Mauritius showcased as a key maritime logistics and transport hub in the Indian Ocean at the Mauritius Week 2022

The Economic Development Board, Mauritius participated in the second edition of 𝗠𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 event, which featured world 30 class speakers addressing issues, challenges, solutions and innovations in port operations, shipping, supply chain and logistics strategies.

The 2-day conference which took place from 13th to 15th December reunited 220 delegates from 19 countries including captains of industry, top level executives, General Managers, harbour masters and terminal operators, consultants, shippers, cargo owners, importers, exporters, shipping lines, freight forwarders, technology providers and service suppliers attended the event.

The event was hosted by the Mauritius Shipping Corporation Limited and supported by the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) and the Association of Indian Ocean Islands Ports (L’Association des ports des îles de l’océan Indien (APIOI).

Mauritius Maritime Week is the biggest annual container ports, shipping and transport logistics exhibition and conference in the Indian Ocean region and was launched by the President of the Republic of Mauritius, His Excellency Mr Prithvirajsing ROOPUN G.C.S.K. In his address, the President outlined the vital role of the maritime industry as an enabler and facilitator of prosperity as well as an engine for economic growth with 80% of global trade in terms of value are displaced by sea. Moreover, the President stressed on strategic role of the MSCL (Mauritius Shipping Corporation Limited) and its potential in anchoring as a key regional player with the Government’s announcement of the creation of two new maritime routes namely, the Indian Route and the East Africa Route.

The President further stated that there are other emerging industries namely aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean energy and sea-bed mining and cruise tourism that will stimulate employment and contribute to economic empowerment.

The Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Hon. Sudheer Maudhoo praised the MSCL and Transport Events Ltd for hosting the event in Mauritius adding that it will undoubtedly boost collaboration, common ethics, and economic benefits for relevant stakeholders. He mentioned the upcoming challenges being faced by the shipping industry and appealed to the maritime community to combine their efforts so as to implement cost effective and structured transport facilities.

The Minister also pointed out that the country is leveraging on its the Exclusive Maritime Economic Zone, to further enhance the Mauritian Ocean industry. The possibility of providing a regional shipping service to stimulate regional maritime trade and strengthen connectivity in the region is also being explored, he added.