Graphics: A quick look at China-Mauritius economic cooperation

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China and Mauritius have enjoyed sound and consistent economic and trade cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties 46 years ago.

The two countries have signed a series of agreements to facilitate bilateral trade cooperation, such as Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Tax Evasion, Agreement on Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investment and Agreement on Bilateral Labor Cooperation.

China is Mauritius’s largest source of imports and second largest trade partner. Both sides have been making efforts to deepen bilateral trade cooperation. In 2017, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), initiating the free trade zone negotiations.

The two sides also work to coordinate with each other on China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Mauritius‘s Vision 2030, tapping into the potential of a cooperative partnership in various areas.

Located in the southwest of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius serves as a bridge connecting Asia and Africa and an investment hub for foreign companies.

China’s telecommunication company Huawei started its business in Mauritius in 2002.

The Financial Shared Service Center established by the company in 2006 provides accounting service for more than 60 countries in Huawei's Central and East Africa region, creating a lot of jobs. Huawei also helped the company to achieve fiber-optic connection for all users in the island.

Chinese companies have actively taken part in a lot of projects in Mauritius, including road and bridge engineering and airport construction. There are nine Chinese construction companies registered there, undertaking civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

When talking about Mauritius, one has to mention its tourism. American novelist Mark Twain once wrote: “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven”, which fully demonstrates the unique glamour of the island.

Tourism is the pillar industry of Mauritius, and the Chinese have injected momentum for the industry with an annual tourist arrival of about 100,000.

Mauritius also topped the list in the 100 Most Desirable Destinations for Chinese Tourists Survey conducted by China's National Tourism Administration and Chinese travel platform Mafengwo in 2016.