Comments from Dr. Hans Seesaghur, Economic &Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius in Beijing and China Chief Representative,EDB Representative Office in China

The report shows consciousness of its strategic importance in the Chinese national economy aligned with a focused vision based on practicability and sets objectives for the way forward in the global arena. I believe that China's phenomenal economic path during the last two decades is an example,whereby, African countries can learn from the best practices and adapt accordingly to their respective environment and society.

As at date, China has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions,and deems Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as an effective approach to integrate into global economy and strengthen economic cooperation with other economies. Currently, China has ratified 19 FTAs with 26 regions/countries, with free trade partners covering Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Oceania. A further 8 FTAs are currently into negotiation and 7 FTAs are under consideration.

On January 1st, 2021, Mauritius and China ratified their FTA (MCFTA), the very same date the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was enforced and this year saw the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).These flagship FTAs are sound economic and trade initiatives aimed at providing the burgeoning African markets and Asian giant markets with sound and permanent structures with the people and for the people.

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

These well formulated FTAs aligned with the focus on modernisation mentioned in the report aims to boost globalisation and liberalisation of trade, emergence of new technologies, modern agricultural practices and greater concern for the environment. In that same vision, Mauritius is set to link RCEP countries with AfCFTA countries in the forthcoming years ahead.This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic and economic relations between Mauritius and China and the economic partnership between Mauritius and China has brought win-win cooperation and common development to a pedestal level.

Finally, this year also marks my 19th year in China and the tremendous changes in the past two decade are of milestone significance. I remember that Wuhan had no subway lines, Beijing only had three subway lines while Shanghai had four or five subway lines in 2003/04. At that time a train ride from Wuhan to Beijing would take approximately 12 hours and a train ride to Shanghai would take approximately 16 to 21 hours. Today, Wuhan, Beijing and Shanghai subway networks extend to all areas, and a train ride from Wuhan to Beijing or Shanghai is doable within 4 hours.

To that end, I believe that further sound modernisation of China will bring new opportunities for the developing world contributing to building an open global economy that delivers greater benefits to all peoples. I will stay true to my original aspiration and continuously work hand in hand together with the Mauritian and Chinese people to bridge Mauritius and China economic and trade relations.