reply Mutually beneficial and win-win, China-Mauritius economic and trade cooperation has a long history

On November 28, 2022, a completion ceremony was held for the slope treatment project of the B104 road, a major transport road in Mauritius, which was constructed by the Hydropower Nine Bureau under CEC, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mr. Jugnauth, inaugurated the completion of the project; on December 8, the main body of the cruise terminal building in Port Louis, Mauritius, constructed by China Road and Bridge was completed; on December 16, the RMB clearing bank service in Mauritius was officially launched ...... From infrastructure to finance, practical cooperation between China and Mauritius has continued to advance in various fields, with fruitful cooperation.The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mauritius. For half a century, the two countries have respected each other, supported each other and vigorously developed economic and trade cooperation, setting an example of developing mutually beneficial and win-win economic and trade cooperation relations in Africa.Establishment of RMB clearing mechanismThe cooperation between China and Mauritius in the financial sector continues to deepen, with Mauritius becoming an important platform for offshore RMB business between China and African countries. 16 December 2022 saw the official launch of the RMB clearing bank service in Mauritius. The launch of the RMB clearing bank service in Mauritius is important for the development of the Mauritian economy and will make cross-border transactions between the two countries more convenient.The rapid development of the international settlement business of the Bank of China in Mauritius has helped to add colour to the economic and trade development of China and Mauritius. Statistics show that for the whole year of 2021, Bank of China (Mauritius) Limited completed international settlement business amounting to US$2.504 billion, a record high since the opening of the bank. from January to October 2022, the bank's international settlement business reached US$2.491 billion, an increase of 22.47% year-on-year, and is expected to reach US$3 billion for the whole year of 2022.The international influence of the RMB is increasingly evident and has a very important position in the global monetary system. The establishment of the RMB clearing mechanism will further facilitate the settlement of bilateral trade between China and Mauritius in local currency, effectively enhance the quality of capital circulation and the efficient flow of labour, technology, talent and other factors, creating new opportunities for the development of financial institutions in both countries. Li Lianhong, Governor of the Bank of China's Sub-Bank in Mauritius, said that in the future, China and Mauritius will deepen cooperation in the financial sector and promote new development in the relationship between the two countries.Undertaking infrastructure developmentAs a transit point to the African continent, the expansion of ports and airports is a key development project for the government of Mauritius. Chinese enterprises are actively participating in the construction or investment of these projects. About a few dozen Chinese companies are currently cooperating in Mauritius in the areas of roads, water transmission lines, communications and other infrastructure. The business of Chinese enterprises in contracting and infrastructure cooperation in Mauritius is showing a good development trend.On 8 December, the main body of the cruise terminal building in Port Louis, Mauritius, constructed by China Road and Bridge, was completed. During the construction period, the Chinese company overcame the difficulties caused by the new pneumonia epidemic and pushed forward the construction in an orderly manner. As one of the key projects in the Mauritius government's "Vision 2030" plan, the completion of the Port Louis Cruise Terminal project will enhance the external image of the Mauritian tourism industry and help the local economy recover.The slope treatment project for the B104 road, a major traffic artery in Mauritius, was also completed on 28 November by CEC's Hydropower Nine Bureau. After the project is officially put into use, it will effectively connect a number of famous attractions and areas in the vicinity, which will be conducive to the revival and prosperous development of the local tourism industry in Mauritius, effectively ensure the safety of local residents and vehicles travelling to and from Mauritius, and further enhance the accessibility of local transportation, promote the layout of local industries and adjust and optimise the local investment environment.Negotiating multi-bilateral FTAsChina is currently the largest trading partner and the largest source of imports for Mauritius.On 1 January 2021, the China-Mauritius Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will come into force. The China-Mauritius FTA is the 17th FTA negotiated by China, and the first FTA between China and an African country. Prior to the entry into force of the FTA, Mauritius' exports to China were mainly sugar, watch parts and flowers, while the entry into force of the agreement has opened the door to export opportunities for many Mauritian products, including rum and textiles.Despite the impact of the new crown epidemic, the FTA has contributed significantly to the increase in Mauritian exports to China. the total exports from Mauritius to China in 2021, compared to 2020, increased by US$9 million. It is worth mentioning that Beijing became the largest trading partner of the Mauritian capital, Port Louis, in the first quarter of 2022.Apart from giving a new impetus to the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, the China-Mauritius FTA is also expected to serve as an important platform and link between the member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the African Free Trade Area (FTA), which entered into force in China at the beginning of 2022, with Mauritius also participating in the construction of the continental free trade area. With Mauritius as a gateway, trade between RCEP member countries and the continental FTA can be further promoted. Products and investments from RCEP member countries can enter the African continent through Mauritius, while products and investments from Africa can also enter RCEP member countries through Mauritius. The China-Mauritius FTA will better connect the RCEP member countries with the African continent.