Mauritius first African Country to sign Free Trade Agreement with China

Mauritius is busy shaping future Economic Perspectives by re-engineering its market presence, expanding into two new large markets. The China FTA (Free Trade Agreement), signed in October 2019 is operational as from January 2021. The Economy Partnership Agreement with India has been launched in April 2021.

The Mauritius signs Free Trade Agreement with China comprises four main components pertaining to trade in goods, trade in services, investment, and economic cooperation.

Mauritius will benefit from Duty Free Export on more that 8,000 tariff items representing 96% of the Chinese national tariff lines. The FTA eliminates custom duties on a list of products of export interest in Mauritius, which includes seafood products, fruits, rum, animal feed, soaps and detergents, garments, and medical devices.

There are also ten areas of cooperation including industrial cooperation, pharmaceuticals, medical services and cosmetics, agro-industry and food security, business cooperation that is part of the FTA.

At a time when China is growing its investments into Africa, the extensive network of Double Taxation Avoidance Treaties and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements of Mauritius will undoubtedly encourage investors to structure and route their cross-border flows through Mauritius.

Global Headquarters and Treasury Company

With the ratification of the Mauritius China FTA, Chinese companies can choose the Mauritius IFC (International Financial Center) to set up their regional headquarters in Mauritius and even relocate their regional treasury management due to its conducive business climate, political stability, and a string of other unique selling points.

Mauritius signs Free Trade Agreement with China