Business News of Sunday, 12 March 2017
Source: citifmonline.com
2017-03-12
Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
The Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is confident of increased trade and investments from Mauritius following the signing of a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between the two countries.
The agreement, which was signed by ahead of Mauritius’ Independence Anniversary celebration on 12th March, 2017 protects businesses from being taxed twice for operating in the same category in either countries.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey signed the agreement on behalf of Ghana, while Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade signed on behalf of Mauritius.
Dr. Bawumiah stated that the development is in line with government’s plan to ease the burden on private businesses and also attract more collaboration.
“The prime minister has talked about the various areas that were covered in the discussion at the joint commission to include the special economic zone, the technology, power, sugar industry and so on. We have seen the manifestation of the first fruit of the joint permanent commission with the signing of the history double taxation agreement between Ghana and Mauritius, and we believe this will provide a platform to give confidence to investors both in Ghana and Mauritius to undertake investments in our respective countries and not be taxed twice by our respective countries.”
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister for Mauritius, His Excellency Anerood Jugnauth has revealed that the country has entered into other key agreements and partnerships with the government of Ghana.
“We have also agreed to pursue consolidation on two project proposals submitted by Mauritius namely, the setting up of a solar energy power generation and a tourism and hospitality project providing for the construction of a coastal resort in Ghana.
With the solar energy project, we believe that this south-south cooperation will be a good opportunity to tap into concessionary financing from various climate funds.”
“… we have also agreed on the promotion of gold and jewelry sector in Mauritius especially in the context of the setting up of the Mauritius International Derivatives And Commodities Index (MINDEX) project and the Utility Regulatory Authority in Mauritius and Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission in Ghana, the conclusion of an agreement between the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the purpose of setting up a business.”
Anerood Jugnauth further revealed that his government had received a request from Ghana for the recruitment of Mauritian health workers to complement the efforts of their counterparts in Ghana.
He also added that the countries were considering a program to allow for the sharing of knowledge in the handicraft sector.
