Mauritius Commits to Strengthening Its Reputation as a Global Sustainable Investment Hub, Says Dr. Jyoti Jeetun

Mauritius is firmly committed to continuing its efforts in combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation, with the overarching goal of enhancing its status as a sustainable and attractive investment hub.

This message was central to the speech delivered by the Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Dr. Jyoti Jeetun, during the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Ravenala Attitude hotel in Balaclava. The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles, Oskar Benedikt, was also present.

The workshop, co-organized by the Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning and the EU, brought together key authorities and financial experts to discuss the upcoming mutual evaluation exercise scheduled for 2027 and facilitate the implementation of the project supporting anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) activities in Mauritius (SAMLM). In her address, Dr. Jyoti Jeetun emphasized that effective AML/CFT policies and measures are essential to the integrity and stability of the international financial system and national economies. She stated that Mauritius, as a reputable international financial center, must operate under very high standards to foster the establishment of a robust AML/CFT/CPF framework that meets the technical requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

She reaffirmed that the government remains determined to prevent Mauritius from experiencing a downgrade in its credit rating by Moody's. She noted that, according to the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), Mauritius has already implemented significant reforms and taken proactive measures to preserve and strengthen past progress. "We must adopt a zero-risk approach," she stated, highlighting the need to promote transparency, adhere to international standards, and build trust between investors and global partners.

Dr. Jyoti Jeetun also presented a series of measures aligned with FATF recommendations aimed at strengthening the anti-money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing regime. These measures include: a national strategy for combating money laundering and terrorism financing and a national action plan in this area; a mid-term review exercise to help prioritize reforms; and a series of sectoral risk assessments. "A comprehensive AML/CFT/CPF bill aiming to align the legal framework with FATF's revised standards and address legislative gaps will also be presented," the minister added.

Furthermore, she announced that Mauritius will receive €500,000 from the EU for its AML/CFT/CPF activities under the SAMLM project. She expressed gratitude to the EU for its assistance in addressing strategic gaps identified in our anti-money laundering and terrorism financing regime, for the removal from the International Cooperation Review Group's list, and for enabling Mauritius to comply with all 40 FATF recommendations.

For his part, Ambassador Oskar Benedikt reaffirmed the EU's commitment, as a long-time partner, to help Mauritius establish a solid and resilient anti-money laundering framework. He emphasized that the EU remains fully committed to assisting Mauritius in consolidating its position as a reliable, transparent, and attractive international financial center that fosters trade, investment, and economic cooperation.