By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Historically, diplomatic relations between Mauritius and Indonesia have been characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. Both countries are members of international organizations such as the United Nations and share common interests in areas like trade, economic development, and cultural exchanges. Economic ties have been a significant aspect of their relationship, with efforts to enhance trade and investment collaboration. Cultural and educational exchanges have also played a role in fostering understanding and people-to-people connections.
We speak with Benny Yan Pieter Siahaan, Head of Mission/Charges des Affaires for the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia for Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros and he shares insights on how both nations have grown together over the years. Excerpts:
The trade relationship between Indonesia and Mauritius has grown steadily over the past 26 years. What do you see as the main factors contributing to this increase in exports from Indonesia to Mauritius?
As we know on the 30th of September 2019, Mauritius ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is a free trade pact in which African countries committed to cutting tariff barriers by 90% on various types of goods with the aim of increasing intra-African trade. AfCFTA is the largest trade pacts in the world after the WTO in terms of the number of participating countries. Bearing in mind that Mauritius as a regional hub on the route from Asia to Africa are one of the main factors in increasing trade relations between Indonesia and Mauritius.
Could you provide insights into the types of goods or products that make up the majority of Indonesia’s exports to Mauritius and how they have evolved over the years?
Indonesia’s main export commodities to Mauritius include paper products, iron and steel, fish, furniture, synthetic fibers, CPO, aluminum, food products, electronics, glassware products, motor vehicle spare parts, cotton, chemical products and rubber. Going forward, i believe that Indonesia will diversify its export products to Mauritius and vice versa.
Mauritius exported $3.77 million worth of goods to Indonesia in 2021. Can you give us an estimate for 2022 and 2023? What are the key products or industries in Mauritius that have the potential for further growth in exports to Indonesia?
The bilateral trade figures between Indonesia and Mauritius reached USD 70 Million in 2022 in which Indonesia’s export numbers were approximately USD 67.6 Million, meanwhile Mauritius export to Indonesia was approximately USD 2.4 Million. In 2023 January-May bilateral trade figures between Indonesia and Mauritius reached USD 30.4 Million in which Indonesia’s export figures were USD 29.6 Million. On the other hand Mauritius export to Indonesia were approximately USD 800. Some of Indonesia’smain imports from Mauritius are cotton, animal products, oil products (re-export), fish, wood fiber, metal, electronic equipment and machinery, leather, printing industry materials, rubber, and clothing.
The gathering on January 17, 2023, involving yourself and Mauritian officials signifies efforts to enhance cooperation. Can you share some specific areas or initiatives that were discussed during this meeting and which projects have already successfully been implemented?
On the 14-18 January 2023, we made a working visit to Mauritius and held meetings with several relevant officials in Mauritius, namely the Chair of the Economic Development Board of Mauritius (EDBM), the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) as well as the Head of the Asia, Middle East and Russia Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius. We held discussion to enhance relations between Indonesia and Mauritius on several fields including economic and trade as well as citizen protection.
In what ways is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius collaborating with Indonesia to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties?
In my opinion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius have done a fantastic job in facilitating the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Mauritius. One of their notable efforts in enhancing the relations between Indonesia and Mauritius was when they facilitated a High Level Delegation consisting the Director General of General Legal Administration from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to meet with the Attorney General of the Republic of Mauritius in February 2023 as well as the delegation consisting of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesian National Police as well as family representatives on September 2023.
Given the goal of protecting Indonesian citizens, what measures or support systems are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of Indonesian nationals in Mauritius?
We have a very solid Indonesian community in Mauritius and lucky to have the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Mauritius as well as the Coordinator for Indonesian Citizens in Mauritius who takes good care of our citizens. In addition, we also have a WhatsApp group to facilitate the communication between the Embassy and the Indonesian citizens in Mauritius. In addition, we also have an online portal in which the Indonesian citizens in Mauritius must register themselves in order that the Embassy can identify the number of Indonesians residing in Mauritius.
How do you envision the future of the economic and diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and Mauritius, and what strategies are in place to further foster this relationship?
I believe that the economic and diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and Mauritius will continue to foster. I hope that the finalization of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and Mauritius could contribute to the improvement of economic relations between the two countries.
Are there any specific trade agreements or Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Indonesia and Mauritius that have been pivotal in enhancing bilateral relations and trade?
At the moment, Indonesia and Mauritius have signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius on the Promotion and Protection of Investments. As i have said earlier, our two countries are also finalizing the PTA Agreement which will help bolster the trade relations of both countries.
Considering the global economic and geopolitical landscape, what role do Indonesia and Mauritius see for themselves in promoting regional cooperation and stability in the Indian Ocean region?
Indonesia as one of the founding fathers of ASEAN has been very influential in the region in promoting peace and security. On the other hand, Mauritius as the headquarter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was launched in Mauritius on 6-7 March, 1997. The Indian Ocean Rim defines a distinctive area in international politics consisting of coastal states bordering the Indian Ocean. It is a region of a diverse mix in terms of culture, race, religion, economic development and strategic interests.
Can you highlight any upcoming events, trade missions, or diplomatic initiatives that will further strengthen ties between Indonesia and Mauritius in the near future?
The 4th Round of Negotiations of the Preferential Trade Agreement between Indonesia and Mauritius will be held on 20-21 December 2023 at Padma Resort Legian, Bali, Indonesia. Hopefully this meeting could finalize the PTA between the two countries.
