Call for Entry – EDB Art Gallery
13 Fév 2026
The Economic Development Board (EDB) convened a workshop on the 21st August 2025 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Côte d’Or Technopole. The event brought together over 200 stakeholders from Management Companies, law firms, and accountancy firms, with the objective of promoting the engagement of Global Business Corporations (GBCs) in Freeport activities as a means of diversifying their investment portfolios.
The initiative comes in light of the Freeport Act 2004, which authorises GBCs to invest in and operate within the Mauritius Freeport. The workshop served as a platform to raise awareness of the strategic benefits, opportunities, and enablers available to GBCs under the Freeport regime.
The workshop was honoured by the presence of Hon. Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance, who reaffirmed the government’s strategic vision of strengthening Mauritius’ positioning as a gateway to Africa. He underscored the importance of a focused investment approach, highlighting Africa as the future of business and trade. Minister Damry emphasised the necessity of attracting investment from GBCs and deepening the substance of operations within the Mauritian jurisdiction.
In his address, Mr. Sanjay Bhunjun, Chairperson of EDB, outlined the Government’s ambition for a transformative economic agenda, particularly through bold investments in infrastructure, port development, and logistics. He noted that such initiatives are integral to reinforcing the Mauritius Freeport and unlocking new sectors of growth. Mr. Bhunjun also highlighted opportunities in sustainability, climate resilience, and the digital economy — areas where GBCs can innovate by leveraging green technologies and integrating into regional value chains.
Mr. Geerish Bucktowonsing, Director of Industry, SMEs, Freeport & Logistics at EDB, introduced in his presentation several Freeport activities, including minting and refining of precious metals, vault services, and e-commerce fulfilment centres. He also referenced key measures from Budget 2025–2026, which provide for the development of world-class art trading facilities within the Mauritius Freeport. These facilities will allow for the storage, exhibition, and auction-based trading of high-value artworks.
Expert speakers from Airports of Mauritius Ltd (AML), the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA), the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), and the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHCL) made presentations on a variety of topics, including legal, tax, fiscal, and non-fiscal incentives, as well as logistical and freight facilitation mechanisms that support Freeport operations.
