also lucrative and friendly investment opportunities in Mauritius adding that his government aims to build the country as hub for health and education facilities.
He said that Mauritius Prime Minister and his government was aiming to transform the island state of Mauritius into an ocean state, adding "we qualify for that" as we have long continental shelf to set up ocean economy.
He said the country's economy was based on tourism, manufacturing and sugarcane industry which would be transformed into ocean state.
Giving background details about his country, Dr. Ahmad said that all the population of Mauritius comprised of immigrants who have come from different parts of the world to live there.
He said that although the people of Mauritius belong to different regions, ethnicities, cultures and religions, but they live peacefully, hence presenting a best example of harmony.
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