ITL Reaffirms International Positioning Through CEO’s Participation at Key Events in Japan
Intercontinental Trust Ltd (ITL) has reinforced its international positioning with the participation of its CEO, Ben Lim, in two landmark events in Japan: the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, and the official inauguration of the Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius in Tokyo, held under the patronage of the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Importantly, the Prime Minister confirmed that his Japanese counterpart has agreed to the signing of an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) and stressed the importance of also establishing a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between the two countries. H.E. Mr Kan Masahiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Mauritius reinforced this perspective, noting that a DTA should follow the IPPA as the natural next step, a declaration that underlines Japan’s commitment to deepening its economic partnership with Mauritius.
A Mauritian delegation, led by the Economic Development Board (EDB), took part in a series of strategic events aimed at positioning Mauritius as a hub for investment and trade, while consolidating economic relations between Mauritius, Japan and Africa.
TICAD 9: Mauritius as a Strategic Bridge between Africa and Asia
Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam attended the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, where he also participated in bilateral meetings and working sessions with representatives from various nations. These exchanges focused on strengthening cooperation between Africa and Japan in key areas such as trade, investment and sustainable development, all of direct relevance to Mauritius’ positioning as a regional hub.
As part of the Mauritian delegation led by the Economic Development Board (EDB), ITL’s CEO Ben Lim also took part in TICAD 9, contributing to the promotion of Mauritius as a strategic bridge between Africa and Asia and showcasing ITL’s expertise in structuring cross-border investments.
Inauguration of the Embassy of Mauritius in Japan: A Historic Milestone
On 22 August, Ben Lim also attended the inauguration of the new Embassy of Mauritius in Tokyo. This milestone builds upon diplomatic relations established between Mauritius and Japan since 1968.
The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam mentioned during this speech that the Embassy will serve as a key platform to advance economic cooperation between the two nations, facilitating trade and investment flows and promoting business partnerships. It further consolidates Mauritius’ position as a trusted International Financial Centre (IFC) and a gateway for Japanese investment into Africa.
ITL: A Long-Standing Partner to Japanese Clients
For more than two decades, ITL has supported its clients in pursuing their regional and international ambitions. Among them are renowned Japanese groups such as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), a testament to the strength and relevance of ITL’s solutions.
The inauguration of the Embassy reinforces ITL’s positioning as a strategic partner for investors seeking to leverage the Mauritian platform to connect with African opportunities.
“Mauritius has all the attributes to be a stable and innovative investment hub, i.e. a strong anchor point between Africa and Asia. At ITL, we are proud to accompany our clients, including those from Japan, in structuring international projects and building sustainable partnerships. The opening of this Embassy further strengthens our commitment to consolidating bridges between Mauritius, Japan and Africa. The progress towards an IPPA, and the prospect of a future DTA, will further enhance this bridge, creating a stronger framework for trade, investment and long-term collaboration” said Ben Lim, CEO of ITL.
