Rs3.1 billion plan to boost textile sector

Mauritius has launched a Rs3.1 billion strategy to strengthen the manufacturing sector, with the expectation that the island’s export-oriented enterprises, which dwindled in 2009, will bounce back this year.

Minister of Industry Dharam Gokhool said that due to the global economic crisis, export-producing industry contracted by 0.8% in 2009 from 3.6% and 8% growth in 2008 and 2007 respectively.

According to Minister Gokhool, the economic recovery in traditional markets should drag the Mauritian textile back into positive territory this year.

Mr Gokhool said that the government has allocated Rs3.1 billion to develop a globally competitive industrial sector by 2013, focusing on hi-tech investments and exploration of new markets.

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