India and Mauritius are set to discuss expanding product coverage under their Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) at the second meeting of the High Powered Joint Trade Committee (HPJTC), beginning October 7.

The three-day meeting will review bilateral trade, market access and trade-related challenges. Officials are also expected to discuss non-tariff barriers, local-currency trade and progress on decisions taken during the first HPJTC meeting in 2022.

Focus on More Products

A key issue will be expanding preferential market access. The CECPA currently provides preferential access for 310 Indian products in Mauritius and 615 Mauritian products in India.

India’s covered products include food and beverages, agricultural goods, textiles and textile articles, base metals, electrical and electronic products, plastics, chemicals and wood products.

The Commerce Department has sought industry feedback on products that could be added to the agreement.

Trade and Market Access

India’s exports to Mauritius increased from $442 million in FY21 to $473.64 million in FY26. The government said the agreement has also helped diversify India’s exports.

Indian exporters have obtained 1,956 Certificates of Origin under the CECPA to access preferential tariffs. The number of HS 8-digit tariff lines exported to Mauritius increased from 3,593 in FY22 to 4,345 in FY26.

The two countries will also discuss standards, conformity assessment and technical trade barriers. Discussions may include an updated memorandum of understanding between the Mauritius Standards Bureau and the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Other issues expected to be reviewed include sanitary and phytosanitary measures, customs cooperation and mutual recognition for professional bodies.

The discussions are aimed at improving market access and strengthening trade cooperation between India and Mauritius.