Seychelles and Mauritius are moving to broaden economic ties beyond merchandise trade, with investment, fisheries, agriculture and services emerging as key areas for deeper cooperation between the two Indian Ocean economies.

The push comes as bilateral goods trade remains relatively small. Mauritius exported about $21.5 million worth of goods to Seychelles in 2024, while Seychelles shipped about $2.25 million to Mauritius, according to Trade Map.

The figures highlight the scope for the two countries to expand economic links beyond traditional trade.

Investment and services move higher on the agenda

The governments agreed to turn existing commitments into concrete outcomes at the close of the 14th session of their Joint Commission on Sept. 11, according to Mauritius’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The renewed push follows Seychelles President Patrick Herminie’s state visit to Mauritius in March 2026, during which the countries signed seven bilateral agreements. They also announced initiatives covering diplomacy, education, aviation and maritime affairs.

Investment promotion is now a major focus, with both sides seeking to widen opportunities and advance areas of cooperation already identified. Services and agriculture are also part of the broader effort to diversify their economic relationship.

Fisheries anchors the blue economy push

Fisheries is another priority as the two island nations seek to generate greater economic value from their ocean resources while maintaining sustainable management of marine assets.

The sector links directly to their wider blue economy and food security priorities, giving the cooperation agenda significance beyond bilateral commerce.

Education and human capital development are also expected to support the economic transformation agenda.

The countries plan to maintain institutional exchanges and deepen cooperation between their educational institutions.

For Seychelles and Mauritius, the latest commitments point to a relationship increasingly focused on investment, skills, ocean resources and services — areas that could carry greater economic weight than their relatively modest merchandise trade.