Mauritius and UAE's Economic Pact to Bridge Africa with the Middle East

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Mauritius is set to elevate the bilateral relations between the two nations, according to Prithvirajsing Roopun, the President of Mauritius. Speaking at the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai, President Roopun highlighted the significance of CEPA in fostering a closer connection not only between the UAE and Mauritius but also as a bridge linking Africa with the Middle East. This agreement, concluded in December, marks a historic milestone as it is the first of its kind between the UAE and an African country.

President Roopun emphasized that this partnership is a "win-win situation" for all parties involved. The agreement aims to cover various sectors including trade in goods and services, investment facilitation, and more. With non-oil bilateral trade reaching US$63.1 million in the first half of 2023, CEPA is expected to further boost economic growth in areas such as chemicals, metals, and petroleum products.

Beyond trade, the agreement opens doors for cooperation in governance, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information and Communications Technology (ICT), biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and the blue economy. President Roopun expressed optimism about the role of AI in transforming sectors like governance, education, and health.

President Roopun also commended the UAE for its role in supporting the Global South, particularly small island nations like Mauritius. He highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and expressed hope for collective efforts to tackle this global challenge effectively. The success of COP28, held in Dubai, was noted as a significant step towards finding concrete solutions to climate change issues.

With a rich background in law and education, President Roopun holds a master's degree in international business law from the University of Central Lancashire. His extensive experience includes serving on the board of examiner of the Council of Legal Education since 1989 and lecturing at the Faculty of Law of the University of Mauritius.

The CEPA between the UAE and Mauritius stands as a testament to nearly five decades of diplomatic ties and shared goals for economic growth and sustainable development. As this agreement moves towards implementation, it heralds a new era of prosperity and collaboration between Africa and the Middle East.

With inputs from WAM