On November 6th, the SheTrades Mauritius Hub hosted by the Economic Development Board (EDB) held a highly informative and interactive workshop focused on International Trade Agreements. The workshop was led by Mr. Sunil Boodhoo seasoned expert in International Trade Agreements.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Nirmala Jeetah, Director, Bio Industry & Project Development, SheTrades Mauritius Hub at the EDB underscored the critical role that trade agreements play in shaping the trajectory of Mauritian businesses. She emphasised, “These agreements are not just legal instruments, they are strategic tools for our entrepreneurs. They allow Mauritian businesses to benefit from reduced tariffs, simplified trade procedures and improved market access, while enhancing our competitiveness globally.
The workshop featured a comprehensive presentation by Mr. Deepak Deepchand, Country Manager of DHL Express Mauritius. His presentation provided practical insights into how logistics service providers can support businesses in navigating the complexities associated with international trade. Key topics include the proactive shipment tracking to optimise benefits derived from trade agreements.
Mr. Sunil Boodhoo served as Director of the International Trade Division until his retirement last November. He delved into an engaging presentation on International Trade Agreements. He shared his extensive experience in trade agreements and simplified some technical terms. The session covered pivotal aspects of international trade agreements, including:
- The strategic significance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs)
- Opportunities for trade in goods and potential avenues for foreign direct investment
- Market access coverage and key export commodities of Mauritius to its primary trading partners
- The fundamental rules of origin and their implications for trade compliance
Throughout the session, participants actively engaged through meaningful discussions, questions and knowledge-sharing exercises. The interactive format and the enriching experience of Mr Boodhoo fostered a dynamic learning environment, enabling attendees to understand the complex concepts and how to practically leverage trade agreements to benefit their businesses.
This workshop represented a significant step forward in capacity-building for women entrepreneurs and businesses, equipping them with the strategic knowledge and tools necessary to maximise the advantages of international trade agreements. It reaffirmed the commitment of the SheTrades Mauritius Hub to fostering an inclusive and resilient Mauritian economy.
Join the SheTrades Mauritius Hub and benefit from these inspirational workshops by registering through the link below.
