Portrait ft. Deeptee Bungaree-Gooheeram, Country Director, UK Department of Business and Trade

The UK, in many ways, is a second home to me.

It is a country which welcomed me with open arms when I had barely reached adulthood and which enabled me to thrive in a wholly meritocratic environment.

Mauritius has always had a special relationship with the UK. In spite of the complex layers of our colonial past, the relationship remains an enduring one, from an economic, financial, social and cultural perspective.

I was excited to sit down with this week’s guest, Deeptee K.Bungaree-Gooheeram, to talk to us about the role of the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

The DBT is an arm of His Majesty’s government and provides trade and investment services and practical support, thereby helping companies succeed in Mauritius, and Mauritius companies set up and invest in the UK.

Thank you Deeptee for shedding light on the crucial role of the DBT, sharing success stories (the recent trip with the Minister of Education being one) and why trade relationships are now more relevant than ever.

00:00 - Intro

01:27 - Childhood influences on present career

04:05 - Why International relations

06:31 - Forray into Trade

07:36 - What is the Department for Business and Trade

09:37 - What does DBT do?

15:44 - Are services included?

17:38 - UK universities in Mauritius

19:51 - Collaborating with Mauritian authorities

22:28 - The evolution of Mauritius-UK trade relationships

24:58 - Impact of Brexit

26:16 - Growth and prosperity

27:39 - See things differently, do things differently

29:52 - Partnership between Governments

33:04 - SOAS in Mauritius

35:31 - Mauritius as the Education gateway

38:18 - Building an ecosystem

40:50 - Challenging aspects of the job

42:17 - What having the right mentor means

44:03 - Deeptee’s biggest ally

45:37 - Alternative career