Mauritius targets stronger ties with UAE at IATF 2004 as 2003 two-way trade surges to over AED 70 million

Exports from the UAE to Mauritius in 2003 were to the tune of AED69.4 million, while imports from the Island country grew 20 per cent at AED1.94 million compared to AED1.61 million in 2002, backed by strong growth in key categories such as textiles, sugar, cut flowers and stationery. Exports from the UAE to Mauritius mainly comprised foodstuff, electricals, photographic films, textiles and household items.

Confirming the participation at the IATF 2004, Mr. Bhartwaj Mody, Manager of Mauritius Industrial Development Authority, the organizer of the Mauritius pavilion said that his country was looking at an exponential growth in trade in the region. This is the second time Mauritius is taking part in IATF, entering the expo for the first time in the last edition of the show.

"We look at IATF as a comprehensive trade platform for Mauritius to expand its reach into the regional markets. The response from the regional trade in the last show towards Mauritian products was tremendous and we are convinced that IATF 04 will help us make further inroads into the region's growing and potential markets."

"Dubai, being a vital hub for our exports to Middle East, Europe and Africa, it is strategic for us to take part in IATF 04, which has been widely acclaimed as a one-of-its-kind regional trade show," he added.

Commenting on the participation of Mauritius, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, said: "The participation of Mauritius for the second time affirms Dubai's position as an important gateway for regional trade. The aggressive stance taken by Mauritian businesses also assumes significance as the island country is now well poised to take advantage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)."

Mauritius is targeting buyers from East Europe, Russia and its neighbours in the African continent. Exports are an import element in Mauritius and the participation in IATF 04 is aimed at widening its export basket and promoting the manufacturing sector which is an important pillar of its economy.

The move will also help Mauritius forge ties with exporters in Dubai, which is in line with its drive to diversify from traditional industries of sugar, textile, and tourism, which it realises, are no longer capable of sustaining growth at home.

"The Mauritian participation is an acknowledgement of its flourishing trade with the UAE. Mauritius also hopes to draw on the advantages of Dubai's strategic location to reach its target markets," Mr. Khanna said.

IATF 04 will see a participation of 600 exhibitors from 25 countries compared to last edition's 507 from 23 countries and is expected to attract over 17,500 trade buyers, up 15 per cent from 15,236 buyers last year. The popular five-day fair will host the official national pavilions of six countries, occupying 75 per cent of the 15,000-square metre exhibition space.

The national pavilions include 200 exhibitors from China, 235 from Hong Kong, 15 from Bangladesh, 20 from Indonesia, 15 from India, 10 from Mauritius, 10 from Italy, 10 from Turkey, 20 from Iran, 5 from Romania, 5 from Croatia and 25 from the UAE.

"Mauritius had created tremendous business interest at the last edition of IATF. In fact, Mauritian enterprises made interesting contacts and struck some good deals at the show, especially for paint, gift items and ship models. Encouraged by this response, one of the paint companies that exhibited last time is now opening a brand office in Dubai," Mr. Khanna added.

The Mauritius pavilion at the IATF 04 will host 10 participants, exhibiting paints and varnishes, detergents gifts and souvenirs, cosmetics, rattan ware, indoor and outdoor blinds, wooden and ship models and industrial and security printing and flexible packaging.

Mauritius is also targeting the Middle East and African countries for selling paints at competitive prices, the category comprises ultra violet varnish and adhesives adapted to warm and dry climatic conditions.

Its IATF participation is also aimed at gaining an entry into the burgeoning market for natural products in the Middle East and Europe, which is its major buyer. Mauritius produces herbal cosmetics based on tropical fruits, cocoa butter and lemon grass (neem) oil.

An interesting feature showcased at the Mauritius pavilion will the wooden ship models, which are basically ancient vessels reproduced in wood and exported to Europe, Japan and USA, some of these being designed for exclusive collections and museums. Also on display will be exclusive gift items including hand-painted ostrich eggs.