The office was inaugurated on 12th February by the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and the Bank's Country Director, Ritva Reinikka, in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Rama Sithanen.

The World Bank's representative, Constantine Chikosi, will lead the Bank's policy dialogue with the government, and coordinate its programmes in Mauritius. At present, the World Bank group is working with the government of Mauritius and other stakeholders to assist the country as it transitions from dependence on trade preferences to open competition in the global economy, in addition to facing significant economic and social challenges. The World Bank is also providing support to the country in terms of bringing international best practices to the attention of local policy makers, and providing technical assistance where needed.

According to Prime Minister Ramgoolam, the event is a major milestone in the World's Bank development partnership with the government and people of Mauritius, and he believes that the office will help to foster dialogue on development issues and other areas of cooperation. It will also give the World Bank a great opportunity to have a first-hand and close understanding of the realities and complexities of the Mauritian economy and society, thus enhancing the process of constructive dialogue that the government has already engaged in with the World Bank on a wide range of policy issues, he observed.

Reinikka added that the new office marks the World Bank Group's commitment to continued collaboration and a strengthened partnership with Mauritius. She emphasised that the World Bank is a development bank which serves all of its members, including Middle Income Countries like Mauritius.