The International SME Innovation and Technology Fair 2017

The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Ministry of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives are sparing no effort to attract a maximum of high standard foreign participants in the International SME Innovation and Technology Fair 2017 which will be held on 12-14 May at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre (SVICC), Pailles. A set of “exclusive incentives” has been finalized.

A bundle of incentives for foreign participants

SMEDA is targeting participants mainly from ten countries, namely Australia, China, India, Italy, Germany, Malaysia, Pakistan, Reunion Island, Singapore and  South Africa. This event will group around 180 exhibitors of technology under one roof. To attract them, SMEDA will meet the following costs:

COST OF HOTEL ACCOMMODATION - one double room per participation for each exhibitor for the whole duration of the fair.

STAND COSTS - each standard stand is of 9m² subject to specific requirements of the participant.

LOCAL TRANSPORT - to be provided from/to airport and from hotel/to the fair.

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FACILITIES - for plant, equipment and machinery.

SOLD OF MACHINERY - Participants will also be allowed to sell their machinery at the end of the Fair. No customs duty on the import of machinery will be applicable.

AIRFARE AND FREIGHT - Negotiations will undertake for rebate.

SMEDA is seeking participation of foreign suppliers of machinery, equipment and innovative solutions for SME sectors operating in a variety of sectors, including priority sectors identified as follows:

• ICT Services (mobile applications, website and software development)
• Manufacturing (production, transformation and processing in various sectors such as light engineering, furniture making, printing, food and beverages etc.)
• Bio-farming and other value added agri-business activities
• Aqua culture and other value added ocean economy related activities
• Renewable and green energy
• Other productive sectors including handicraft

Through this International Fair, SMEDA is creating the most effective linkages to facilitate the transfer of technology, know-how and skills to Mauritian and overseas enterprises through the showcasing and eventual acquisition of technological tools and equipment particularly of assistance to SMEs. It will be an ideal platform and marketplace connecting several foreign and local technology providers and their innovative ideas to SMEs and investors to promote investment and collaboration. The event embraces both the technological and non-technological dimensions of innovative activity as well as the potential for incremental changes for SMEs. The International SME Innovation & Technology Fair is presented as a unique opportunity for stallholders to have a meaningful and insightful experience and to engage in the following activities:

• Take full advantage of the strategic location of Mauritius as a gateway to Africa, notably through the Asia-Africa Air Corridor
• Network with Mauritian and local SMEs and overseas visitors and develop linkages
• Start business in Mauritius and market your services to Mauritian enterprises
• Identify Development Partners to implement technology initiatives like the setting up of a Technology Transfer platform
• Discuss with entrepreneurs about their needs and propose innovative solutions