The AMM (Association of Mauritian Manufacturers) and the Made in Moris label have presented their observations following the unveiling of the Budget 2023-2024. They have applauded a budgetary initiative aimed at establishing a dedicated flagship store for Made in Moris at the airport. Recognizing its significant potential for tourist expenditure, this move marks a pivotal moment for the SMEs affiliated with Made in Moris. It opens up new avenues for collaboration, innovation, and growth. The organization asserts that this positive momentum will reverberate throughout the local economic landscape.
The AMM expresses its satisfaction and commitment to collaborate with various government entities in order to maximize the impact of these measures. They emphasize the need for genuine synergy between the AMM, Made in Moris, and the government to forge a robust and fruitful partnership. This enhanced collaboration will position Made in Moris as a valuable asset for Mauritius, integrating the label into the marketing campaigns of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) and Air Mauritius. It will solidify Made in Moris as a central element of the country’s brand identity.
Highlighting the fact that Mauritius Airport accommodates approximately 4 million passengers annually, the AMM emphasizes that tourists spend an estimated $1,750 during their stay in Mauritius. However, due to the lack of quality local products, many tourists leave with their foreign currency. The organization underscores the immense potential of $570 million in expenditure that can be channeled into local products, accounting for a quarter of tourist spending. They estimate that the flagship store can showcase between 75 and 90 Made in Moris brands.
The AMM also commends the support provided for its experimental program, “En route vers le Made in Moris” (On the way to Made in Moris). To facilitate the inclusion of SMEs under the Made in Moris label, the AMM will implement a 36-month program that supports 120 SMEs in their quality assurance processes and good industrial practices aligned with the label’s standards (e.g., Health and Safety, HACCP, Mandatory Food Standards, SDGs, etc.). This comprehensive support, involving expert auditors and consultants, will enable 40 SMEs each year to enhance their professionalism and meet the eligibility criteria for Made in Moris membership. This will further expand the network across seven dynamic sectors: Agro-food, Industrial, Agricultural, Textiles, Cultural, Creative and Digital, Hospitality, and Service Industry.
The AMM also praises the measures aimed at promoting renewable energy in Mauritius. Encouraging SMEs to invest in this sector, the measures include offering competitive green loans from the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM), extending the Negative Tax incentive until June 2024 for the acquisition of electric utility vehicles, and promoting their cost-effective and eco-friendly use. These measures are expected to stimulate business growth.
Furthermore, the AMM appreciates the 50% exemption granted on electricity price increases over the next two years for businesses transitioning to 100% renewable energy, as well as the 75% subsidy provided for energy audits. They also highlight a significant measure aimed at stimulating the creation of a local recycling industry. The refund rate for locally recycled PET bottles will increase to Rs 30 per kg for local recyclers, while remaining at Rs 15 per kg for foreign recyclers.
The renewal of the Africa Warehousing Scheme for three years is expected to reignite the Export Strategy Roadmap, according to the AMM. The organization emphasizes its longstanding approach of exploring and understanding new markets. The pandemic has temporarily hindered export ambitions, but with the renewed Africa Warehousing Scheme, experts can now assist in refining the positioning.