Business updates

The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) hosted a high-level Reception on Wednesday 10 June 2026 at L’Aventure du Sucre, to mark the signing of the deepened European Union–Eastern and Southern Africa (EU–ESA) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The event brought together representatives of the European Union, delegates from Eastern and Southern African States, members of the Mauritian Government and leaders from the private sector.

The enhanced EPA goes beyond the Interim Agreement signed in 2008. While preserving duty-free and quota-free access to the European market, it introduces new commitments in services, investment, digital trade, intellectual property and public procurement.

In his address, Mr. Marie highlighted the transformative potential of the Agreement and emphasised the importance of private sector engagement in translating market access opportunities into tangible economic outcomes: “Mauritius has successfully turned every trade agreement into a real opportunity; the sugar industry has diversified into award-winning rums, energy and natural fertilisers. The textiles sector has moved up the value chain. The seafood sector became a regional hub. The Deep and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Eastern and Southern African States now offers the same potential for transformation, particularly in services, investment and the digital sector. Agreements open doors, but it is businesses that walk through them.”

Ms. Dora Pinheiro Brites Correia Dupuy, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security of the European Commission, highlighted the role played by Mauritius in the negotiations, stating, “Mauritius has shown leadership for this outset and contributed significantly to the agreement. It occupies a unique position in the global economy, preferential access through the African continental free trade area, the COMESA, SADC, the EU and its links to India and China.”

Hon. Ramful, underscored, in his remarks, the significance of the deepened EPA as a milestone in Mauritius' trade and economic relations with the European Union and Eastern and Southern African States, “The EU remains one of our most important economic partners while the ESA region offers significant opportunities in key sectors including agribusiness and logistics. Hence, there is considerable scope for European and African businesses to work together value, generate employment and promote sustainable growth.”

The evening concluded with a networking reception.

Caption

From Left to Right: Mr. Moustapha Magumu, First Counsellor and Head of the Regional Trade Section of the European Union, Mr. Mahen Kundasamy, CEO of the Economic Development Board of Mauritius, Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General of the MCCI, Mr. Patrice Marie, President of the MCCI, H.E. Mr Moustoifa Hassani Mohamed, Minister of Economy, Industry and Investment of the Union of the Comoros, Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Hon. Véronique Laporte, Minister of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mrs Haingotiana Michèle Angèle Andriamadison, Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs of the Republic of Madagascar and Hon. Aadil Ameer Meea, Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives.