At the official launching yesterday of the Salon des PME 2022, a three-day small and medium enterprises (SMEs) fair, at Vieux Moulin in Rose-Belle, the Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to support SMEs to promote local production and consumption.
The Salon des PME 2022 is organised by SME Mauritius in its endeavour to stimulate and develop entrepreneurship in Mauritius. The objectives of the fair are to increase the visibility of the local SMEs, and provide them with opportunities to showcase their creative and innovative capabilities. Some 100 SMEs are participating in the fair.
The Chief Government Whip, Ms Naveena Ramyad; the CEO of SME Mauritius, Mr Ravin Rampersad; and other personalities were present at the launch ceremony.
In his address, Minister Bholah indicated that the event in Rose Belle was the second fair organised by SME Mauritius post-COVID-19 period, following the successful one held in Flacq in August 2022. He underlined that the fair is an important feature for entrepreneurs to display and sell their products, as well as an opportunity to increase their revenue.
The Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives urged visitors at the fair to apprise themselves of the interesting goods and services available and seize the opportunity to purchase unique and quality local products.
Reiterating Government’s support to local entrepreneurs, Mr Bholah highlighted the series of schemes set up to assist SMEs. These include not only financial grants but also training programmes to improve the knowledge, competencies, skills and managerial capabilities of entrepreneurs, together with mentoring. The Minister stated that SME Mauritius would pursue its endeavours in favour of local entrepreneurs.
While the CEO of SME Mauritius, Mr Ravin Rampersad, talked of the measures to boost SMEs and aid them recover business after the CoVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Government Whip stressed the key role of SMEs in economic development such as job creation, and enhancing local trade. Moreover, Ms Ramyad laid emphasis on the incentives provided by SME Mauritius to entrepreneurs to enable them to add value to their products and services and increase their competitiveness.
Since yesterday, various items are on display and on sale at the fair including plants and flowers, textiles, wearing apparel, shoes, jewellery, furniture and other handicrafts, decorative items, interior decoration goods, and food products. Local financial institutions are also present to provide necessary information and advice to existing and potential entrepreneurs. The fair comprised, in addition, stalls dedicated to local artists, and fun activities and games for children. Concert and performance by local artists are scheduled too. It is noted that entry to the event is free.
