U.S. Relations With Mauritius
More information about Mauritius is available on the Mauritius Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-MAURITIUS RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Mauritius in 1968, following its independence from the United Kingdom. In the years following independence, Mauritius became one of Africa's most stable and developed economies, as a result of its multi-party democracy and free market orientation. Relations between the United States and Mauritius are cordial, and we collaborate closely on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues. Mauritius is a leading beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and a U.S. partner in combating maritime piracy in the Indian Ocean.
U.S. Assistance to Mauritius
U.S. foreign assistance to Mauritius focuses on strengthening the Government of Mauritius’ coastal and maritime security capabilities. The United States provides training to Mauritian security officers in such fields as counterterrorism methods, forensics, seamanship, and maritime law enforcement. The U.S. provides small grants for community service, cultural programs and civil society development projects, as well as numerous exchange programs to the U.S. for promising leaders and professionals. Mauritius also benefits from diverse U.S.-led local education and training opportunities, including programs for Mauritian law enforcement and members of the judiciary through the Department of Justice.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Mauritius is eligible for preferential trade benefits under AGOA. U.S. exports to Mauritius include agricultural and industrial machinery, precious stones and jewelry, and optical/medical instruments. U.S. imports from Mauritius include textiles and apparel, precious stones and jewelry, processed fish, primates, sunglasses and sugar. More than 200 U.S. products or companies are represented in Mauritius. About 25 have offices in Mauritius, serving the domestic and/or the regional market, mainly in the information technology, renewable energy, textile, fast food, and express courier sectors. U.S. brands are sold widely. Several U.S. franchises have been operating for a number of years in Mauritius. The United States and Mauritius have signed a bilateral trade and investment framework agreement. The United States also has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, of which Mauritius is a member. The United States, in partnership with Mauritian private and public sector groups, promotes Mauritian entrepreneurship, including participation in exchange programs such as the United States International Visitor Leadership Program and Young African Leaders Initiative.
Membership in International Organizations
Mauritius and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The position of U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius is currently vacant. The Charge d’Affaires is Melanie Zimmerman; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Mauritius maintains an embassy in the United States at 1709 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, (tel. 202-244-1491).
More information about Mauritius is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Mauritius Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Mauritius Page
U.S. Embassy: Mauritius
History of U.S. Relations With Mauritius
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information
USAID Africa Page