Policy initiatives to lift Mauritian garment exports

The Industry Minister of Mauritius, Showkutally Soodhun, recently said that, the country is anticipating a steady rise in exports in coming two years, through expansion in new overseas markets and newer products.

The country intends to boost its overall exports from present Rs. 40 billion to Rs. 50 billion through 2013, the Minister stated while addressing the Mauritius Export Association (MEXA)’s annual general assembly. He further stated that, they have devised a three-year Export Development Plan which would help them to achieve this target.

Textile constitutes to be the leading export sector of the country, contributing around 65 of the country’s overall exports, with leading European retailers like Britain’s Marks & Spencer and Next, and Spain’s Zara as its clients.

The clothing units in Mauritius have been badly hit by the global economic crisis, which has compelled these units to cut down their prices, in order to retain their hold market share and also to boost demand. Since 2008, the government has also introduced two stimulus packages to revive the sector.

The Minister revealed that, under the three-year plan the industry would be provided a boost of Rs. 140 million to aid the exporters to penetrate into newer markets and products while retaining the hold on existing ones.

He further stated that, while focusing particularly on the regional markets of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) and SADC (Southern African Development Community), they are branching out into budding unexploited markets.