The South Africa Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius (SACC) convened a thought-provoking breakfast meeting on Thursday, 18 April 2024, at Le Suffren Hotel and Marina, centered around the theme “Navigating Climate Risks and Opportunities: What It Means for Businesses.” The event featured a keynote address by Mr. Vimal Thakoor, Resident Advisor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) specializing in Macroeconomics and Climate.
Mr. Thakoor delivered an insightful keynote, stating, “As businesses navigate the increasingly complex landscape of climate risks and opportunities, it is imperative to adopt proactive strategies that not only mitigate environmental challenges but also drive sustainable growth and resilience.”
Commenting on the event, Warren Bacchus, General Manager at The Address Boutique Hotel and Residences and Board Member at the South Africa Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius, remarked, “ The Chamber is honoured to be partnering with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and it is a great privilege to host Mr Vimal Thakoor, Resident Advisor on Macroeconomics and Climate at IMF who brings valuable guidance on navigating climate and macroeconomic challenges, which has been immensely insightful for our members. This information is essential for our members and their businesses as they plan and strategize for the future, ensuring they are well-equipped to seize opportunities and mitigate risks.
Following Mr. Thakoor’s address, the event continued with a dynamic panel discussion featuring three key experts in the field namely Julia Hawkins, Founder and Director at Hawkins Eberdal, Francesca Merlo Harel, Operations Manager at CrossBoundary Energy, and Ajay Angoteea, Head of Sustainable Finance, Absa Mauritius. The panelists engaged in an interactive dialogue, sharing their diverse insights and practical strategies for businesses to adapt to climate change and seize opportunities for innovation and resilience.
The breakfast meeting served as a valuable platform for business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, gain insights, and explore collaborative solutions to address the pressing issues of climate change. By fostering dialogue and knowledge-sharing, SACC aims to empower businesses in Mauritius and beyond to proactively respond to climate-related risks and harness opportunities for sustainable development.
About the South Africa Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius (SACC)
The South African Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius serves as the collective voice of South African investment into Mauritius by our members, partners, and affiliates. Our goal is to promote and facilitate investment, trade, and other business exchanges for the mutual benefit of South Africa, Mauritius, and the people thereof. We are an open chamber, we embrace diversity and welcome members from Mauritius, South Africa or any other countries who resonate with the ethos of the chamber and will benefit from the Chamber’s goals.
Goals
- Organize events for our members to meet and discuss issues pertinent to their interests in Mauritius and South Africa,
- Collectively represent key issues for our members before the government and other relevant authorities,
- Promote and recognize the valuable contribution of our members to the economy,
- Advocate for the best interests of Mauritius and South Africa as an investment opportunity and trading partner,
- Actively monitor legislation and policies that affect our members in Mauritius and provide commentary and guidance to authorities on behalf of our members,
- Provide information on important business issues to enhance our members’ decision-making,
- Provide networking opportunities for our members with members of our chamber, other chambers, as well as key Mauritius decision-makers and leaders of industry and government.
- Promote the role of Mauritius as a regional hub and the destination of choice for the establishment of investment opportunities in the African continent
- Promote, encourage, and facilitate trade, services and investment between South Africa and Mauritius and vice versa
- Promote and facilitate the integration of businesses owned/managed by South Africans in Mauritius with the wider Mauritian business community
- Through the support of our Patrons, Event Sponsors and Strategic Partners, the Chamber hosts regular business presentations and social events. Our members also benefit from special discounts offered by our Affinity Partners.
