During a meeting held yesterday with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Rama Sithanen, the delegation of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce showed keen interest to invest in two major projects.

They are namely the expansion and development of the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and the construction of a 'dream' bridge in Port Louis to relieve traffic congestion.

Amongst other issues discussed by the Chinese delegation and Mr. Sithanen were trade, investment, economic, political and cultural relations between the two countries. Over the last five years trade between Mauritius and China has almost trebled.

China is already considered as an important partner for Mauritius and so far it has supported Mauritius financially and technically in the implementation of various projects including the upgrading of the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, the construction of the Anjalay Stadium, the provision of an X-ray scanning machine for Customs and the construction of low cost housing among others.

China is also investing some RS20bn over a period of five years in the Tianli project for creating an economic and investment zone in Riche Terre and has a major contribution in the Plaine Wilhems Sewerage Project, the CCTV project in Port Louis and Grand Baie and also in the setting up of the new MBC house.

The Chinese delegation was headed by Mr Huang Mengfu, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC) and the Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.