Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Thursday said that India and Mauritius are very close to signing a comprehensive economic partnership very soon which will stimulate trade and investment in the region. <br />''<br />''<br />''He was speaking at a State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) event held in Mumbai on Thursday. <br />''<br />''<br />''The Mauritius Prime Minister arrived in Mumbai on Thursday on his four-day visit to the city.<br />''<br />''<br />''Addressing the event, Mr. Jugnauth said it is also proposed to have a Mauritius-India Infrastructure Investment Fund for the mutual benefit of both the countries.<br />''<br />''<br />''Mr. Jugnauth said the Indian Ocean country can serve as a bridge between India and Africa specifically. <br />''<br />''<br />''He said Mauritius is developing special economic zones with many African countries and urged Indian investors to invest in such zones.<br />''<br />''<br />''The Mauritius Prime Minister said there are a slew of investor-friendly initiatives which are offered by the country, including a three per cent corporate tax on export-oriented companies and also an eight-year tax holiday.<br />'' <br />''State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) is the first foreign lender to start operations as a wholly owned subsidiary and has four branches at present.<br />''<br />''<br />''Union commerce minister Suresh Prabhu, who was also present at the event, said India is looking forward to a new relationship with Mauritius, knowing well that the future is Asias. He also alluded to the economic partnership agreement, saying the pact is in advance stages of preparation.<br />''<br />''<br />''The Mauritius Prime Minister will be attending the Republic Day Parade at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Saturday. <br />''<br />''<br />''He will also attend at Home function to be hosted by the Governor of Maharashtra on Saturday. <br />''<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis is also scheduled to call on him today.</span><br />