Exports: Government adopts multi pronged approach to boost sector

The government has decided to adopt a multi pronged approach to boost the export sector as part of its economic revamping strategy. The export sector still holds economic pillar status and accounts for a large part of the country’s inflow of foreign currency.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection has taken various measures to boost export. Firstly, the Ministry, in collaboration with Enterprise Mauritius, is facilitating and expanding exports to several countries, including emerging markets. A workshop would also be organised to sensitise some 100 jewellery manufacturers on institutional support services and existing Schemes.  

Moreover, a Pharmaceutical Village would be set up at Rose Belle Business Park while a national e-commerce platform is being developed to facilitate connection with international buyers.

Furthermore, the Speed-to-Market Scheme, formerly known as the Air freight Rebate Scheme, would be applicable to exports effected as from 1 April 2017.  The Scheme aims at giving a boost to textile and apparel export to European countries and enhancing product delivery.

A Ministerial Committee under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade has been set up to look into the challenges pertaining to the Export Sector and make recommendations for its future development. 

In view of its market consolidation strategy in traditional markets, Enterprise Mauritius is renewing its participation in the forthcoming edition of Sourcing at Magic which is being held from 20 to 23 February 2017 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in the USA.

The nine participants will be showcasing a wide collection of apparel products ranging from knitwear, t-shirt, polo shirt, to jeans and high-end suits amongst others.  They are: Bacotex Ltd ; Fairy Shirt Ltd ; Ji Yun Knits Ltd ; L’Inattendu Ltee ; Firemount Textiles Ltd ; FM Denim Ltd ; Palmar Ltee (Woven) ; Palmar Ltee (Knits) ; and Flamesafe Maxisoft Ltd

The Sourcing at Magic fair is known to be one of the largest and the most important textile and apparel exhibition held in the US West Coast. This fair is a focal meeting point for more than 1,100 companies coming from over 40 countries.

Mauritian manufacturers have been participating in the event since 2009.  It offers a unique opportunity to connect with US buyers principally those located in the West Coast. For this edition, emphasis will be laid on the long term renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has designed a special African Pavilion where Mauritian companies will be showcasing a wide range of apparel products.

Exports to the USA for the Textile & Apparel category have shown an increasing trend over the last five years. While exports stood at Rs 4.1 billion in 2010, they have increased to Rs 6.8 billion in 2015.  The recent renewal of AGOA for a further period of 10 years coupled with the extension of third country fabric derogation till 2025 offers tremendous opportunity for Mauritian manufacturers to boost up exports even further.

The trade show

A major apparel and fabric sourcing trade show in North America, Sourcing at Magic connects manufacturers, fabric and trim suppliers, print design studios, and service providers all over the world to branded apparel and accessory companies, importers, designers, and product development teams.

The buyers will come across the following range: furnishing accessories, athletic footwear, carry bags, bamboo fabric, beads and sequins, bedroom textiles, belts and bags, buckles, clips and hooks, blended fabric, carpets and rugs, children apparel, casual shirts, party wear, bridal dress, menswear, embroideries, denim fabric, fashionable footwear, lingerie, maternity dresses, leather goods, swimwear, hosiery wear, yarns, zippers.

The event also features educational seminar series with sessions emphasising industry issues and trends that impact productivity and profitability.