Speeches

Remarks of Ambassador John Price on the occasion of the American Chamber of Commerce General Meeting

La Bellone Conference Room
Labourdonnais Hotel
3:00 pm, March 30, 2005

Chairman Naushad Ramoly,
Members of the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce,
Distinguished Guests:

It is a great pleasure to be here today on the occasion of the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Mauritian branch of the American Chamber of Commerce.  As you know, my roots are in the business world.  I have always believed in the positive power of free markets, where good ideas and hard work are rewarded.

Let me take a moment to salute the work of AmCham.  I believe the American Chamber of Commerce serves a vital role here in Mauritius as AmCham chapters do in countries around the world.  As we know, the AmCham is very busy working to increase and support trade and investment opportunities between the United States and Mauritius.  The AmCham has also done a lot to promote Mauritius regionally and within the United States.  This is evidenced by its new membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  These are vitally important goals.

I believe there is also another important goal, which is of equal or greater importance given the course of recent history, and which is easily ignored as we become busy with day-to-day business.

By facilitating connections between American businesses and Mauritian businesses, the AmCham promotes the sharing of American ideals and practices.  This is important because the ties you create bring Mauritius and the United States closer together.  I encourage you to reach out to form new partnerships and not wait for the phone to ring.

In addition, a principal part of the Embassy’s mission is to promote U.S. exports to Mauritius.  In a competitive global market, "commercial diplomacy" plays an important part in ensuring the competitiveness of the United States.  The strength of the United States in world affairs rests firmly on the foundation of a healthy economy.  Economic prosperity at home allows us to pursue economic and political freedom throughout the world.  I am always proud to share with my colleagues in Washington the good work of the American Chamber of Commerce as a vehicle through which American businesses can further their interests in Mauritius and new products can be exposed to new markets.

The AmCham serves as one of the most important components in relations between the United States and Mauritius.  In fact, the relationship between our two countries is stronger because of the AmCham.

I have always believed that the freedom of my country, the freedoms that I have enjoyed almost all my life, made my successes possible.  I think that principle applies here in Mauritius as well.  The healthy, vibrant civil society that Mauritius enjoys today is the foundation for this country’s growing, multi-faceted economy.  The AmCham, with its promotion of business relations between Americans and Mauritians, is a vital part of that effort.  It creates partnerships where none existed, exposing Mauritian businesses to American markets and vice versa.  It helps Mauritius grow.

What better environment for an American Chamber than Mauritius?  Although the distance between our two countries is obviously vast, we share, more than many countries in the world, a firm commitment to strong economic principles: a commitment to free markets, the protection of intellectual property rights, and the lowering of trade barriers.

American business is on the rise in Mauritius.  Besides the many examples represented by you who are here at this meeting there are others in negotiation.  For example, an important business process outsourcing company is currently studying the possibility of opening a center here this year.

Air Mauritius will soon make a decision regarding new aircraft, and I remain optimistic that it will decide to purchase several Boeing Triple 7 aircraft to update and reinvigorate its fleet.  The 777 and the new 787 are the world’s most technologically advanced commercial aircraft, which, when compared to other similar aircraft, have a superior carry-load and, dollar for dollar, offer unbeatable returns on fuel efficiency and maintenance, the two most important cost factors in aircraft operation.  Boeing is a major American firm and its beneficial contributions to Mauritius’s corporate and non-governmental sectors would be quickly apparent.

Already, Boeing has run programs in Mauritius aimed at helping companies to restructure, modernize, and minimize waste.  For example, mid-management level personnel of a major textile company were offered a week-long program, run by Boeing consultants from the United States.

In the coming year, there are also major events that will compliment AmCham’s work and will help to further and strengthen US-Mauritian economic ties.  The Corporate Council on Africa will hold its fifth biennial U.S.- Africa Business Summit in Baltimore, Maryland from June 21st to 24th.  The event’s main goal is to increase American investment throughout the African continent and foster partnerships between African and American businesses.  I know there will be many Mauritian businesses represented there.  I would like to invite any others who are interested in this meeting to contact the Embassy to learn more.

A month later, the 2005 AGOA Forum will be held in Dakar, July 18th to 21st.  We all know the important role AGOA has played in Mauritius, and we look forward to this continuing.  This forum should reaffirm this role by allowing companies to exchange information on how to better take advantage of the continued benefits and preferences provided by AGOA.

Let me conclude by saying that I have reviewed the economic successes of Mauritius in many speeches over the past three years here.  I don’t think I need to do it again before this audience.  You all know the history.

Instead, I would like to reaffirm, from all that I have witnessed, and all that I have undertaken since I arrived, my strong belief in the future of Mauritius.  I feel the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well here.  With the guidance and advice provided by groups such as the American Chamber of Commerce, I’m certain the future for Mauritians and for businesses here will be bright.  I salute Naushad Ramoly, Kamal Taposeea and Maurice Vigier de Latour, who have each served the AmCham as chairman, each helping to advance the AmCham goals.  I congratulate Lee Koenig and all the current members of the board for the work they are doing.  I am certain the American Chamber will play an important role here in Mauritius for years to come.

Thank you