Five leading chartered accountancy practices in Mauritius - PricewaterhouseCoopers, Kemp Chatteris Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young and De Chazal Du M‚e - have initiated local training with the ICAEW.

The announcement is expected to have an immediate impact on the accounting profession in the country.

Commenting on the announcement at the launch dinner in Mauritius, ICAEW deputy president, Ian Morris, said: 'In today's globally competitive markets, it has become vital to build a strong accountancy profession - of quality and diversity - that can fully address changing market needs. Locally trained chartered accountants can contribute to that.'

There are already 176 ICAEW members residing in Mauritius.