Mauritius to set up special economic zone for Indian companies
Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam addressing a business conclave in Mumbai on Wednesday
Mauritius will create a special economic zone dedicated for Indian companies, its Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam said here on Wednesday.
Ramgoolam, who is on a week-long visit to India, made the announcement at a business conclave hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
“FICCI’s request for the establishment of a special economic zone in Mauritius dedicated entirely to Indian companies is a visionary idea which has the blessings of my government. Mauritius will create a world-class zone with all the necessary facilities for Indian entrepreneurs to set up, innovate and prosper further,” Ramgoolam said.
Improving DTAA
The Mauritian Prime Minister also called for improvements in the double tax avoidance agreement (DTAA). The DTAA has been a game changer both for Mauritius and India and has played a pivotal role in shaping cross border investments. “We think it can be further improved because investors need clarity and certainty,” he said.
India and Mauritius elevated their relations to an elevated strategic partnership in March with a focus on trade, development projects, maritime security and people-to-people ties. Bilateral trade has grown with the signing of an economic partnership agreement in 2021.
Currently the two-way trade stands at $800 million with balance heavily tilted in favour of India.
Mauritius is keen to bridge the trade deficit and is also positioning itself as a link between India and Africa to attract investments and mop up tax revenues.
On its part, India regards Mauritius as a key partner in its Mahasagar vision and the Neighbourhood First policy.
“Mauritian exports to India currently average around $50 million per year and we are hoping to increase the figure to $100 million in the coming years. One way for Mauritius to lower the huge trade imbalance is export of financial services to India and to attract more Indian tourists to visit our country,” Ramgoolam said.
Published on September 10, 2025
