Page 419 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - JULY 2024

in Mauritius to leverage the potential of this agreement and realise its ambitious goals.”

Food Security

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment,
said, “The UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Mauritius is an
important addition to the nation’s foreign trade agenda, particularly our pursuit of food
security. Arable land is one of the most critical natural resources in Mauritius,
representing nearly 40 per cent of the country’s total area, and our nations not only
have the opportunity to develop this critical sector, but we can also join forces to offset
the impact of climate change which threatens its long-term viability.”

She added, “Mauritius is already taking several important steps in this area, including
reducing pesticides and driving self-sufficiency by promoting local crops, agri-
processing, and smart agriculture. Our investors can support these efforts and develop
value chains that deliver greater and more consistent benefits to producers – and
ensure their products find new markets across Asia and on into Europe.”

Bilateral Relations Milestone

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, said. “The Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Republic of Mauritius is an
important milestone in our bilateral relations. Similar to the UAE, Mauritius has
leveraged its strategic location between two continents to become a vibrant business
and logistics hub. This CEPA will propel trade volumes to new heights and solidify the
status of Mauritius as a global gateway to Africa. Furthermore, it will drive essential
investment into key sectors of the Mauritian economy, in particular energy, mining,
agriculture, and tourism, and ensure its financial system is built upon strong and
sustainable foundations.”

Sheikh Shakhboot added, “The UAE’s latest Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement with Mauritius – the first the UAE has signed with a country in Africa –
reflects our commitment to deepening our ties with Africa, a fast-growing continent that
will be key to the world’s green energy and food security agendas in the decades to
come.”

He stated, “The UAE has strengthened its international partnerships over the past five
decades and continues to build economic competitiveness and sustainability. The
objective is to become an international capital of investment and economic innovation,
fostering development opportunities by signing comprehensive partnership agreements

https://en.aletihad.ae/news/business/4502119/uae-ministers--officials-emphasise-importance-
of-comprehensi