Pak–Mauritius Trade Far Below Its Potential; Value Addition Essential: LCCI President

Mauritius High Commissioner visits LCCI, calls for joint work in blue economy

By Farzana Chaudhry — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Faheem ur Rehman Sehgal has said that despite long-standing friendly relations, trade between Pakistan and Mauritius remains far below its true potential, stressing the urgent need for value addition and diversification in bilateral trade.

He expressed these views during a visit of the High Commissioner of Mauritius, Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The High Commissioner said that the image of Pakistan portrayed internationally is very different from what he has personally witnessed, describing Pakistan as a beautiful country and pledging continuous efforts to present its positive and true image to the world.

LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Sehgal warmly welcomed the High Commissioner, while Honorary Consul General of Mauritius Shahid Sethi was also present. LCCI Vice President Khurram Lodhi and Executive Committee members Syed Salman Ali, Ahsan Shahid, Aamir Saeed Mian, and Aamir Ali attended the meeting.

The LCCI President said Pakistan currently exports traditional products such as rice, textiles, and pharmaceuticals to Mauritius, while Mauritius exports iron, steel, and other products to Pakistan. He emphasized that both countries must expand the range of traded goods and focus on value-added products to address trade imbalance issues.

Highlighting future opportunities, Faheem ur Rehman Sehgal pointed to strong potential in halal food, technology, and human resource development. He said global trade trends are shifting toward diversification and value addition, and Pakistan and Mauritius must align with these trends. He also stressed the importance of strengthening business-to-business contacts, trade delegations, and participation in international exhibitions.

The High Commissioner noted that bilateral trade volumes remain extremely low. He recalled that a Preferential Trade Agreement between the two countries in the past had helped boost trade and exports, but the agreement is no longer in place. He emphasized the need to revive structured trade cooperation.

He further proposed collaboration in health, education, and technology, noting that several international universities have campuses in Mauritius. He suggested that a Pakistani university should also establish a campus there, assuring full facilitation from the Mauritian side.

Highlighting Africa’s growing global economic importance, the High Commissioner said the continent lies at the center of the ongoing shift in economic power from the West to the East. He identified the lack of direct flights between Pakistan and Mauritius as a major barrier to trade and connectivity, calling for urgent action to establish direct air links.

Despite being an island nation, Mauritius has a maritime area of nearly two million square kilometers, he said, inviting Pakistan to cooperate in the blue economy sector. He also highlighted tourism as a key pillar of the Mauritian economy and said it could be further developed through bilateral cooperation.

The High Commissioner added that Mauritius is currently facing certain economic challenges and is actively seeking foreign investment, assuring full facilitation to investors. He also invited the Lahore Chamber to participate in an exhibition scheduled to be held in Mauritius in August.

Concluding the meeting, the LCCI President said that improved air connectivity, trade diversification, and stronger institutional cooperation would help bring Pakistan and Mauritius closer and enable both countries to fully realize their economic potential.