Trade and investment attract Canadian diaspora in Mauritius

Canada is a popular destination of  immigrants from Mauritius. Although not as hefty, the echo of Canadian diaspora to Mauritius is also quite appreciable. This considering that the Mauritian territory of 2,040 square kilometres is smaller than the Canadian city of Ottawa.

The island’s warm tropical climate is surely a strong draw for Canadian immigrants which had to often bear the freezing cold winters of North America. It also helps a lot that both Canada and Mauritius have deep historical ties with France and Britain.

Common grounds in education

The French and British culture and language are ingrained amongst Canadians and Mauritians. Hence, the Canadian expat families in Mauritius have a choice of sending their children in either British or French schools.

Business and employment opportunities are hospitable too for a Canadian diaspora to Mauritius. Many of the local entrepreneurs and the management of Mauritian companies have been educated in Canadian schools. Others have training in French, British, as well as U.S. academic institutions that are also part of most Canadians’ psyche.

Shared strengths in global organisations

It also helps Mauritian expats in the island that Mauritius and Canada both belong to the 88-nation Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). The members of this global organisation of French-speaking countries cooperate in many fields, such as culture, economy, science, peace, and justice.

More potential benefits could be drawn from the membership of both Mauritius and Canada in the Commonwealth. This group of 54 nations with a British colonial heritage significantly holds a huge market of about 2.4 billion people. The Commonwealth supports its members to grow economies, achieve development, and boost trade, amongst other objectives.

Notably, the Canadian government is funding small-scale projects in Mauritius. The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives implements this assistance that in recent years included projects focused on the environment and climate change, governance, and gender equality.

Trade and investment springboards

The active trade between Mauritius and Canada presents another springboard for a Canadian diaspora to Mauritius. In 2019, Mauritius exported USD7.49 million worth of goods to Canada, comprised mainly of seafood and apparel items. The country’s Canadian imports, on the other hand, was valued at USD6.83 million mostly for meat and paper/pulp products.

Mauritius also presents opportunities for Canadians in the information and communications technology sector, a priority growth area on the island. Canadian diaspora to Mauritius could also draw robust tailwinds from the huge inflow of investment from Canada to the island. In 2018, Canadian investors pumped CAD2.6 billion into Mauritius. This investment accounted for 35.5 per cent of Canada’s total investment in the whole of Africa.

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