Chongqing-Mauritius is the first African country to sign a free trade agreement with China. This nation, ranked among the top five most popular island destinations worldwide for Chinese tourists, aims to increase its exports of brown sugar, pineapples, and tuna for consumers in China. Dr. Hans Seesaghur is the economic and commercial counselor at the Embassy of Mauritius in China and met with iChongqing at the 4th WCIFIT to discuss the latest developments in trade and exchange between China and Mauritius.

This year represents the second time Mauritius has attended the Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT). The Pacific island nation has ambitions to participate in the future with a national pavilion and the status of a guest country. In the past, Southwest China was a region where Mauritius had little economic partnership, but their involvement with WCIFIT changed this situation.

"During our first attendance at WCIFIT, we identified potential buyers in the southwestern region. Mauritius had a 36-square meter booth to showcase products, which attracted visitors to Chongqing positively. We hope to develop this potential more when international flights resume after the pandemic," Dr. Seesaghur explained.

Mauritius is celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China this year. It has organized many events to mark the occasion, including the launch of a joint logo featuring the two nations and the unveiling a dodo bird statue in one of the parks in Shanghai. In addition to close political and economic ties, Mauritius has enjoyed great popularity with Chinese tourists, who have rated the country among the top five island destinations worldwide.

At this edition of the WCIFIT, there are many highlights that Mauritian delegates are eagerly anticipating. "It is our to hope to build more contacts with the local government, especially as Mauritius and Chongqing share several similarities. I believe these factors can bring relations to a whole new level," Dr. Seesaghur added.