Mauritius Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Mansurkar Mas, has said that Pakistani Basmati rice has no parallel in the world and that the people of Mauritius are extremely fond of Pakistani rice. He said Mauritius could prove to be a major market for Pakistani products besides rice.
He said that work was underway at the government level to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Mauritius, expressing hope that the agreement would be concluded soon.
The ambassador expressed these views while addressing members of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said practical progress had been made on the proposed FTA to promote bilateral trade, which was expected to significantly increase commercial activities between the two countries in the future.
Mr. Mansurkar Mas said there were vast opportunities in the Mauritian market for Pakistani fruits, vegetables and other products, adding that the doors of Mauritius were open to Pakistani businessmen.
Speaking on the occasion, President Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry Khawaja Yasir Mahmood said Pakistan and Mauritius enjoyed friendly relations, but further measures were required to promote bilateral trade and business cooperation. He said Mauritius had established a unique identity around the world due to its natural beauty, peaceful environment, strong economic structure and business-friendly economy.
Khawaja Yasir Mahmood said Sargodha was among Pakistan’s major agricultural regions and had earned a distinctive identity worldwide for its agricultural production. Besides kinnow, various products including rice, oil, electrical goods, embroidery and handicrafts were produced in Sargodha. Providing these products access to the Mauritian market could benefit businessmen from both countries.
Earlier, the Mauritius ambassador and his delegation received a warm welcome upon their arrival at the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The ambassador and delegation were taken on a visit to various departments and business activities, while President Khawaja Yasir Mahmood briefed them on various matters.
Later, the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a dinner in honour of Ambassador Mansurkar Mas. Chamber office-bearers and other prominent personalities attended the dinner.
