Mauritius-India: Four pillars of the CECPA examined during 3rd round of talks

GIS- 25 January, 2018:The closing session of the third round of discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) between India and Mauritius was held yesterday at Le Mériden Hotel in Pointe aux Piments. Discussions during the meeting focused on the four pillars of the CECPA which are namely Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment and Economic Cooperation.

On this occasion, the Director of Trade Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr N. Boodhoo, underlined that the CECPA will open market access and commercial exchanges for Mauritius and India. Additionally, both delegations examined the prospect of using Mauritius as a hub for Indian companies to reach out to the African continent and of enhancing economic cooperation, he pointed out.

Moreover, Mr Boodhoo highlighted that this third round of discussions was fruitful, particularly with regards to the elaboration of a Joint Study Report, which will be finalised shortly. The next meeting is expected to be held in March 2018 in New Delhi, India, he added.

For his part, the Head of the Indian delegation, Joint Secretary (Africa/Wana) Department of Commerce, Mr Manoj Dwivedi, observed that the CECPA will open opportunities for producers in Mauritius to trade in India and will thus promote liberal trade relations between both countries. Tariff lines, rules of origin and priority areas for cooperation in the services sector were amongst the key issues addressed during the meeting, he further stated.

The Indian Joint Secretary also emphasised that this partnership agreement will reinforce the special relationship between India and Mauritius, both at economic and political level.

Government Information Service, Prime Minister's Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: [e-mail] Website:http ://gis.govmu.org