Mauritius will organise a road show in the UAE and other Gulf Countries this year as a means to attract Arab investors on the Indian Ocean Island, said a senior government official.

Mauritius Industry and Commerce Minister Showkutally Soodhun, who arrived from a three-day visit in the UAE, said he met various persons to help in the process.

“In Abu Dhabi, I met Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi and we have very fruitful discussions on ways of enhancing bilateral relations in trade and investment,” Soodhun said.

“Sheikha Lubna also emphasised on the African dimension in the UAE trade policies for serving economic strategy and comprehensive development and invited Mauritius to participate in the Comesa Investment Conference in March and the Annual Investment Meeting in May.”

Soodhun also announced important discussions with key stakeholders from the UAE over the importation of petrol, flour and investment in the textile, banking and tourism sector as well as the duty free island concept.

“We need to have a backup plan and the UAE can help us in case of a lack of petrol or flour and have announced they that will help us to develop the island as we are politically stable,” said Soodhun.

“I have more than 20 years acquaintances with the UAE but was amazed to hear how the Emiratis found Mauritius as a safe place to invest their money."

Soodhun also praised the UAE non-resident ambassador to Mauritius who has residence in Pakistan, Ali Saif Sultan Al Awani.

“He made all his way from Islamabad to see to it that I receive a good welcome and also the Prime Minister who was on transit in Dubai. He is very dynamic and I am sure he had very good contacts in the region to help us for the Road Show,” Soodhun added.

The Mauritius Minister pointed out that his meeting in Dubai with Sheik Majid Al Muallah, senior vice president Emirates Airlines, was very enriching on how the airline can help in the road show but also in participating in the corporate social responsibility programme of the Island. – TradeArabia News Service