Government is more than ever focused on its economic agenda to promote a more inclusive, resonant, and sustainable Mauritius. As such, we will continue to strive to continuously improve the ease of doing business.
The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made this statement, on Thursday at Domaine Anna in Flic-en-Flac, during an official ceremony organised to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Chinese Business Chamber (CBC).
The Vice-President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Marie Cyril Eddy Boissézon; Ministers; the President of the CBC, Mr David Koon Kam King; the Spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs Kobita Jugnauth; and other personalities were also present on this occasion.
In his address, Mr Jugnauth highlighted that Mauritius has gradually transformed into a centre of excellence and an international hub for investments, with greater security, transparency, and a well-regulated environment. He observed that, with a plethora of trade agreements that Mauritius signed and ratified, the country has duty-free access for its locally manufactured products in nearly 70% of the global market.
The Prime Minister reminded that Mauritius and China have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which came into force in January 2021. This FTA, he stated, is the first one signed between China and an African country, aiming to promote China-Mauritius-Africa economic and trade cooperation. Furthermore, he emphasised that this FTA will enable Mauritius and China to build stronger economic and trade relationships by creating the necessary conditions to increase the volume of bilateral trade and investment, as well as to strengthen and expand the scope of economic cooperation. He also underlined that the FTA can also be used as a platform for collaboration to explore trade and investment opportunities in the African continent, given that Mauritius has several Government-to-Government agreements with numerous African countries.
On another note, Prime Minister Jugnauth commended the CBC for celebrating its Silver Jubilee, and emphasised the excellent job done to represent Mauritian Chinese businessmen and professionals at various levels both locally and on the international front. He pointed out that, over the years, the Chamber played a strategic role in being an ideal platform for networking as well as sharing knowledge and experience in matters of trade and investment. He, thus, encouraged the CBC to continue this laudable path and contribute even further in the socio-economic development of the country.
As for CBC’s President, he underlined that, over the course of these 25 years, the CBC has more than 350 members now, carried out business missions in 15 cities across eight different countries, and signed 25 Memoranda of Understanding with other business organisations. These accomplishments, he stated, are a testament to the CBC’s enduring commitment and progress.
Mr Koon Kam King, moreover, recalled that the CBC’s objectives are to, amongst others: facilitate business, use technology such as Artificial Intelligence and FinTech to benefit its members and find a new generation of leaders for the organisation.
