The Hindu Business Line : Kamal Nath for strengthening economic ties with Mauritius

New Delhi, Jan. 31 The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr Kamal Nath, has called for a greater economic engagement between India and Mauritius, when Mr M.M. Dulloo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation, Government of Mauritius, met him here on Wednesday.In order to strengthen the existing economic ties between the two countries, a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) is under negotiation, and the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) is a component of the proposed CECPA, the Minister informed.

During 2006-07, India’s total export to Mauritius was $736.53 million as against $199.43 million in 2005-06, with the growth rate at 269 per cent. The total import stands at $14.51 million in 2006-07 as against $7.33 million in 2005-06, with a growth of 98 per cent. The total trade between the two countries was $751.04 million in 2006-07 against $206.77 million in 2005-06, with a growth of 263 per cent, an official release said.

India has given assistance to Mauritius for its transformation into a knowledge hub in the fields of medicine, engineering, IT and has agreed to give due consideration to proposals for the setting up of centres of excellence in Mauritius in association with quality Indian educational institutions.

Major export items from India include petroleum products, plastic and linoleum products, drugs, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

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