Third Round of Negotiations on the China-Mauritius Free Trade Agreement, 13-15 August 2018
Third Round of Negotiations on the China-Mauritius Free Trade Agreement, 13-15 August 2018
He also mentioned the need to work on the Belt and Road initiative (“One Belt, One Road” - “the OBOR initiative”) , which shows the commitment of China to play a more prominent role in world affairs. The OBOR initiative is an ambitious effort to improve regional co-operation and connectivity on a transcontinental scale. “This is where we are today, a new world which is developing and the balance of power is shifting from the West to the East and where China wants to be more present in world affairs”.
The Honourable Minister highlighted how Mauritius, although small in land size, with its potential to be an ‘ocean state’ with its Exclusive Economic Zone, presents in reality a “huge” potential, and can further act as a connecting link between the philosophy of China and the vision of Africa.
The head of the Chinese delegation, Mr Hu Yingzhi, and the head of the Mauritian delegation, Mr Sunil Boodhoo, both observed that the negotiations had already reached an advanced stage within a short span of time, thanks to commendable efforts made by both Parties. Mr Hu stated that the FTA is of major significance in ensuring the promotion of Africa’s economic, trade and investment co-operation with China. The recent visit of President Xi Jinping, two weeks ago, was mentioned and this visit was said to be instrumental in giving new impetus to Mauritius-China friendly ties and for triggering the interest of Chinese people towards Mauritius.
The meeting focused on inter-sessional negotiations on the remaining outstanding issues and revolved around efficient and productive discussions on topics like Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment, E- Commerce, Trade Remedies, Economic Cooperation, and Dispute Settlement, of which most of the terms were agreed upon.
For the next step, both parties agreed to have further exchanges and to finalise discussions on the few remaining issues. Each party expressed the need for the other party to provide more market access opportunities to their respective service suppliers. Both sides expressed hope that both delegations would work with renewed efforts with the aim to achieve a comprehensive high level and mutually beneficial FTA in the very near future. The FTA is expected to be finalised by the end of August this year. The wish was expressed by the parties that the agreement could be signed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (‘the FOCAC’) Beijing Summit in the presence of the Prime Minister Jugnauth and Chinese President Xi Jinping.