The High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, has called for collective action to restore a lapsed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Pakistan, stressing its revival is crucial to reverse a recent slowdown in bilateral trade.
Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the envoy highlighted that the inactive agreement previously granted preferential market access to approximately 120 commodities, according to KCCI information issued today.
Mr. Kurrimbaccus noted that while diplomatic ties between the two nations have been cordial and cooperative since their establishment in 1970, with Pakistan being the first country to open an embassy in Mauritius post-independence, the volume of trade has witnessed a downturn in recent years that requires urgent attention.
Addressing a significant trade imbalance, the High Commissioner pointed out that Mauritius currently imports considerably more from Pakistan than it exports. Pakistan’s key exports include Basmati rice, cement, textiles, and bedsheets, whereas Mauritian exports to Pakistan are minimal.
He identified premium tropical fruits as a potential export category for Mauritius, recalling that the island nation had previously supplied pineapples to Pakistan, which he described as among the world’s finest. He also noted that Mauritian lychees command the highest prices in France, outperforming produce from competing nations.
The envoy also encouraged Pakistan to expand its export portfolio, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. He acknowledged that Pakistan produces high-quality medicines at competitive prices-often nearly half the cost of European equivalents-but stated that issues surrounding certifications and regulatory recognition must be addressed to unlock this market.
Another area of significant untapped potential for Pakistani exporters is the Halal food sector. The High Commissioner explained that the Mauritian Muslim community, which currently imports fresh Halal meat from Australia and India, has exacting standards and a preference for fresh over frozen products, presenting a valuable opportunity for Karachi-based suppliers.
In response, KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif recalled a 2018 trade delegation visit to Mauritius where concerns over Halal certification for Pakistani meat were raised. He reiterated that KCCI had previously offered to host Mauritian experts to inspect local slaughterhouses and processing facilities at its own expense and sought an update on the matter.
Looking to the future, Mr. Kurrimbaccus stated that Mauritius is prioritising its blue and green economies. He expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan on research and investment in ocean-based industries, such as aquaculture and marine-derived pharmaceuticals, leveraging Mauritius’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone of nearly two million square kilometres.
Mr. Hanif welcomed the High Commissioner’s visit, terming it a reflection of growing interest in strengthening economic relations. He highlighted that Karachi’s business community offers substantial opportunities for collaboration in textiles, ICT, financial services, tourism, and seafood.
The KCCI President affirmed the Chamber’s readiness to work closely with the Mauritian High Commission to enhance institutional links, facilitate business-to-business engagements, and promote mutual investments to convert bilateral goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.
The meeting, also attended by Honorary Consul General of Mauritius in Karachi Sohail Yasin Suleman and senior KCCI members, concluded with Mr. Hanif acknowledging Mr. Suleman”s consistent efforts in strengthening ties between the two countries.