President John Agyekum Kufuor leaves Accra on Monday night for a state visit to Mauritius at the invitation of that government during which economic issues would be high on the agenda.

A statement signed by Mr Kwabena Agyepong, Presidential Spokesman, said President Kufuor would meet Prime Minister and Head of Government Sir Anerood Jugnuath at Government House in Part Louis on May 7.

"Talks at this meeting will focus on the consolidation of existing bilateral agreements aimed at facilitating joint ventures between Ghanaian businesses and the private sector in Mauritius in particular and investment opportunities of mutual benefit to both countries in general."

The First Lady, Teresa, the Minister of Fijnance, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Alan Kyeremanteng, the Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Akwasi Osei Adjei and other top government officials would accompany the President.

The statement said President Kufuor would also pay a courtesy call on President Karl Offman.

President Kufuor would have a luncheon meeting with the Joint Economic Council of Mauritius and also visit industrial establishments, including those in the textile and diamond sectors.

The statement said economic and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Mauritius had deepened in the last three years.

In August last year, the government appointed an Honorary Consul to Mauritius. Companies from Mauritius in areas such as textiles, under the AGOA Initiative, agriculture and construction are investing in Ghana.