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Chinese investment in Mauritius is experiencing a promising renewal phase. Deputy Prime Minister, Paul Bérenger's visit a few days ago at Jin-Fei and his bold statement that "We are going to restart Jin Fei" signals a potential rebirth for this ambitious project.
The Jin-Fei project was dramatically oversold. Launched in 2009 under the Labour government with a staggering USD 750 million vision(approximately Rs 25 billion), it promised transformation. The government's plans were grand. They allocated 500 arpents of prime land for a project that would turn Mauritius into a "springboard" for Chinese enterprises into Africa.
Reality proved harsh. The vision collapsed.
Was it due to a ‘political sabotage’ initiated by the successor government? Not at all. Public reports in Chinese media revealed a darker story. Directors of Jin-Fei's parent company faced corruption charges. Since 2023, several executives have been imprisoned in China.
A Tale of Two Trajectories
The Shanxi-based state enterprises behind Jin-Fei—including Taiyuan Iron and Steel Company and Shanxi Coking Coal Group—became embroiled in wider anti-corruption investigations in Shanxi province.This governance crisis paralyzed decision-making. The project fell into limbo.
The Mauritian government reclaimed 325 arpents in 2015. Landscope Mauritius transformed this portion into the Riche Terre Business and Industrial Park. The contrast is striking. Under Mauritian management, the reclaimed area started to thrive, with Decathlon and other tenants bringing life to the once-abandoned land.
Meanwhile, Jin-Fei's remaining 175 arpents languished. Further complications arose when a major scandal erupted in March 2023. Authorities discovered 446 illegally captured long-tailed macaques (monkey) in a Jin-Fei warehouse. The company, Hammerhead International Ltd, operated without proper permits. This controversial discovery led to the reclamation of an additional 70 arpents by the Mauritian government, bringing the total reclaimed land to 395 arpents of the original 500.
The original master plan featured impressive components including:
· The Eden Square Garden: Standing 42 meters tall, this architectural marvel was designed for weddings and events with a 600-person capacity. Though reportedly 98% complete by 2019, it remains underutilized despite occasional events.
· A five-star hotel complex featuring two 56-meter towers with 180-198 luxury apartments, valued at Rs 2.6 billion.
· Entertainment facilities including a ship-shaped casino, karaoke rooms, and a conference center.
But not all Chinese investments struggled. The Côte d'Or National Sports Complex (Rs 4.7 billion) stands as a project with huge potential.
A Second Wind Blows
The Chinese footprint in Mauritius remains significant:
· Yihai Smart City in Pailles (Rs 20 billion).
· Jinfei-Maritim Apartment Hotel (Rs 2.6 billion).
· China's outward direct investment to Mauritius in 2023 was reported at USD 173.17 million.
Mauritius is a participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), receiving substantial Chinese investment in infrastructure and trade. A free trade agreement between China and Mauritius came into effect in 2021, with bilateral trade reaching $1.1 billion in 2024, marking China as a major economic player in the country.
Chinese investment in Mauritius is concentrated in sectors such as real estate, high-end property development, hospitality, and green energy. The FTA and related policies have led to a surge in property investments, with wealthy Chinese clients acquiring real estate that also grants them residency status.
Infrastructure projects, including port development and smart cities, have seen significant Chinese participation, further embedding Chinese business interests in the Mauritian economy.
The project initiated by the Labour Party may have known a cursed-like trajectory. But renewal seems possible. The new government's support marks a turning point. The collaboration between DPM Paul Bérenger and Chinese Ambassador Huang Shifang signals transformation. This "recalibration" could allow Jin-Fei to find its second wind.
Fifteen years after its inception, we may finally witness the rebirth of an ambitious economic project. But this time, with lessons learned.
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