China-Mauritius Cooperation: New Opportunities in the Medical & Health Industries

A summit focused on the development of the medical and health industries between Mauritius and China opened on Tuesday, September 3, highlighting new business opportunities in these vital sectors. The event was attended by Hemraj Ramnial, the chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB), as well as Ding Peiyi, Chargé d’Affaires from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, and Yu Zhigang, vice president of the Chinese Medical Pharmaceutical Materials Association (CMPMA) and president of the pharmaceutical chain Shandong Yanxitang.

Approximately a hundred senior executives from major Chinese companies in the medical and health sectors also participated.

During his address, Hemraj Ramnial emphasized the longstanding relationship between Mauritius and China, which has been in place since 1972.

He noted that the two countries have maintained a strong and consistent partnership, underscored by a mutual commitment to economic and trade cooperation.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and Mauritius, effective January 1, 2021, represents a significant milestone in enhancing bilateral economic and trade collaboration.

Ramnial stated that this strategic partnership has been crucial for stimulating growth, creating jobs, and positioning Mauritius as a gateway for Chinese businesses looking to expand into Africa and beyond.

“Mauritius is a beacon of stability and opportunity in the Indian Ocean, characterized by its strategic location, dynamic economy, and commitment to progress.

Our goal is to make Mauritius a center for pharmaceutical research, where cutting-edge developments in drug discovery and manufacturing can thrive,” he asserted.

Ding Peiyi highlighted the advantages and potential that Mauritius held for pharmaceutical manufacturing, noting that the Mauritian government is implementing preferential tax policies to attract pharmaceutical companies to set up operations on the island.

He added that Mauritius’ geographical position serves as a bridge between Africa and the global market, while the abundance of biological and marine plant resources is creating opportunities for developing new medications.

The summit is expected to facilitate the establishment of joint research and development centers, the exploration of new medications and traditional medicine, the promotion of mutual market entry for pharmaceutical products, and enhanced exchanges and knowledge sharing between professionals from both sides.

It will also foster cooperation in areas such as electronic medical records, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics.

Yu Zhigang remarked on the current rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical and health industries.

As public interest in personal health rises, so too does the demand for high-quality pharmaceutical products and services.

He asserted that the ACMV (Chinese Medical Pharmaceutical Association) is committed to advancing the progress and development of China’s pharmaceutical industry while emphasizing the vast potential and opportunities available in the pharmaceutical and health sectors in Mauritius.

Source: Le Mauricien