Media Statement
04 May 2023
Minister Pandor concludes successful Working Visit to Mauritius
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has concluded her successful Working Visit to Mauritius, where she and her Mauritian counterpart, Minister Alan Ganoo, signed the General Cooperation Agreement (GCA) between Mauritius and South Africa, ushering in a new era of relations between the two Southern African states.
The GCA provides for the establishment of a Joint Commission at Senior Officials’ level. The Joint Commission will serve as the mechanism through which the two countries work to increase levels of cooperation across various sectors.
Formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Mauritius were established in 1992, with the opening of Representative Offices (Trade Commissions) in both countries, which eventually led to full diplomatic relations in 1994.
South Africa and Mauritius share a common vision for the economic integration of the region, underpinned by peace and stability, democracy, good governance and respect for the rule of law.
Minister Pandor interacted with members of the South African Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius. The Minister noted that South Africa regarded Mauritius as an important trade and investment partner of South Africa.
A number of South African companies have invested in Mauritius, particularly in the followings sectors: transportation; financial services; real estate; and consumer products. South Africa is currently the second-largest foreign investor in Mauritius (after France).
According to SARS, from January to December 2022, South Africa exported just over R10bn worth of goods and merchandise to Mauritius compared to almost R5,2bn in the same period in 2021.
The main South African products exported to Mauritius in 2022 were mineral products (R4,9bn), followed by wood products (R832m), prepared foodstuff (R737m), machinery (R633m) and iron and steel products (R626m).
South African exports to Mauritius have increased by 285% over the ten-year period from R2,6bn in 2012 to R10bn in 2022, and by 185% from R5,4bn over the five-year period from 2017.
Minister Pandor participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives of think tanks, academic institutions and the diplomatic community, focussing on the current geopolitical environment and how South Africa-Mauritius relations fit therein.
The Minister reiterated that South Africa and Mauritius, as two progressive democracies in Africa, had to participate actively in regional, continental and global efforts aimed at attaining Africa’s developmental needs in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The Minister paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.
From Port Louis, Minister Pandor is travelling to London, United Kingdom, to represent South Africa at the coronation ceremony of His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort. The coronation will take place on Saturday, 06 May 2023.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
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