Compiled by
Vishal Bhidu
Mauritius, March 2024: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has appointed Mr. Sanjay P. Ghag, a Project Development and Financing expert in the Infrastructure PPP sector with a core experience spanning over 32 years in Infrastructure project development, financing and investment in the Middle East, Africa and India, as Chief Representative in Mauritius. This strategic move of the ICC will enhance the economic ties of India with Mauritius and Africa’s economy. Under Mr. Ghag’s leadership, ICC foresees a strong growth of the institution especially in African Infrastructure Investments as well as Project Development on a Public Private Partnership basis.
Mr. Ghag is an alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai where he holds a Master of Management with specialization in Finance & Technology as well as B.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering. His immediate last assignment was with Kukuza Project Development Company (KPDC) in Mauritius, a strategic joint venture promoted by the African Development Bank, Exim Bank of India, State Bank of India and Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) to facilitate African Governments conceive and develop infrastructure PPP Projects.
ICC’s Chief Representative in Mauritius headed KPDC operations in Mauritius and developed its initial project pipeline. Mr. Ghag commenced his infrastructure career with Mahindra Infrastructure Developers, developing, promoting and managing infrastructure projects in India wherein he was involved in successfully developing the first water privatisation initiative in India, Tirupur Water Supply Project. He then joined the Saudi Arabian Amiantit Group in Jeddah for the development of privatisation projects in the water and wastewater sector in the Middle East and Asia regions. His rich career also boasts of several achievements such as becoming a principal investor in infrastructure assets by joining Gulf One Investment Bank in Bahrain and subsequently headed infrastructure investments for Bahrain-based Oasis Capital Bank.
In his new role, Mr. Ghag is expected to engage with corporations, government agencies and industry organizations to boost trade and investment between India and Mauritius. India and Mauritius have “excellent coordination” in the bilateral, commercial social, and cultural arena, which makes Mauritius our largest trading partners and importer of goods and services. In November 2023, India exported $136 million and imported $5.27 million from Mauritius, resulting in a positive trade balance of $130 million. The tie will expectedly facilitate and strengthen cooperation between both countries.
Mr. Ameya Prabhu, President of ICC, expressed delight at the appointment, stating, “We are glad to have Mr Sanjay P. Ghag as ICC’s Chief Representative for the Mauritius chapter. His extensive experience and pivotal role in building economic ties between India and Mauritius make his leadership invaluable. Under his leadership, we look forward to catalysing robust cooperation between India and Mauritius propelling Infrastructure Investment, Capital Market cooperation and other businesses.”
Mr. Ghag shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I am honoured to represent the Indian Chamber of Commerce as its Chief Representative in Mauritius. Leveraging my experience, I am committed to enhancing trade and investment opportunities, between Corporations, Industry bodies and Governments. I look forward to contributing to the success of both great nations in the flourishing India-Mauritius economic partnership.”
