Commercial relations between Madagascar and Mauritius are strengthening through the Mauritius-Madagascar Business Forum, held in Antananarivo from August 18-21. The meeting brings together economic actors from both countries around commercial opportunities, partnerships, and business internationalization.
According to Lalaina Randriamasy, director of external relations promotion at the Ministry of Commerce and Consumption, Mauritius is the second African country to which Madagascar exports its goods. She indicates that 13% of Malagasy exports are destined for Mauritius. These exports are increasing and concern notably agricultural products for export as well as fishery products. Trade also flows in the other direction, with Madagascar importing products from Mauritius.
For Malagasy operators, this dynamic represents an opportunity to expand their networks and identify new markets. Meetings organized as part of the SheTrades Mauritius Hub commercial mission enable companies to present their products and services, understand market expectations, and exchange with potential local business partners.
The mission includes a business forum, B2B meetings with Malagasy companies, meetings with various stakeholders, and company visits. In total, 91 participants from several sectors are taking part in this initiative. Agro-industry, agro-processing, information and communication technologies, professional services, education, crafts, renewable energy, hospitality, restaurants, textiles, essential oils, plastic waste processing, and transit are among the represented sectors.
These exchanges can help identify buyers, distributors, investors, and service providers, while also exploring sustainable commercial collaborations and partnerships.
Female entrepreneurship also holds an important place in this initiative. The SheTrades Mauritius Hub, created in March 2023 by Mauritius's Economic Development Board (EDB), supports women-led businesses in their development and access to international markets. Since its creation, over 100 women-led companies have joined its community.
Presented at the forum by Nirmala Jeetah, director of Healthy & Life Science, ITC SheTrades Mauritius Hub, the initiative notably provides training, coaching, business development activities, and opportunities to participate in regional or international trade shows.
The approach is part of the SheTrades initiative of the International Trade Centre (ITC), which aims to strengthen women's participation in international trade.