A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of consumer protection aimed at promoting better economic and trade ties between Mauritius and China was signed on 2 February 2018 in Port Louis between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.
The signatories were the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection, Mr Ashit Gungah, for the Mauritian side and the Minister of State Administration for Industry and Commerce, Mr Zhang Mao, for the Chinese side. A high level delegation led by Mr Mao was in Mauritius from 30 January to 2 February on an official visit.
The objectives of the MoU are to elaborate a work plan, promote consumer protection through exchange of information and regulations, and conduct workshops and training between the two countries.
In a statement, Minister Gungah recalled that diplomatic relations between Mauritius and China date back to 46 years. He highlighted that the People’s Republic of China which is witnessing constant and rapid progress in the commercial field will assist Mauritius in promoting consumer protection. This new cooperation, he said, will enable the two countries to collaborate in many areas.
Speaking about the Consumer Act 1991, Minister Gungah stated that a new piece of legislation will soon replace the existing one since there is a need take into account new types of consumers.
For his part, the Minister of State Administration for Industry and Commerce, Mr Zhang Mao, pointed out that consumption contributes to 64% of the Chinese economy while adding that the Chinese government encourages a good consumption environment and consumer protection. As regards the MoU, Mr Mao underlined that it will reinforce commercial, economic and cultural relations between Mauritius and China.
Source: Government of Mauritius