Mauritius has initiated discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first round of negotiations aimed at establishing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). These discussions aim to boost Mauritius’ economic ties with Arab nations.
“Our meeting is a significant milestone, reflecting the deepening bilateral relations between Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates. Both countries have made considerable strides in diversifying their economies. The launch of these negotiations will create fresh momentum for an even stronger partnership,” stated Maneesh Gobin, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
He also highlighted that Mauritius established a consulate in Dubai in 2021, and the Economic Development Board (EDB) launched a branch in Dubai in 2022, underlining the growing economic collaboration.
Additionally, Maneesh Gobin underscored the UAE’s support for Mauritius in its pursuit of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and its efforts toward decolonisation. He emphasised the significant contribution of Emirates Airlines to Mauritius’ tourism sector, with the airline being the exclusive provider of twice-daily flights to Mauritius.
In 2022, Mauritius welcomed approximately 14,000 tourists from the UAE, and during the first half of this year, 7,932 tourists from the UAE visited the country.
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has also extended a $21 million grant for the construction of a new ophthalmological hospital and provided concessional loans to the Central Electricity Board (CEB) for the deployment of photovoltaic solar kits in Mauritius.
The minister believes that the CEPA should be viewed in a broader context, with Mauritius potentially serving as a gateway for the UAE to access the African continent’s vast potential through organisations like SADC, COMESA, the SADC-COMESA-EAC Tripartite Initiative, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Juma Al Kait, the UAE’s chief negotiator and Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs, emphasised the need to establish a legal framework to facilitate economic partnership. He highlighted President Pradeep Roopun’s recent discussions in Dubai, focusing on the role of technology in economic development.
The CEPA is expected to pave the way for a partnership spanning various domains, including climate change, renewable energy, innovation, logistics, and financial services, among others. The possibility of importing petroleum products from the UAE is also under consideration.
Source: Le Mauricien
