Page 425 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - JULY 2024

7/23/24, 11:23 AM UAE ministers and officials emphasize the importance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement with Mauritius
His Excellency added: “The UAE-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement builds on
nearly five decades of trade ties between our two nations and represents another important step in the
expansion of our global trading network and our mission to double the size of our economy to AED 3
trillion by 2031.

Al Marri said: “It’s clear that greater economic integration between our nations will reap considerable
rewards for us both. Our CEPA will enhance the flow of goods and services between the Gulf and Africa,
create new market opportunities for our exporters, and increase investment into priority sectors such as
logistics, manufacturing, tourism, and financial and professional services. We look forward to fully

realizing the benefits of this deal in the months and weeks ahead.”

His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, said: “The UAE is actively
expanding its global network of investment and trade partners by establishing Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreements with high-growth economies around the world. Mauritius, with an
8.5% GDP growth in 2022, the highest in 35 years, is widely recognized as one of the most promising

economies in Africa.”

His Excellency added: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and
Mauritius, the first of its kind with an African country, is expected to facilitate increased investment flows
with this fast-growing economy. This agreement, particularly beneficial for Emirati companies

specialized in the services sector, which accounts for approximately 67% of Mauritius’s GDP, will unlock
numerous opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Al Suwaidi added: “Sectors such as ICT, tourism, transport, and financial services are especially set for
growth and represent attractive investment prospects for Emirati companies seeking to expand into
Africa. We look forward to working with our partners in Mauritius to leverage the potential of this

agreement and realize its ambitious goals.”

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said:
“The UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Mauritius is an important addition to
the nation’s foreign trade agenda, in particular our pursuit of food security. Arable land is one of the most

critical natural resources in Mauritius, representing nearly 40% of the country’s total area, and our
nations not only have the opportunity to develop this critical sector, we can also join forces to offset the
impact of climate change which threatens its long-term viability.”

Her Excellency added: “Mauritius is already taking a number of important steps in this area, including
reducing pesticides and driving self-sufficiency by promoting local crops, agro-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.”

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