Resolution on DTAA likely by April: Mauritius PM

India and Mauritius are working to find solutions to their differences on Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and the issue could be resolved by April when the two sides meet in New Delhi.

Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam said he had discussed the issue of DTAA with visiting President Pranab Mukherjee during delegation level talks held here today. "We spoke about the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. We have already found some common ground to find a solution. This is going to come to an end in April," he said in the presence of President Mukherjee after attending a ceremony where several pacts on health, medicine, tourism were signed.

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The India-Mauritius Joint Working Group met in December, 2011, and again in August, 2012, to discuss concerns on the operation of the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Convention.

Mauritius had also agreed with India on a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA), which incorporates provisions on assistance in the collection of taxes. Mukherjee said India looks forward for the meeting of the Joint Working Group to be held in April in New Delhi.

"I am pleased to note that the Joint Working Group on the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) has met twice in the last one year. They have provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss all issues with the aim of finding a mutually acceptable and beneficial outcome," Mukherjee said.

"India looks forward to holding the next meeting of the JWG soon in New Delhi. We also look forward to the holding of the 11th India-Mauritius Joint Commission meeting," he said.

Ramgoolam said Mauritius has now been able to manage its economy properly and the country was always grateful to India for its help in this regard. The Prime Minister said New Delhi has helped Port Louis in conducting a hydrological survey free of cost in seas surrounding the island nation.

"India has great experience of blue ocean economy and it is helping us," he said. Ramgoolam said Mukherjee's presence, as Chief Guest at the national day celebration of Mauritius today, was a testimony of excellent bonds that the two countries enjoy.

Earlier, Minister of State for Home Affairs R P N Singh and Mauritius Foreign Minister Arvin Boolell signed three agreements in the fields of cooperation on health and medicine, cooperation on tourism and on persons with disabilities and senior citizens.