A Fair to Promote Indian Products in Mauritius

Chemexcil is an agency created by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India in 1963 to promote exports of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics manufactured in Great Peninsula. 

Imports of these products are rising in Mauritius. In 2011, our country imported products of the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products for $ 7 million or Rs 200 million, India. 

Prafulla V. Walhi, deputy director of Chemexcil said that imports of these three product categories in India were up over the past three years. "India exports chemicals that meet international standards," he said. 

Several products will be displayed during these two days. The exhibitors represent several categories of companies in the chemical industry: cosmetics, those herbal, ayurvedic products, products for beauty care, soaps, soaps, detergents, essential oils, perfumes, toothpastes, products for spa, aromatherapy, organic and inorganic chemicals, among others. 

Chemexcil represents over 5000 companies in the sectors mentioned above. This fair aims to promote the export of these products, while creating a positive brand image of Indian products. 

Proponents of the fair convened a meeting in the conference room of the High Commission of India, Tuesday to listen to proposals from several guests, including those of Enterprise Mauritius, the National Women Entrepreneur Council and the press. Members of the Indian High Commission would like this show improves economic relations between the two countries. They are also shown as demanding quality products that will be exposed on the organizational aspects of the fair.

Women's entrepreneurship

The National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC) will attend the fair Chemexcil to take advantage of opportunities to develop the added value of products imported from India, to be re-exported elsewhere. "This fair is an opportunity to develop expertise in Mauritius," said Mala Chetty, Chairperson of the NWEC.

NWEC now recruiting of potential start-ups to be housed in its incubators, of which there are 12 to Phoenix, and six in Triolet. "These start-up entrepreneurs should be authentic (genuine entrepreneurs), said Mala Chetty.

She also explained that women entrepreneurs face many difficulties to develop their business as they should. "Many women do not know how to write a business plan, others are unaware of the growth sectors where investment is needed." It is a sad fact that many areas already saturated women continue to attract investors, while there are opportunities in the field of ICT, call centers, in the 'fashion and design', jewelry, teas, products for SPA and many others. "There is a lack of innovative ideas", says she. She works on training in areas such as 'customer care' and 'export marketing'.

The NWEC will publish a guide in March, sponsored by Barclays, for women entrepreneurs who will inform them in plain language of what to do to succeed in business. The economic contribution of NWEC is not negligible, with over 3000 members who have monitored throughout the development of their businesses.