Reshaping Tomorrow’ is the theme chosen for the 13th Economic Forum of the Indian Ocean Islands (EFIOI).
This event, long-awaited by the regional business community, will be held on October 11, 12 and 13, 2022, in Mauritius.
The Caudan Arts Centre, in Port-Louis, will host the conferences, round tables and workshops, as well as the B2B meetings.
Many local and international participants will be present, such as industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policy-makers, investors, funders, academics, among others.
This 13th edition is jointly organised by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Cap Business Océan Indien, with the support of Agence française de développement (AFD).
After two years marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, this forum is expected to be a key moment for the regional economic cooperation.
“This 13th edition will be an occasion for economic operators to reconnect and consolidate their networks. We wanted to give a whole new dimension to this year’s event by inviting business people from Indian Ocean rim countries, such as India, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, among others. This is an ideal platform for them to explore business opportunities in the region in both traditional and emerging sectors,” explains Namita Jagarnath-Hardowar, chairperson of the MCCI.
The programme of this 13th EFIOI, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks, reflects the concerns of the regional private sector in a complex economic context. Many important topics will be dealt with by both high-level international and local speakers.
This forum will also be an opportunity to sensitise the business community on key challenges, particularly through engaging workshops around The Climate Collage on October 12 and 13.
“The aim of this event is to invite economic players to reflect collectively on the major challenges lying ahead. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has confirmed our weaknesses laid bare by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly by accentuating tensions on international supply chains leading to the consequences we all know, namely price increases, shortages, etc. This context therefore requires that all stakeholders, both public and private, engage in a constructive dialogue in order to give a new impetus to regional cooperation. And by so doing, brings our companies and economies closer to build a fairer, more sustainable and resilient future for all of us,” adds Joséphine Andriamamonjiarison, chairperson of Cap Business Océan Indien.
In the same line of thought, Marc Dubernet, AFD’s regional director, states: “The Indian Ocean territories are more than ever bound together by the common challenges they face.
This forum comes at a very timely moment whereby regional economies have started their post-Covid recovery, which was unfortunately dampened by the repercussions of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. There is therefore a keen interest from operators to collaborate with a view to creating new synergies and regional value chains. As the first to be organised following the pandemic, this 13th forum is of great importance to boost regional cooperation and trade among the islands.”
How to register?
Participants are able to register for the forum via the official website of the event.They have to fill in a form before paying the registration fee by way of credit card or bank transfer. It should be noted that registration will be done online only.
About the Economic Forum of the Indian Ocean Islands
Held for the first time in 2005, in Madagascar, the EFIOI has now become a not-to-be-missed meeting for the regional business community. It is a unique platform that allows economic players from the geographical area to meet, share ideas and explore together business opportunities in all lines of business. Each edition brings together hundreds of participants from regional territories, but also from the African continent and other world regions. This event is organised by a chamber of commerce and industry, in collaboration with Cap Business OcéanIndien.
About MCCI
Created in 1850, the MCCI is the oldest non-profit institution representing the Mauritian private sector. From a representative and consultative body, it has become over the years a dynamic player in the socio-economic development of Mauritius. In addition to defending and promoting the interests of its members, the MCCI has created the necessary structures to provide them with high-level professional services.
About Cap Business Océan Indien
Cap Business Indian Ocean is a key player in regional economic cooperation. Created in 2005, the association brings together chambers of commerce and industry as well as professional organisations in the region. It is today the representative of the regional private sector on many issues related to the common key challenges territories in the area are facing. Its mission is to
facilitate cooperation among companies and industries, and to clarify the future issues in order to encourage the emergence of united fronts in the region.
Source: Seychelles Nation