by Alvyn Ulrish Shad Savrimuthu
The Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius hosted a workshop on 21 August 2025 at the Civil Service College Auditorium, Côte d’Or Technopole, with the aim of deepening engagement between Management Companies, Global Business Corporations (GBCs), and the Freeport sector. The event, marked by the presence of Honourable Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance, focused on the opportunities and incentives available within the Freeport, and how this ecosystem can drive investment, trade facilitation, and sustainable economic development.
Mr Sanjay Bhunjun, Chairperson of the Economic Development Board, opened the workshop by highlighting the strategic role of the Freeport in Mauritius’ growth model. He emphasised its long-standing contribution to the national economy, describing it as “a multiplier of opportunities enhancing supply chain efficiency, reducing cost, and providing access to dynamic markets in Africa, the Indian Ocean rim and beyond.” Looking ahead, he called for greater innovation and diversification, stating that “the Freeport is not just for warehousing and distribution. It is a sandbox for new ideas.”Stressing sustainability as a cornerstone of future competitiveness, he underlined that “as a small island nation, this is not just a trend – it’s a necessity.”
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance, commended the EDB for bridging policy with entrepreneurship while urging stakeholders to focus on niche, competitive sectors. He remarked that “you cannot solve problems with the same mindset that helped create the problems in the first place,” encouraging bold strategies to link GBCs with Freeport operations. While acknowledging that around “300 billion transits through Mauritius,” he noted that too little is retained locally, and that “by providing those investors with an investable opportunity, Mauritius could ensure more lasting value creation.” Highlighting Africa as a natural growth market, he observed that “intra-Europe trade is about 70%, intra-Asia trade is about 55%, but intra-Africa trade is only 15%… it’s not good enough, but at the same time it presents such huge opportunity.” He concluded with a motivational appeal to stakeholders, quoting Jack Ma: “today is beautiful, tomorrow will be very, very difficult, but the day after tomorrow morning will be beautiful again. However, most people give up tomorrow.”
The workshop also featured technical contributions from senior industry figures, who provided a ground-level view of the Freeport’s infrastructure and emerging opportunities. Below are a few highlights.
Sharing insights on the Freeport’s evolution, Mr Geerish Bucktowonsing, Director – Industry, SMEs, Freeport & Logistics at the EDB, traced its growth from “5,000 square metres in 1992” to more than 550,000 square metres today. He highlighted the Freeport’s economic weight, noting “a trade value of MUR 38.7 billion since inception, with investments of MUR 11.4 billion and over 150 operators active in the sector.” He underscored the EDB’s responsibility to both regulate and facilitate growth, stressing, “we are regulator, promoter and facilitator – we issue licences, but we also drive promotion and support operators to grow.” From warehousing and light assembly to emerging sectors such as minting and refining of precious metals, fulfilment centres, and auctions of high-value artworks, Bucktowonsing positioned the Freeport as “a unique global ecosystem” that gives GBCs the chance to build real substance in Mauritius.
Turning attention to air logistics, Mr Rajesh Luchmun, Acting Administrative Coordinator at Airports of Mauritius Ltd (AML), highlighted how the Cargo and Freeport Village at SSR International Airport is unlocking new avenues for trade and investment. Describing it as “a modern cargo and freeport offering attractive investment opportunities under SSR International Airport,” he explained that “this cargo village has been developed over 72 acres in phases,” with integrated road networks, utilities, and direct airside access. He pointed to opportunities across food processing, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and even art trading, backed by fiscal incentives such as duty-free and VAT-free imports, a 3% corporate tax on exports, and 100% foreign ownership. With over 20 international airlines serving 28 destinations, he underlined the Village’s strategic role as “a natural trans-shipment and logistics hub providing direct air connectivity to markets across Africa, Asia and Europe.”
Offering the maritime perspective, Mr Shakeel Goburdhone, Deputy Director General of the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA), detailed both current operations and future expansion plans. He explained that “the Port is indicated within the red and yellow line and covers 855 acres for future development,” with facilities ranging from reconstructed historic terminals to the newly completed Medine passenger terminal, able to handle “4,000 passengers at any one time.”Reviewing performance, he reported that “total traffic for financial year 2024/25 reached 9.8 million tonnes, including 719,978 TEUs – an increase of 5.8% – while cruise passenger numbers rose by 50.7% to 60,000.” Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of modernisation and capacity building, adding that “the long-term plan is to reach a capacity of 1.8 million TEUs, with port infrastructure positioned among the deepest in the region,” ensuring Mauritius can accommodate the largest vessels and maintain its edge as a regional logistics hub.
The workshop made clear that Mauritius’ Freeport is no longer just a trade facilitation zone, but a platform for innovation, sustainability, and global integration. From land, sea, and air, the message was consistent: through strategic investment, regulatory support, and cross-sector collaboration, Mauritius is positioning itself not simply as a gateway to Africa, but as a hub where value is created, retained, and expanded.
