Business updates

The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) marked a milestone on Friday 1 August 2025, as more than 350 guests gathered at the InterContinental Resort Balaclava to celebrate the institution's 175th anniversary. The event brought together a convergence of public and private sector leaders, including ministers, the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, CEOs of parastatals, and captains of industry. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr. the Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, FRCP, GCSK, attended the event as guest of honour and delivered a speech.

Opening the evening's proceedings, MCCI Secretary General Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee emphasised the institution's enduring mission, describing the MCCI as "the voice of economic progress in Mauritius—a voice that convenes, challenges, and champions; a voice that speaks independently, yet always in the national interest."

The Secretary General highlighted the complexity of current challenges while noting that opportunities remain "vast, dynamic, and well within our reach," requiring "agility, vision, and above all, unity."

MCCI President Mr. Charles Harel noted the exceptional turnout as evidence of renewed collaboration, observing that the remarkable presence of the private sector demonstrates "the private sector's genuine desire to work collaboratively with government."

In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised the critical importance of public-private partnership in driving national development and economic growth. “For 175 years, the MCCI has been a strategic bridge between the private sector and the government. It has contributed to different stages of the economic transformation of our country. And above all, showing how the partnership between the government and the private sector is deeply entrenched in the DNA of our economic system.”

President Harel acknowledged alignment with government priorities, noting that the recent budget's emphasis on resilience, growth, investment, innovation, and competitiveness aligns with principles the MCCI has advocated throughout its 175-year history.

Reflecting on the institution's journey, Mr. Harel traced its evolution from 1850, when founders gathered in Port Louis with the revolutionary idea that "the voices of commerce, when united in common purpose, could shape the destiny of a nation."

The evening also celebrated the MCCI's modern vision, launched in May 2025, built around four strategic pillars: Heritage and Innovation, Inclusion and Accessibility, Global Perspective with Local Impact, and Visionary Leadership. This framework guides the institution's role as "The Collective Voice of Economic Progress."

Each table at the gala bore names beginning with "The Voice of..." - from Commerce and Innovation to Vision, Partnership and Prosperity - celebrating the essence of what the MCCI has represented across the decades.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a commemorative shield to Prime Minister Ramgoolam. The symbolism was explained, describing it as representing "the waves of collective progress—two currents that may sometimes diverge in their paths, yet always find their way back to convergence."

The MCCI expressed appreciation to its sponsors, particularly Platinum sponsors Eclosia Group, The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited, Coca-Cola, and Care Ratings (Africa) Private Limited, along with numerous Gold and Silver sponsors who supported the celebration.

The Secretary General also acknowledged "the unwavering commitment and professionalism of the MCCI’s staff, whose dedication behind the scenes continues to drive our mission forward with passion and excellence."

As the MCCI embarks on its next chapter, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a bridge between public and private sectors. The evening concluded with Dr. Ramdenee's pledge that the MCCI will continue as "this voice of convergence, working alongside each and every one of you."

The 175th anniversary celebration not only honoured the MCCI's distinguished past but also reinforced its commitment to facilitating the collaboration needed to build Mauritius' economic future through continued public-private partnership.

Caption: Mr. Charles Harel handing a symbolic shield to Dr. the Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, FRCP, GCSK.