Amédée Darga: "Light Engineering Has Real Potential For Development"

Exports of light engineering sector amounted in 2011 to Rs 98 million while they are Rs 48.5 million in 2002. This sub-sector manufacturing, still unknown in Mauritius is expected to expand further. An international conference on the field stands Wednesday and Thursday at the Maritim Hotel. 

This conference aims to formulate a strategic direction for making Mauritius a trusted destination for light engineering products and services associated with this sector . Amédée Darga, Chairman of Enterprise Mauritius, recalled that light engineering has a real potential for development in Mauritius. Before an audience of invited composed of Pakistani entrepreneurs, French, Belgian, Malaysia and Mauritius as well as students of the University of Mauritius and their lecturers, the chairman of Enterprise Mauritius noted that a good climate affairs prevailing in Mauritius. This is ideal for partnerships. He added that SADC, COMESA and the European Union are a real market. "This conference demonstrates our strong belief in light engineering in Mauritius and there may be more growth and exports," he said. 

Amédée Darga regrets that the light engineering sector is little known in Mauritius unlike textile or jewelry. However, the country has 183 companies, a figure that has tripled in the last ten years. Companies operating in this sector, he said, have been modernized and have invested heavily to benefit from technology. The products are then exported to Europe. Furthermore, some facilities are Airbus products in Mauritius. 

Objective of this conference is also doing an inventory of the light engineering sector. Participants can see the strengths and weaknesses of the sector and find opportunities to work together. 

Cader Sayed Hossen, Minister of Industry, Trade and Consumer Protection, said that light engineering was the backbone of the manufacturing sector has remained an industry providing support incoming parts and components for local manufacturing. "This sub-sector is highly diversified and supplies various products to support the foundation of our manufacturing sectors," he said. 

Though challenges exist, mainly due to competition from other countries producing with technology low cost, Cader Sayed Hossen, said he believes in the future of this sector in Mauritius. He reiterated the commitment of his ministry to strengthen, diversify and grow the industry. "Sector engineering firm will lead the industrialization of Mauritius to a new horizon and improving competitiveness at regional and global . It will be possible to promote research, development and innovation, "he said. 

Several topics were discussed at the conference, including market opportunities, transfer of technology, skills and needs training, product development, product diversification, international standards and opportunities for joint ventures.