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Kudzanai Sharara in Port Louis in Mauritius
Zimbabwean businesses can use Mauritius as a strategic hub to restructure their operations, access global markets such as India, and form joint ventures, Hon. Hambyrajen (Rajen) Narsinghen, Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, told delegates at the Mauritius-Zimbabwe Business Forum on Wednesday morning.
Speaking at the Caudan Arts Centre during the five-day Mauritius-Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission, jointly organised by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Minister Narsinghen highlighted several advantages that would appeal to Zimbabwean businesses, including double taxation agreements, sector-specific incentives, and Mauritius’ position as a premier financial centre.
“The business can go to Mauritius and structure your business to go into other parts of Africa,” he said. “This is one thing which can be done.”
Minister Narsinghen also emphasised opportunities in value addition, noting that Zimbabwe’s minerals could be processed into semi-finished goods and sent to Mauritius for completion. He expressed admiration for Zimbabwe’s range of minerals and saw significant potential for collaboration in this area.
“We have spoken about incentives that we are giving in many sectors,” he said. “You have to explore all this.”
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He encouraged Zimbabwean businesses to explore joint ventures rather than operating alone. “You’re welcome to do business on your own, but you can do joint ventures and this is very important.”
In a direct appeal to small and medium enterprises, the Junior Minister noted that while the government promotes big multinationals, his administration places significant priority on SMEs. He also assured delegates of an open door policy, offering to personally intervene if bureaucratic hurdles arise.
“I have an open door policy without following strictly protocol,” he said. “If things are stuck and not moving, I will be ready to put the vines and see to it that our civil servants work and deliver for you business people and deliver for the two countries.”
The forum continues with a panel discussion on agro-processing and export development, followed by B2B matchmaking sessions later today.
