Business updates

In his speech delivered at the MCCI Annual Dinner event held on 27 June 2014, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr. the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam mentioned the pressing need for public sector reform and enhanced efficiency in the delivery of public services as well as the acceleration of the pace of reforms to further improve the business environment.

To achieve these twin objectives, it is important to revisit the role and purpose of some of our institutions if we really aspire to become a High Income Country in the years to come.

Business is good for Mauritius, but Mauritius must be good for Business too!

For instance, the fragmentation of decision-making, strewn across a series of governmental departments for certain approvals, is certainly slowing down much needed investment. This was clearly acknowledged when the Investment Fast Track Committee was set up.

We strongly support the idea of a single licensing authority which would allow all cross-cutting policy issues to be dealt with, prior to the issuance of licences and permits, to really allow businesses to start operations in earnest.

Our attention need to shift from the Ease of Doing Business to the Cost of Doing Business to ensure that we remain competitive in the long run and to allow us to integrate regional value chains. With the right mix of policies and strategic intent, we can definitely leverage on the huge capital investments being made in our infrastructure namely: the port, airport and new transport network, to become an efficient logistic platform in the region.

We can turn our comparative advantage into a competitive advantage... provided we move fast.
The time is now.

Raju Jaddoo
Secretary General