An interactive working session with Export Oriented Entreprises (EOEs) was held on Tuesday 19 September 2023 at the Mauritius Standards Bureau in Moka. This initiative from the Ministry of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives had as objective to engage in a constructive dialogue with captains of the industry to explore new strategies to boost Mauritius’ exports, promote industrial development, and address challenges they are facing.
The Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah highlighted that the EOE sector recorded remarkable figures amounting to Rs 49.9 billion for the year 2022 as compared to Rs 42.7 billion in 2021. The main sectors that contributed to this growth were textile and apparel and fish and fish preparations. He made an appeal to EOEs to digitalize to enhance their visibility and deal with existing challenges such as lack of manpower.
Mr. Geerish Bucktowonsing, Director of Industry at EDB, made a presentation on support schemes managed by EDB that have contributed to sustain the industry such as the Freight Rebate Scheme (FRS), the Trade Promotion & Marketing Scheme (TPMS) and Export Credit Guarantee Insurance Scheme. He also highlighted some new strategies adopted by EDB, including amongst others the development of a luxury cluster and the recent launch of Mauritius Expo Virtual Exhibition Platform.
