The Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius welcomed H.E. Kate Chamley, High Commissioner of Australia during a courtesy visit held on Wednesday 21st of May 2025 at the EDB’s office.
Mr. Mahen Kundasamy, Chief Executive Officer of EDB and H.E. Kate Chamley discussed opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as education, financial services, blue economy and renewable energies among others. Discussions also centred on enhancing bilateral trade and leveraging the Mauritius International Financial Centre as a platform for structuring investment vehicles. H.E. Kate Chamley highlighted the importance of encouraging Australian companies to look westward towards Mauritius and to consider the island as a viable strategic gateway to the African Continent.
H.E. Kate Chamley pointed out the strong potential to emulate the Australian higher education model by fostering strategic partnerships, such as the existing collaboration with Curtin University. Mauritius, being bilingual and strategically located, holds strong potential to be a regional hub for tertiary education. In this context, it is worth noting that education is the fourth-largest economic pillar in Australia, underscoring the sector’s strategic relevance in strengthening bilateral ties.
Given that both Mauritius and Australia are active members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the potential for closer collaboration was discussed, particularly in promoting sustainable development, strengthening governance and regional security, and fostering technology and knowledge transfer.
Mr. Kundasamy outlined EDB’s interest in exploring the possibility of organising targeted promotional missions in Australia in the near future to promote Mauritius as an attractive destination for investment and business as well as to participate in major sector-specific forums and conferences of mutual economic interest.
In conclusion, Mr. Kundasamy expressed confidence that closer collaboration between the EDB and the Australian High Commission will pave the way for new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in fostering impactful investments and enhancing bilateral trade. He reaffirmed Mauritius’ readiness to serve as a regional hub and gateway for Australian businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in Africa.
