Tag: Mauritius

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Singapore, Mauritius to discuss film tourism

The meeting aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development of the region…reports RAJNISH SINGH

As Srinagar is decked up to host the third Tourism Working Group Meeting of G20 members on Monday, seven countries, including Spain, Singapore, and Mauritius are discussing film tourism in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Spain, Singapore, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil and India are among seven countries to discuss the global perspective of film tourism, as well as, its economic benefits and impact in J-K. The side event on ‘Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation’ is part of the mega third Tourism Working Group Meeting to be organized at Srinagar between May 22-24.

Unveiling the draft of a national strategy for film tourism is the key agenda, and the speakers will highlight various challenges and country-specific enablers to promote destinations through films giving a fillip to tourism in J-K.

The “3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting” will start in the afternoon on Monday with all the invited countries and the international organisations having the highest participation registered compared to the previous two such meetings organized at Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch and West Bengal’s Siliguri.

The meeting will deliberate on five key priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management.

The meeting aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development of the region.

The stage is set for discussions and deliberations on final deliverables and there are two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group, which include the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and G20 Tourism Ministers’ Declaration, Secretary Ministry of Tourism Arvind Singh had said on Sunday while addressing a press conference at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).

“This is the only working group meeting taking place in Srinagar as part of the G20 effort with excellent response from all the member countries, all the invited countries and the international organisations, having the highest participation registered compared to the first two Tourism Working Group Meetings at Rann of Kutch and Siliguri,” said Singh.

The officer further said G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations will give valuable inputs and feedback on these two draft documents and after negotiations with G20 Member Countries on these drafts, final versions will be placed in the ‘Fourth Tourism Working Group Meeting’.

Singh informed that the ‘3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting’ will deliberate on the five key priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management. “These priorities are key building blocks for accelerating the transition of the tourism sector and achieving the targets for 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”

The officer said that side event on ‘Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation’ will be organized on May 22 and 23, focusing on strategies to promote film tourism in J-K.

The event will witness the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders.  (ANI)

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Mauritius PM lauds Indian Navy’s assistance

He commended the detailed operation involving helicopters, boats, and commandos in the removal of pollutants and major safety hazards faced with adverse weather conditions…reports Asian Lite News

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth visited the First Training Squadron Ships and appreciated the assistance provided by ships and aircraft of India’s Navy while also lauding the interoperability between the two Indian Navy, and Mauritian National Coast Guard.

The Mauritius PM was speaking at the First Training Squadron Ships, last evening, at Quay A, Harbour Area in Port-Louis. Taking to Twitter, the Indian Navy Spokesperson said, “Hon’ble PM of Mauritius @KumarJugnauth during the reception, the onboard First Training Squadron lauded the interoperability of the National Coast Guard, Mauritius & IndianNavy during Joint Ops for the removal of pollutants from grounded vessel off St Brandon Mauritius.”

“Based on the request from GoM, the 1TS Ships on a long-range training deployment off Mauritius carried out joint salvage ops with MCGS Barracuda, which incl over 30 helo sorties & recovery of more than 300 kgs of pollutants,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Jugnauth highlighted that the participation of the Indian Navy in activities marking the Independence Day celebrations is a testimony of the privileged relationship between Mauritius and India, strongly bound by ties that go deep in history. He extended his gratitude to the Government of India and the Indian Navy for this collaboration, according to an official release by the Mauritian government.

Underlining the critical role that seas play for Island nations, Prime Minister Jugnauth indicated that his government aims to double the contribution of this sector to the GDP in the medium term, owing to the immense potential of the blue economy for economic growth.

“Our partnership in the maritime domain has been longstanding and strengthened over time”, he said, adding that “the current joint EEZ surveillance carried out by the National Coast Guard (NCG) and the ships of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy plays a vital role. He also dwelt on courses, capacity-building, and outreach programs offered by the First Training Squadron,” the statement read

The Prime Minister also extended his gratitude as regards the assistance provided by ships and aircraft of the Indian Navy as well as assets of the NCG deployed during operations in connection with the grounded fishing vessel at Saint Brandon in December 2022, the statement added.

He commended the detailed operation involving helicopters, boats, and commandos in the removal of pollutants and major safety hazards faced with adverse weather conditions. The joint deployment of Mauritius Police Officers and the Indian Navy showed the shared commitment and determination of both countries to address maritime contingencies and consolidate maritime security, he added. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Indian Navy Chief underscores need for maritime cooperation

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CECPA cements India-Mauritius ties

During the event being held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Mauritius, PM Jugnauth expressed gratitude to the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi…reports Asian Lite News

The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) offers new opportunities for trade, investments, and services activities between Mauritius and India and can accelerate our economic growth, said Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on Tuesday.

“The CECPA will act as a support to Mauritius in the wake of ongoing global challenges, Jugnauth said, adding that, “India has been a partner and a friend like no other to Mauritius.” as he launched the CECPA forum in Pointe aux Piments, Le Matinal reported.

During the event being held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Mauritius, PM Jugnauth expressed gratitude to the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering commitment to making the trade pact CECPA a reality, which he emphasised is the first Agreement that India has signed with an African country.

“The CECPA forms part of a broader strategy between the Governments to broaden our economic horizons and plays an integral part in facilitating cross-border trade and investment,” he stated.

Speaking of the event, he said that the initiative aims at elevating the economic and cultural ties between Mauritius and India as well as celebrating the diplomatic relationships between the two countries.

This event, he said, “further highlights our long-lasting friendship and the deep-rooted ties shared by our people.”

According to Le Matinal, Jugnauth further highlighting the technical, financial, and diplomatic support India has provided to Mauritius, said that the successful completion of recent projects namely the Metro Express, the New Supreme Court, and the New ENT hospital was possible due to the support India has provided. He said, “Government is investing massively in the upgrading of infrastructure to make sure businesses operate in the best environment as well as pave the way to a sustainable, intensive, and modern economy.”

“The country’s economic progress has allowed Government to engage in a resolute fight against poverty and inequality and is now able to invest in social welfare.,” he said while reiterating his ambition of striving to ensure that citizens emerge as winners from this growth, Le Matinal reported.

While underlining EDB’s key role in charting the future that we want, PM Jugnauth urged all businesses to fully avail of its expertise. He appreciated the friendship and mutual respect between Mauritius and India and reiterated that together both countries can build a prosperous future, Le Matinal reported.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Alan Ganoo described India as a staunch supporter of Mauritius and asserted that India like other privileged partners has accompanied us in our endeavors to emerge as a Small Island State and become a committed partner in our socio-economic development.

He laid emphasis on the numerous developmental activities and other projects ranging from the social to the cultural, encompassing education, capacity-building, trade, and security, for which Mauritius benefited from Indian assistance. Ganoo said that CECPA is a pivotal milestone that will pave the way for even greater economic cooperation between our two countries and will enhance our economic ties and develop a unique strategic partnership.

“Indian investors can use Mauritius as a gateway for production and subsequent exports to the African market,” he said while recalling that Mauritius has duty-free access to a market of 650 million consumers by virtue of its membership in COMESA and SADC, Le Matinal reported.

“And with the entry into force of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Mauritius has now preferential access to a market of approximately 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined GDP valued around USD 3.5 trillion,” he said.

The Finance Minister of Mauritius, Renganaden Padayachy, pointed out that the Governments of Mauritius and India have worked together to come up with a historical agreement that is mutually beneficial to both our nations.

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Blue Ocean announces internships vertical ‘Interns-Hub’

Blue Ocean Corporation recently announced the launch of its internships vertical ‘Interns-Hub’, consolidating the entire gamut of its career development initiatives in the professional training and hiring space…reports Asian Lite News

Currently, Interns – Hub will be offering internship opportunities to students in the Hospitality, Aviation and Business Management sectors, in global locations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius and Thailand. Students can either enroll individually or apply through university-Interns-Hub partnership programmes.

“With the global economy signalling an impressive recovery, companies are back to active hiring.  Internships are now a guaranteed win-win situations for students. Interns-Hub is a strategic investment that holds a great positive future for students, universities and business groups. Plus, it complements all our other wings beautifully,” said Dr. Sathya Menon, CEO of Blue Ocean Corporation.

Summer internships are of great advantage to a student’s career. A Bloomberg report stated that there had been an all-time high of internship applications between 2021 and 2022. Other researches showed that in 2020 when the pandemic crisis was at its peak, there was a 35% rise in the number of students seeking internships. The hired fresher category included an estimated 65% of students, who had one or more internship experiences listed in their resumes. Given the multiple benefits internships offer, there is clearly an increasing awareness and rise in competition for internships among students.

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Evaluating its tagline ‘Crafting Careers Together’, Interns-Hub marks a crucial step toward Blue Ocean’s vision to support the professional and personal development of the student community, as well as to aid organizational needs by connecting them with well-trained interns.

Blue Ocean Corporation’s Chairman Mr. Abdul Azeez said, “True learning comes from doing things and not merely from knowing things. Training the mind is extremely important, and that is what Interns – Hub is all about. It is in tune with our other verticals, and together the joint support will render nothing but the best.”

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Mauritius challenges Britain’s ownership of Chagos islands

The message was played on a speaker to the Chagossians, Mauritian officials and media assembled on the beach…reports Asian Lite News

Britain’s ownership of the Chagos archipelago is officially being challenged. This happened after the Mauritian ambassador to the UN, Jagdish Koonjul, in a ceremony on Monday, raised his country’s flag. The Mauritian officials also sang their country’s national anthem.

In a report by The Guardian, the ambassador said, “We are performing the symbolic act of raising the flag as the British have done so many times to establish colonies. We, however, are reclaiming what has always been our own.”

Mauritian prime minister, Pravind Jugnauth, in a pre-recorded message said, “This is the first time Mauritius has led an expedition to this part of its territory. I feel sad that I have not been able to be part of this historic visit. I’m delighted that our Chagossian brothers and sisters are able to travel to their birthplace without any foreign [ie British] escort.”

The message was played on a speaker to the Chagossians, Mauritian officials and media assembled on the beach.

When asked what will happen if UK officials later removed the Mauritian flag, Jugnauth told the Guardian, “I don’t know what they are going to do. If they remove the flag, this will amount to a provocation on their part. The UK is not abiding by international law judgments.”

Several British Indian ocean territory signs were also removed from the island. A metal plaque close to the flagpole read, “Visit of the Mauritius delegation to Peros Banhos archipelago, Republic of Mauritius, in the context of the scientific survey of Blenheim Reef.”

Britain sealed a deal in 1966 allowing the U.S. to use Diego Garcia for defense purposes. The United States maintains a base there for aircraft and ships and has backed Britain in the legal dispute with Mauritius.

Britain evicted about 2,000 people from the Chagos archipelago in the 1960s and 1970s so the U.S. military could build its base. Many resettled in Britain and have fought in courts there to return to the islands.

Jugnauth in 2019 told the U.N. General Assembly their forcible eviction “remains a very dark episode of human history akin to a crime against humanity.”

Jugnauth said the vessel commissioned by Mauritius, Bleu de Nîmes, is to sail Tuesday from Seychelles to the Chagos archipelago, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of Maldives in the Indian Ocean.

ALSO READ-Mauritius presses claim against UK for Indian Ocean islands

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Mauritius presses claim against UK for Indian Ocean islands

Britain’s Foreign Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the current expedition…reports Asian Lite News

A delegation from Mauritius is set to sail Tuesday to the Chagos Islands to press the country’s claim for the strategically important Indian Ocean archipelago, which is also claimed by Britain and is home to an American military base.

It is the first time Mauritius has embarked upon an expedition to the islands without seeking the permission of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said in a statement, adding it is a “concrete step” in “exercising its sovereignty and sovereign rights in relation to the Chagos Archipelago.”

Those rights were strengthened in 2019 by a non-binding opinion from the International Criminal Court, which said that Britain had unlawfully carved up Mauritius, an archipelago nation whose main island is some 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) off the southeast coast of Africa. The Chagos islands were a part of Mauritius until Britain separated them a few years before Mauritius became independent from British colonial rule in 1968.

The United Nations General Assembly followed that opinion with a resolution two months later demanding that Britain end its “colonial administration” of the Chagos Islands, which include the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, and return them to Mauritius. Even Pope Francis weighed in, saying that Britain should obey the U.N. resolution.

Thus far, however, Britain, which calls the archipelago a “British Indian Ocean Territory,” has refused to abide by the non-binding decisions. It has argued that the Chagos archipelago has been under its sovereignty since 1814 and that its continued presence there is strategically important.

Britain’s Foreign Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the current expedition.

In his statement, Jugnauth recalled the ICJ ruling and said that “continued administration of the Chagos archipelago by the United Kingdom constituted a wrongful act.” His office did not immediately respond to an email seeking further comment.

Jugnauth has repeatedly said that ending the British administration, however, would have no implications for the U.S. military base at Diego Garcia, which he has said Mauritius is committed to maintaining.

Britain sealed a deal in 1966 allowing the U.S. to use Diego Garcia for defense purposes. The United States maintains a base there for aircraft and ships and has backed Britain in the legal dispute with Mauritius.

Britain evicted about 2,000 people from the Chagos archipelago in the 1960s and 1970s so the U.S. military could build its base. Many resettled in Britain and have fought in courts there to return to the islands.

Jugnauth in 2019 told the U.N. General Assembly their forcible eviction “remains a very dark episode of human history akin to a crime against humanity.”

Jugnauth said the vessel commissioned by Mauritius, Bleu de Nîmes, is to sail Tuesday from Seychelles to the Chagos archipelago, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of Maldives in the Indian Ocean.

Onboard for the 15-day journey is Mauritius’ permanent representative to the U.N., as well as legal advisers and others who planned to undertake a scientific survey at the Blenheim Reef, a partially submerged atoll in the northeastern part of the archipelago.

Jugnauth said the survey results would be part of Mauritius’ submissions for a case being heard by the Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, which was brought by Maldives, which supports Britain’s sovereignty claim.

Jugnauth said in his statement that he would not accompany others on the current voyage, but would personally visit the islands in a separate voyage.

ALSO READ-India, Mauritius discuss bilateral ties

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India hands over Dornier aircraft to Mauritius

PIC credits @HCI_PortLouis

The Dornier aircraft has been handed over under ‘Mission SAGAR’, an initiative which was launched by India in May 10, 2020 with aim to deliver Covid-19 related assistance…reports Asian Lite News

India has handed over a Dornier aircraft to Mauritius on lease from the Indian Navy, a statement issued by the Port Louis-based Indian High Commission on Monday said.

According to a tweet by the High Commission, India has also exchanged a contract for the purchase of a new Dornier aircraft under Line of Credit for enhanced maritime security of the Indian Ocean Region country.

The Dornier aircraft has been handed over under ‘Mission SAGAR’, an initiative which was launched by India in May 10, 2020 with aim to deliver Covid-19 related assistance to the countries in the Indian Ocean Region.

PIC credits @HCI_PortLouis

It is also being seen as a major milestone in engagement with the countries in the region to fight the menace of COVID-19. INS Airavat is on a deployment to South East Asia for trans-shipment of relief materials.

According to the continuing programme, the Indian Navy has been carrying out numerous philanthropic missions to help nations in their battle against the lethal pandemic.

The Navy’s missions span the entire extent of the Indian Ocean, including South East Asia and East Africa. Under the programme, the Navy has carried out multiple missions apart from COVID relief initiatives.

With the help of the programme, the Central government is trying to strengthen ties between countries and to improve maritime cooperation and engagement between various countries.

Numerous joint missions and training sessions have been done as part of the Naval outreach initiative in the past year. (India News Network)

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Mauritius opens another section of India-funded Metro Express

@HCI_PortLouis

The projects include a new Supreme Court building, Social Housing Project, supply of Digital Tablets to school children and an ENT Hospital…reports Asian Lite News

Extending a safe, secure, reliable and efficient mode of transportation in Mauritius, another section of the India-funded Metro Express was inaugurated by Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on Sunday.

Announcing on Twitter about the moving forward of the bilateral project, the Indian High Commission in Mauritius said that the Rose Hill to Quatre Bornes segment was inaugurated by PM Jugnauth.

“India-Mauritius flagship project #Metro Express moving forward. Hon’ble PM @JugnauthKumar inaugurated the Rose Hill to Quatre Bornes segment today, thereby extending a safe, secure, reliable and efficient mode of transportation in Mauritius. #IndiaMauritius,” it tweeted.

@HCI_PortLouis

The ‘Metro Express’ jointly inaugurated by PM Jugnauth and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, is a flagship project that is being built through an Indian Special Economic Package, with a grant assistance of US$353 for 5 projects in Mauritius.

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The projects include a new Supreme Court building, Social Housing Project, supply of Digital Tablets to school children and an ENT Hospital.

In March 2017, an agreement was signed between RITES, an Indian Public Sector Undertaking and the Government of Mauritius appointing RITES as a Consultant for the Metro Express Project.

@HCI_PortLouis

India has extended several Lines of Credit (LoC) to Mauritius to assist in the development of infrastructure, human resources, skill development, capacity building and project appraisal.

In March 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Mauritius had announced a new LoC of USD $500 Million for civilian infrastructure projects.

Some other high-visibility Indian-assisted projects in Mauritius include the Mahatma Gandhi Insitute, the Upadhyay Training Centre, the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, the Subramania Bharati Eye Centre, the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre and Rabindranath Tagore Institute.

Important symbols of recent projects undertaken by India in Mauritius include the Cyber Tower at Ebene and the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre. (INN)

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