A bilateral trade agreement between China and Mauritius envisages zero or substantially reduced tariffs on imports from each country.

As China’s first free trade agreement (FTA) with an African nation, the deal will impose zero tariffs on 92.8% of imported goods between the two countries, with the tariff on the remaining items from Mauritius to be reduced to 15% or lower.

The agreement, which was signed by the country’s two leaders in mid-October but is still to be ratified, also covers more than 100 service sub-sectors such as education, finance, tourism and transport, enabling the island country to expand its industries. In addition, the countries have agreed to focus on investment and collaboration in agriculture, finance, medical services and tourism.

29 October 2019
Image: Xinhua