Mauritius welcomes largest trade finance gathering

Global Trade Review (GTR), the leading publication for the trade, commodity and export finance community, was delighted to host the Mauritius Trade Finance Conference 2015 which took place at the Westin Turtle Bay Resort, Port Louis, Mauritius, on October 1, 2015.

The one-day conference attracted 220 business leaders and provided extensive networking opportunities for domestic, regional and international financial institutions; local SMEs and global corporates; policy makers; lawyers, and specialist trade finance experts.

The event opened with a keynote address by Hon. Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo, Minister of Finance & Economic Development, Republic of Mauritius, who outlined the economic vision for Mauritius. This was followed by a high-level discussion, including the Board of Investment Mauritius, Mauritius Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Enterprise Mauritius, that focused the business case for Mauritius.

As the largest trade finance gathering in Mauritius, the conference brought together decision makers from trading specialists, such as Olam International, to key institutions, such as MCB and SBM, to management companies, such as Appleby, Axis Fiduciary and NWT Mauritius. The conference also attracted many local and international delegates from the African, Middle Eastern and Asian markets to discuss extending Mauritius’ reach as a financing and trade hub.

“Mauritius has become a key strategic ally to many financial and corporate organisations,” said the producer of the conference, Paul Greetham. “This conference succeeded in bringing together the local and international markets to discuss how Mauritius can help evolve the business community and how the business community can help evolve Mauritius. These gatherings are key in forming long lasting partnerships.”

With so many high-level delegates in attendance, networking provided a key feature throughout the day. With a networking lunch, an evening drinks reception and specific networking platforms, there was ample opportunity for anyone serious about doing business in Mauritius to create new business contacts and build relationships with the market’s main players.

“The Mauritius Trade Finance Conference is a very exciting event for GTR,” said Peter Gubbins, Managing Director of GTR. “We hope to develop this conference into mainstay of the market and turn it into a key industry gathering with unrivalled networking. We look forward to facilitating business here for many years to come.”