This week's news in Mauritius includes a warning about a fake Facebook account, the maintenance of the country's investment grade rating, a bomb threat at the SSR airport, and developments in China-Mauritius relations.
Warning about a fake Facebook profile
The Ministry of Financial Services has recently issued a warning to the public, especially those in the SME sector, regarding a fake Facebook account named "Mauritian Entrepreneurs' Resource Centre for Economic Development and SMEs." This deceptive account spreads false information about financial subsidies granted to SMEs by the Ministry, aiming to lure operators into submitting applications based on this misleading information.
Mauritius' Investment Grade Rating remains the same
Financial rating agency Moody's has announced that Mauritius' sovereign rating remains at Baa3 with a stable outlook. This rating reflects Moody's confidence in the country's continued improvement in key fiscal indicators and debt measures, despite the risks associated with global inflation.
Bomb threat at SSR Airport
Early on Wednesday evening, a bomb threat was reported at the terminal of SSR international airport, but it turned out to be unfounded. Following the receipt of an email at around 6.40 pm, the authorities initiated a major security operation involving the Bomb Disposal Unit, the MFS, and other units, to conduct a thorough search for the suspected explosive. After several hours of thorough searching and analysis of surveillance cameras, no device was found. An investigation is underway to identify the author of the email.
Chinese Minister of International Affairs' visit to Mauritius
A potential increase in direct flights between China and Mauritius is currently under consideration by the Chinese authorities. During the visit of a Chinese delegation led by the Minister of International Affairs, Liu Jianchao, meetings were held with the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alan Ganoo. The Chinese authorities are exploring options to restructure their air services to facilitate more direct flights between the two countries. The delegation also discussed enhancing existing bilateral relations and cooperation in priority areas, including renewable energy, the pharmaceutical industry, and climate change.
