Exploring the Potential of Trade in Services in India and China under the New Trade Agreements for Mauritius: A Private Sector Perspective

The Project at A Glance

Mauritius concluded two major free trade agreements, one with China (Mauritius- China FTA) and one with India (Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement – CEPCA). The agreements are the first trade agreements signed by the two Asian countries with an African country.
Given these new trade agreements, there is a need for Mauritian service providers to understand the preferential market access obtained through these agreements. International Economics Consulting Ltd. in partnership with the EDB and WB conducted a study promoting better understanding of what are the requirements for the private sector to access the Indian and Chinese market for services
to promote trade in services with China and India.

What We Found

Mauritius’ trade policy approach is based on trade openness and active engagement at multilateral and bilateral levels. In this context, Mauritius negotiated the two FTAs, Mauritius- China FTA Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement – CEPCA. The agreements have the potential to become important sources of FDI for Mauritius, in view of ongoing AfCFTA negotiations in which Mauritius is currently involved.
Our Team assessed and analysed data on services trade flows and conducted sectoral overview with a deep dive on sectoral specific market access conditions and specific requirements needed to provide services to the Chinese and Indian Market (regulations and legislation). The aim of this studies is to promote trade in services from Mauritius to China and India, through the additional market access provided under the trade agreements.

Our Strategy and Impact

The services sector is the most dynamic and promising sector of nearly any economy, and Mauritius is no exception. Mauritius, traditionally an industrial economy focused on the production of sugar cane and textile and clothing, has, in recent years, transformed itself into a fully-fledged services economy. Signature of the two free trade agreements is expected to provide a competitive advantage to Mauritian service providers in comparison to competitors from third countries.
In this context, our Team identified the preferential market access obtained to sectors through the China- Mauritius FTA and India-Mauritius CEPCA to help Mauritian exporters navigate the Chinese and Indian business environment by identifying the different steps that must be followed to be access their domestic services market.

Our Core Solutions

As businesses seek to expand operations into new markets, the need to explore global supply chains and understand the international regulatory framework becomes crucial. At International Economics Consulting, we build tailor-made strategies for both import and export-oriented business solutions.