Mauritius is on the right track to increase its exports to attain the target of Rs.50 billion at the end of 2022, stated the Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr. Soomilduth Bholah, during a press conference, yesterday morning in Port-Louis, on the performance of the Export-Oriented Enterprises (EOE) Sector (January to September 2022).
Minister Bholah stressed that Mauritius has already reached a total export of Rs. 37 billion and further increasing it to reach the target amidst the ongoing global challenges will be an achievement for the country. He expressed conviction that this endeavour is imminently achievable with Government’s support and facilities being provided to increase production and exports as well as other factors such as the increased number of vessels in operation in the port and the reduced freight costs.
Speaking about the performance of the EOE sector, Mr. Bholah informed that from January to September 2022, EOE exports stood at around Rs 37.01 billion as compared to some Rs 31.2 billion during the corresponding period in 2021, representing an increase of around 18.6 %. This, he explained, is mainly attributed to the fact that export orders have been maintained, irrespective of the prevailing economic situation in our traditional markets. He also emphasised that Mauritius is reputed as a reliable and preferred sourcing destination supplying branded and high-quality products to international buyers and that enterprises have adopted sustainable and green practices that are meeting the growing exigencies of international clients seeking eco-friendly products.
Furthermore, he stated that the country’s export competitiveness has been enhanced due to the positive impact of support schemes such as Freight Rebate Scheme (from 2014 to 31 October 2022, amount disbursed stood at Rs 117.2 million to 94 beneficiaries) and Support for Trade Promotion and Marketing Scheme (from 2016 to 31 October 2022, amount disbursed stood at Rs 986.5 million to 106 manufacturing companies and 433 agro-businesses).
Minister Bholah indicated that during the period January to September 2022, EOE exports to the countries’ main destinations, namely South Africa, United Kingdom, USA and France have increased by 15.9%, 14.4%, 23.9% and 23.6%, respectively. South Africa still maintains its dominant position as our main export destination, with 17% in our market share, followed by United Kingdom (12%), France (12%) and USA (11%).
Moreover, the Minister lauded the unflinching efforts of local operators to sustain the economic activities of the country.
Performance of Textile and Clothing
Exports of Textile and Clothing increased from around Rs 14.86 billion during the period January to September 2021 to some Rs 16.49 billion in the corresponding period in 2022, representing an increase of around 10.9%.
Over the period July to September 2022, EOE exports of Textile and Clothing stood at around Rs 6.13 billion as compared to some Rs 5.46 billion during the corresponding period in 2021, representing an increase of around 12.3 %.
Performance of Fish and Fish preparations
Exports of Fish and Fish preparations increased from Rs 7.41 billion during the period January to September 2021 to Rs 8.58 billion in the corresponding period in 2022, representing an increase of 15.8%.Over the period July to September 2022, EOE exports of Fish and Fish Preparations stood at around Rs 3.26 billion as compared to some Rs 2.37 billion during the corresponding period in 2021, representing an increase of around 37.3 %.
Performance of Jewellery/Pearls, Precious and Semi-precious Stones
Exports of Jewellery/Pearls, Precious and Semi-precious Stones increased from Rs 2.54 billion during the period January to September 2021 to Rs 4.1 billion in the corresponding period in 2022, representing a major increase of around 61%.Over the period July to September 2022, EOE exports of Jewellery/Pearls, Precious and Semi-precious Stones stood at around Rs 1.5 billion as compared to some Rs 1.2 billion during the corresponding period in 2021, representing an increase of around 25.4 %.
Performance of Medical Devices
Exports of Medical Devices increased from Rs 1.18 billion during the period January to September 2021 to Rs 1.4 billion in the corresponding period in 2022, representing an increase of around 19%. Over the period July to September 2022, EOE exports of Medical Devices stood at around Rs 453 million as compared to some Rs 509 million during the corresponding period in 2021, representing a drop of around 11 %.
Performance of Watches and Clocks
Exports of Watches and Clocks increased from Rs 920 million during the period January to September 2021 to Rs 1.1 billion in the corresponding period in 2022, representing an increase of around 21.3%. Over the period July to September 2022, EOE exports of Watches and Clocks stood at around Rs 366 million as compared to Rs 376 million during the corresponding period in 2021, representing a drop of around 2.7 %.
