Dr. Huang Shifang : “Development remains a shared priority between China and Mauritius”

Her Excellency Dr. Huang Shifang has been appointed as the 16th Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Mauritius. As she embarks on this new diplomatic mission, she shares her vision and key objectives in an exclusive interview with News on Sunday. The Ambassador addresses vital questions on strengthening the longstanding ties between Mauritius and China, including how political consultations can be enhanced to navigate emerging global challenges and opportunities. She also discusses ways to further consolidate, deepen, and expand the strategic economic partnership between the two nations and much more.

As the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Mauritius, what are your major mission and objectives?
As the new Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Mauritius, I am very much honored and I am aware of the responsibility entrusted to me. China and Mauritius share a deep and longstanding friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the P.R.China and the Republic of Mauritius in 1972, our mutual political trust has continued to grow, bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and the ties between our peoples have grown closer. On this basis, China-Mauritius relations were elevated to a new height of strategic partnership during the 2024 FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) Beijing Summit, opening a new chapter and bringing fresh opportunities for the future development of bilateral ties.

Guided by a spirit of openness and pragmatism, I will dedicate myself to strengthening exchanges at all levels between China and Mauritius, with the goal of fostering deeper understanding, enhanced mutual trust and lasting friendship between our two governments and peoples. 

The Chinese community is also a supporter of China’s reform and opening-up, serving as a vital bridge for exchanges and cooperation between China and Mauritius"

China and Mauritius share a deep and long-standing friendship. How can the China and Mauritian diasporas contribute to strengthening bilateral ties?
Diasporas have a significant role to play in strengthening bilateral ties between our two countries. The Chinese diaspora in Mauritius has a long and glorious history. In centuries, generations of Chinese people worked hard, making significant contributions to the development of Mauritius. They have become an integral part of the multi-ethnic society of Mauritius, fully leveraging their strengths in fields such as economy, trade, technology and education. The Chinese community is also a supporter of China’s reform and opening-up, serving as a vital bridge for exchanges and cooperation between China and Mauritius.
Though the Mauritian community in China is much smaller, it contributes significantly to fostering mutual understanding, friendship, trade relations and cultural exchange between the two countries, as economic and cultural ambassadors.

How can cultural exchange programs and people-to-people interactions be leveraged to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between China and Mauritius? What specific initiatives could be explored in this regard?
The first China Cultural Center set up overseas is the one in Mauritius, which has become a hub for Mauritian people to experience Chinese Culture. In recent years, we invited art troupes and artists to Mauritius to celebrate festivals including the Spring Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival together with Mauritian people. Various cultural programs featuring calligraphy, tea, vocal music, dances etc. have been held to promote mutual learning among different cultures and civilizations. We also invited artists and experts from Mauritius to China for seminars and cultural events. The Confucius Institute was established in 2016 between Zhejiang Sci-Tech University and University of Mauritius. Each year, more than 20 volunteer Chinese Teachers come to Mauritius with regards to language education. 

We are willing to work with the Mauritian government to expand channels for cultural and educational cooperation, and promote Chinese language teaching to foster deeper intellectual exchange. At the same time, efforts will be made to strengthen collaboration in tourism and sports, encourage youth exchanges, and support interactions between cultural organizations, thereby reinforcing mutual trust and people-to-people ties.

We are willing to work with the Mauritian government to expand channels for cultural and educational cooperation, and promote Chinese language teaching to foster deeper intellectual exchange"

How can political consultations be enhanced between China and Mauritius to address emerging global challenges and opportunities? 

The world today is faced with unprecedented challenges, including geopolitical tensions, unilateralism, protectionism and growing threat of climate changes. These complex issues cannot be addressed by any single country alone and call for enhanced solidarity and joint action among all nations. In this context, China has put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, which aim to promote common development, uphold shared security, and foster mutual understanding among civilizations. China stands ready to work together with Mauritius and other partners to strengthen synergy under the Three Global Initiatives, translate shared visions into tangible outcomes, contribute to a more just, secure and sustainable world, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The strategic partnership between China and Mauritius provides a stronger foundation for the two countries to work more closely in addressing shared challenges, advancing development goals, and safeguarding the common interests of developing countries. At the same time, development remains a shared priority between China and Mauritius. The FOCAC serves as an important platform for aligning development strategies and deepening practical collaboration. China looks forward to working with Mauritius to follow through on the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, expand cooperation across various sectors and seize new opportunities for growth. 

The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), both headquartered in Mauritius, as well as the UN system are also perfect platforms for us to promote peace and development, advance South-South cooperation, and strengthen the collective voice of developing countries in international affairs.

China stands ready to work together with Mauritius and other partners to strengthen synergy under the Three Global Initiatives"

How can we further consolidate, deepen and expand our strategic economic partnership?
Both China and Mauritius are committed to promoting the full and effective implementation of the China-Mauritius Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Key measures include raising awareness and strengthening capacity, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises, simplifying rules of origin procedures, and fostering greater product diversification. Mauritian exports, including premium sugar, seafood, agro-processed products and textiles, could become most popular in the high-end Chinese market, particularly through Chinese e-commerce platforms.

In terms of investment and financial cooperation, efforts will be intensified to attract more Chinese investment, with a focus on financial services, green energy, logistics, technology and education. Furthermore, financial cooperation between the two countries are further strengthened through expansion of Chinese financial services in Mauritius and establishment of RMB clearing and settlement mechanisms.

We are also expecting Mauritius to take full advantage of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) so that potential of our cooperation in infrastructure and connectivity could be fully unleashed. 

We are very much looking forward to Mauritius’ participation in the BRI, so that it can help enhance connectivity among African nations, fostering closer integration and advancing shared interests across the region"

Together, China and Mauritius will implement the “Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization” by intensifying joint efforts in infrastructure, sustainable development, public health, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Can you tell us more about the ‘Ten Partnership Actions’ and how it will be implemented?
In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the FOCAC, President Xi Jinping announced China’s commitment to working with Africa to implement 10 partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation over the next three years. These plans encompass a broad range of areas, including mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihood, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, green development, and common security.

Under these actions, China will continue to widen its market access to Mauritian agricultural products. Agreements on customary protocols for more exports from Mauritius to China are expected to reach. Cooperation between our hospitals are helping provide better services and care to Mauritian patients. China is also contributing to Mauritius’ energy transition by sharing technology with regards to electric vehicles and batteries.

China has invested heavily in Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative. What role can Mauritius play in this initiative?
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents a major international effort, anchored in the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.

Mauritius is uniquely positioned to serve not only as a bridge between Asia and Africa, but also as a gateway for investment into the African continent. Within the broader African context, the potential for intra-continental trade and investment cooperation remains vast. We are very much looking forward to Mauritius’ participation in the BRI, so that it can help enhance connectivity among African nations, fostering closer integration and advancing shared interests across the region, which creates new opportunities for Mauritius to accelerate its national development and to deepen its integration into regional and global value chains. Subsequently, Mauritius and China can engage in a wider array of collaborative efforts to promote common development to benefit their peoples.