India, Mauritius conclude second round of talks for free trade agreement

Talks between India and Mauritius are aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investments.

India and Mauritius on Thursday concluded the second round of negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA), aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investments.

During the deliberations between Indian officials and the Mauritian delegation, trade in goods and services, and economic cooperation were discussed. (Twitter/@DoC_GoI)

The three-day talks for Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) started in New Delhi on Tuesday, a government official said.

During the deliberations, trade in goods, services besides economic cooperation were discussed.

In an FTA, two trading partners cut or eliminate duties on majority of goods besides liberalising norms to promote services trade and boost investments.

According to experts, India may not get huge benefit in goods sector as Mauritius is a small market, but services sectors such as IT and tourism hold huge potential to enhance economic ties.

Island nation Mauritius is the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India. In 2016-17, India received $15.72 billion. The bilateral trade between the countries stood at about $900 million in 2016-17.