Agro-Business
For long sugar cane cultivation has been the main agricultural activity in Mauritius. As the era of guaranteed price and quota free access for Mauritian produced sugar on the EU market comes to an end, the traditional sugar industry is set to transform itself into a sugar cane cluster producing altogether several types of sugar, electricity and ethanol.
Other agricultural products, namely fruits and vegetables are grown locally, though on a much smaller scale. Mauritius remains by far a net importer of food, in times when growing importance is laid on food security.
Investment opportunities therefore exist in agri-business, ranging from the cultivation of a wider range of produce to value-added processing, from dairy products to livestock, for local consumption as well as for exports.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector, which accounts for 20% of GDP, has traditionally been dominated by textiles. However, today, a wide range of other activities are also being carried out: jewellery production, optical goods manufacture, furniture making, light engineering, electronic components manufacture and assembly, amongst others.
Mauritius is now aiming at advanced and specialised manufacturing activities for niche markets as well as activities that will support other sectors such as property development, sea food or life sciences.
The textile sector itself is set for a complete transformation, following the erosion of trade preferences and the emergence of other low cost producing countries. The sector is geared today to face the challenges of globalization by providing flexible solutions, innovative design and shorter lead times.
The Government has taken several measures to channel further investments to the manufacturing and textile sector: corporate tax at 15%, duty free imports of inputs and machinery and free repatriation of profits.
Energy
Electricity is currently produced from imported fossil fuel, coal and "bagasse", a by-product of sugar. As the rise in fuel prices shows no sign of waning, it becomes imperative to look for alternative sources of energy:
- Because of its natural endowments, Mauritius is an ideal location for the production of renewable energy from the sun, wind and waves;
- Biodiesel and ethanol can be produced for both the local and export markets as clean fuels to power vehicles;
- Mauritius can also serve as a platform for the manufacture of solar panels for exportation to neighbouring COMESA and SADC countries.
Environment
With the growing importance of environment protection worldwide, Mauritius is committed to developing environmentally safe and clean technologies. Opportunities thus exist for environment-friendly manufacturing processes as well as proven waste recycling activities.
On another front, Mauritius offers an ideal environment for the setting up of environmental consulting firms willing to avail themselves of the many service offering opportunities represented by the African sub-region.
