President Pratibha Patil Thursday stressed the need for "reinvigorating" India-Mauritius bilateral cooperation in economic and commercial areas to explore the large untapped potential.
"While political relations between India and Mauritius are close, our bilateral cooperation in the economic and commercial areas needs to be further reinvigorated, given the large untapped potential," she said addressing a meeting of the India-Mauritius Business Forum here.
Patil said the governments of India and Mauritius have been keenly interested in providing for an environment which was conducive for business.
"The framework in this regard exists through the many agreements signed over the years. Both countries are also committed to continue to work together, to create a business environment for greater trade and investment flows," she said.
The President said the need for a level playing field becomes significant to address other attendant pre-requisites which would encourage businesses to consider opportunities to invest.
Patil said the Indian business delegation, present here should, along with Mauritian businesses, explore business opportunities and seek to establish business contacts with commercial and industrial houses.
"I encourage greater and more frequent exchange of ideas and interaction between Chambers and business leaders of the two countries. This can be the only way to move ahead, to ensure that we understand and appreciate each other, in surmounting the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities."
The President said she was confident that an accelerated development of economic and commercial ties would become the principal component of the India-Mauritius strategic partnership in the 21st Century.
"This will not only develop and strengthen the strong and enduring areas of partnership, but will also enhance and promote the socio-economic advancement of our peoples," she said.