Mauritius-Turkey: FTA Negotiations Reach Successful Conclusion

The fifth round of negotiations to establish a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Mauritius and Turkey was successfully concluded on 19 January 2011 in Port Louis.

The comprehensive document was initialled by Ambassador A. P. Neewoor, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, on behalf of Mauritius and by Mr Murat Yapici, Director General, Directorate General of EU affairs, Undersecretariat of the Prime Ministry for Foreign Trade for the Turkish side. The final signing of the FTA will only occur after approval of the comprehensive document by both Governments.

The FTA will provide a platform to consolidate trade ties as well as create more synergy for the business community of both countries through joint venture projects. The FTA is aimed at increasing trade rules and removing any non-trade barriers.

Upon entry into force of the FTA, Turkey will provide duty free access on all industrial products. Mauritius will therefore enjoy a substantial margin of preference for its key exports such as articles of apparel, woven fabric t-shirts, jerseys, pullovers, articles of leather, knitted or crocheted fabrics, jewellery, clocks and watches, and iron and steel products.

As per the comprehensive document, pertaining to the textile and clothing sector, the Turkish side has agreed to provide the single transformation rules of origin with duties to be phased out for a list of 60 products over four years.

On its part Mauritius has, with respect to agricultural products, obtained concessions on a list of 46 products including chilled fish, cut flowers, vegetables, preserved tuna, sweet biscuits, and tropical fruits such as pineapples, mangoes and guava. Moreover, on tuna, Turkey has agreed to provide a margin of preference of 20% with unlimited quota access.

Concessions have been granted, on the Mauritian side, on the basis of the market access offer made to the European Community under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). A list of sensitive products for Mauritius will be excluded from liberalisation such as biscuits, meat, pasta, paints, soap and iron and steel products.

The FTA will also contain a protocol on rules of origin. The Turkish side has agreed to grant Mauritius rules of origin which are as flexible as in the Interim EPA. Through the agreement, both countries will be able to source material from each other and export to the European Union. Cummulation with third parties is also possible provided that Turkey has an FTA with the third country.