BEIJING — The joint feasibility study on China-Mauritius free trade agreement (FTA) has been completed on a positive note, an official with the Ministry of Commerce said on May 25.

“Building the FTA is in line with the interests of both countries, and good for deepening bilateral economic and trade relations,” ministry spokesman Sun Jiwen said at a news conference, citing the conclusion of the research.

Launched in November 2016, the feasibility study was the first FTA feasibility research between China and African economies. Completion of the research was announced during Vice Minister of Commerce Qian Keming’s visit to Mauritius on May 24, Sun said.

China takes FTAs as a platform for opening wider to the world and an effective approach to integrate into the global economy and strengthen cooperation with other economies.

Currently, China has signed and implemented 14 such agreements involving 22 countries and regions.