Villanova, PA—The Honorable Charles Gaëtan Xavier-Luc Duval, GCSK, Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Economic Development to the Republic of Mauritius, visited the Villanova School of Business on April 23 to deliver an economic address to Villanova faculty, MBA students, and distinguished guests. Vice Prime Minister Duval and Ken Poonoosamy, Head of the Board of Investment for Mauritius, travelled to the US on a trade and diplomatic mission. Villanova University was the only US university visited by the Vice Prime Minister on this trip. While here, Interim Dean Kevin D. Clark, PhD, presented Vice Prime Minister Duval with the VSB Distinguished Foreign Leader Award for his work in Mauritius.
In his presentation, the Vice Prime Minister discussed the economic development of Mauritius, emphasizing his goals to establish Mauritius as a world-class financial center, to enhance the educational opportunities available to residents, and to become a hub for medical tourism and technology.
MBA students presented Duval with a book, co-written with John Kozup, PhD, Director of the Villanova Center for Marketing and Public Policy Research, titled Positioning Mauritius in the International Marketplace: A Pro-Growth Blueprint. The book is a compilation of recommendations for Duval, based on the research performed by the Fast-Track MBA students, on how to grow the Mauritian economy. In it, students propose in-depth strategies for attracting foreign direct investment, industry and, international consumers to Mauritius.
The book was well-received by the Vice Prime Minister, who communicated his appreciation for the hard work of the MBA students and expressed interest in a continued partnership with VSB in the future.
Commenting on the ceremony and project, Kozup stated "This is Villanova as a true international leader....cultivating ties while fostering business and cultural connections between the US and our friends in sub-Saharan Africa. Also, it was an opportunity to showcase our Villanova MBAs. They are exceptionally talented and professional, and willing to address complex issues at the international policy level."
