Representatives from the Association of Mauritian Manufacturers (AMM) met, this afternoon, the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy, in Port Louis, in the context of the ongoing pre-budget consultations 2022-2023.
In a statement after the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of AMM, Mr Bruno Dubarry, highlighted that the proposals made to the Finance Minister aim at helping the consumer, the producer, as well as the Government as regards controlled prices, subsidies, and the provision of raw materials. He insisted on the need of shifting the supply of raw materials from the global market to the local and regional markets, which will help local producers. He stated that it is better to get raw materials locally instead of depending on foreign countries.
As for the Managing Director of ‘Made in Moris’ for AMM, Ms Shirin Gunny, she dwelt on the need of promoting the ‘Made in Mauritius’ label since it is a transformation tool for the tourism sector. The notion of localism should be promoted at the national, private and tourism levels, she added.
According to her, the ‘Made in Mauritius’ label rests on quality which can satisfy the Mauritian citizen and the products can also be exported in the region and globally. She also said that it is important to integrate the ‘Made in Africa’ label.
Speaking on the need to source raw materials locally, Ms Gunny said that the moment is ideal to do so while adding that the focus should be on the medium and long terms. She highlighted that financial assistance, warehousing, and production machines need to be taken into account while sourcing raw materials locally.
The Association of Mauritian Manufacturers
The AMM is the Mauritian private sector organisation representing the interests of the local manufacturing sector; otherwise called “local industry”. The activity of this sector essentially consists in meeting the demand of the domestic market.
The AMM has created the ‘Made in Moris’ label to promote Mauritian production through its brands and products. The activity of the two entities makes it possible to support a diverse audience of entrepreneurs on issues of training, innovation, internationalisation and corporate social responsibility.
This industry contributes 8,5% to the GDP of the country, creates 150,000 direct and indirect jobs and has an annual turnover of Rs 27 billion. It comprises 350 large companies and 12,000 SMEs and is grouped under 11 sectors and 30 sub-sectors.
