Mauritius: The Salon de L’Industrie Locale, a platform bringing together different categories of industry operators, namely a mix of Domestic-Oriented Enterprises, Export-Oriented Companies and SME Manufacturers to showcase their excellence in manufacturing, was officially launched last evening at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre, Pailles.
The President of the Republic, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, and the Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah, along with other personalities, were present at the ceremony.
The wide range of products on display during the Salon from 02 to 04 December 2022 epitomises the unique “savoir-faire”, the intrinsic dexterity and the innate talents of the Mauritian workforce. By buying locally, citizens are supporting the livelihoods of more than 85 000 manufacturing workers, who are creating wealth for the country, worth more than Rs 120 billion annually.
In a bid to promote local products, the Government has enlisted the collaboration of major supermarkets so that at least 40% of shelf space is reserved for Mauritian products. It is recalled that the Association of Mauritian Manufacturers has initiated the branding concept “Made in Moris”, and currently, more than 230 brands of manufactured products have been certified to the “Made in Moris” logo.
The Government is also helping SMEs to adhere to this useful marketing platform to enhance their visibility and gain markets.
In this regard, a one-off grant of up to Rs 50 000 is available to them to meet the cost of the “Made in Moris” certification.
It is recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing enterprises received support from Government them under the Wage Assistance Scheme with an amount of over Rs 715 million to preserve employment and ensure business continuity.
The “Salon de L’Industrie Locale” is an ideal platform whereby we have brought together different categories of industry operators to showcase their excellence in manufacturing.
We have re-grouped a mix of Domestic-Oriented Enterprises, Export-Oriented Companies and SME Manufacturers, which constitute the backbone of the sector. Altogether, they represent more than 50 years of industrial progress, reflecting our successful policies for greater self-reliance, enhanced trade openness and a dynamic entrepreneurial culture.
The wide range of products that are on display during the Salon epitomises the unique “savoir-faire”, the intrinsic dexterity and the innate talents of the Mauritian workforce.
