Mauritius Seeks To Boost Trade With UAE
by Lorys Charalambous, Tax-News.com, Cyprus
25 November 2004

In a bid to boost trade with the United Arab Emirates, a large Mauritian business delegation has announced participation in the 19th International Autumn Trade Fair 2004 (IATF) to be held in Dubai International Exhibition Centre next month.

It will mark the second time that Mauritius has taken part in the IATF, and Mr. Bhartwaj Mody, Manager of Mauritius Industrial Development Authority revealed that the country is seeking year on year growth in the amount of trade it does in the Middle East.

"The response from the regional trade in the last show towards Mauritian products was tremendous and we are convinced that IATF 04 will help us make further inroads into the region's growing and potential markets," noted Mr Bhartwaj, according to AME Info.

He added: "Dubai being a vital hub for our exports to Middle East, Europe and Africa, it is strategic for us to take part in IATF 04, which has been widely acclaimed as a one-of-its-kind regional trade show"

Exports from the UAE to Mauritius in 2003 totalled AED69.4 million (US$18.9 million), while trade flowing in the opposite direction grew 20% to AED1.94 million compared to 2002.

The IATF will this year see 600 exhibitors from 25 countries taking part, with 17,500 buyers expected to attend, representing a 15% increase on the 2003 event.

.