Joseph E. Charles Cartier : “EDB has witnessed several developments on both the international and domestic fronts”

The Chairman of Economic Development Board Mauritius, Joseph E. Charles Cartier, in its second newsletter, talked about strengthening International Cooperation. He reveals that the month of April has propelled several developments on both the international and domestic fronts, with a series of advances and news that comfort Mauritius in the stances taken in the past and the strategies it is adopting for the future.

“The Economic Development Board has been conferred the runner-up award for Best Investment Project in the Southern African Region at the Annual Investment Meeting 2018 held in Dubai. The institution has been recognized for its efforts in attracting Convergys to Mauritius, a project which was made possible by the ex-Board of Investment.”

Commenting on the economic integration aspect, he says, “Several initiatives have had positive advances. First, 44 countries, including Mauritius, out of the 55 Member States of the African Union have signed the Agreement establishing the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) in Rwanda. This Agreement will enter into force when 22 countries ratify it. This is a significant step towards realizing the Pan-African dream, with the deal expected to contribute to increase intra-continental trade.”

The Chairman also confides that significant progress has been made during the 4th round of negotiations of the Comprehensive Economic and Cooperation Agreement (CECPA) with India, with the Mauritian delegation comprising both private and public-sector representatives, including the EDB, presented its case for improved market access on goods and services in several sectors, as well as for deepening economic cooperation.

“In parallel, to strengthen the go-east strategy of the Government, the first round of negotiations on the Mauritius-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was held, with the aim of creating the necessary conditions to further expand bilateral trade and investment exchanges between the two countries. The Agreement will include four chapters, namely, trade in goods, trade in services, investment, and economic cooperation.”