IANS

Mauritius Vice President meets PM Manmohan Singh

May 09, 2006

New Delhi:  India and Mauritius, on 8^th May, discussed steps to intensify their burgeoning political and economic relations in diverse areas, including technology and tourism.

Mauritius Vice President Abdool Raouf Bundhun met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and discussed with them the entire gamut of bilateral and global issues, including energy, business and investment and enhanced technological cooperation between the two countries.

Bundhun, who arrived here on 7^th May on a week-long visit, is also likely to go to Mumbai and Bangalore.

Bundhun, who was presented Pravasi Bharatiya Divas award this year at the annual conclave of overseas Indians, also met Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma and discussed bilateral and regional issues.

The Indian Ocean island is  home to a nearly 800,000-strong Indian diaspora.

Bundhun's visit comes nearly two months after the visit of Kalam to the Indian Ocean island during which the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon and petroleum resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Mauritius.

The two countries had also signed an MoU for the participation of Mauritius in the Pan African e-network Project that seeks to digitally connect 53 countries of the African Union.

Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam visited India last year.

India and Mauritius are engaged in talks on finalising the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement to boost business and investment between them.

About one-third of the total foreign direct investment into India - around $8.86 billion over the past 13 years - is routed through Mauritius because of an avoidance of double taxation agreement.

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