Local Industry Report: Reveals the "Invisible Backbone"

You have to give another boost to the local industry. This is the conclusion of a study entitled DOE Manufacturing-What strategy for a new generation of growth? performed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), government actors and members of the Association of Mauritian Manufacturers. The findings were submitted to the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Cader Sayed-Hossen, and the foreign minister, Arvin Boolell, Tuesday, March 27 at Labourdonnais Hotel, Port Louis. 

Cédric de Spéville, President of ICC, says that local industries are considered the " invisible backbone " of the economy. "Despite their good performance for ten years, the DOE remained in the shadow of strategic sectors such as tourism, finance and textiles," he says. He added that this sector is what has helped shape national pride in promoting local products. 

Minister of Industry and Trade is, meanwhile, was "shocked" that the report was submitted. " I was amazed at seeing the decline in the contribution of local industry in the Gross National Product. The industrial sector has been neglected. There are also many problems revealed in the subsectors of the industrial base , "he says. 

Cader Sayed-Hossen said that Mauritius-opens to foreign countries but that this practice is not necessarily reciprocal. " Countries like India and South Africa are very protectionist. This report challenges us, we not only revisit our sector but also industrial policy , "he says, adding that" our level of training in modern technology is not enough. " 

Minister Boolell also recognized the need to revitalize the local industry. He added that the deficiencies will be addressed in the report. " It will also give new life to some companies , "he says. But he also pointed out that the local market is limited, entrepreneurs must strive for export. 

A committee consisting of ministers Sayed-Hossen and Boolell and the Finance Minister, Xavier-Luc Duval, as well as players private sector will discuss the report in the coming days to find measures to revitalize the industrial sector.