Over the period January to December 2022, the Exports Oriented Enterprises (EOE) exports stood at around Rs 50.01 billion as compared to Rs 42.65 billion during the corresponding period in 2021, thus representing an increase of around 17.2 %.

The Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah, made this statement, today, during a press conference on the performance of the EOE Sector for the period January to December 2022, at the seat of his Ministry in Port Louis.

Minister Bholah highlighted that the increase in total EOE exports is attributed to several reasons including an increase in export orders in main traditional markets such as South Africa, United Kingdom (UK), France and the United State of America (USA); the reputation of Mauritius as a reliable sourcing destination supplying branded and high-quality products to international buyers; and the adoption of sustainable and green practices by enterprises which are in line with growing exigencies of international clients seeking eco-friendly products.

He indicated that the enhanced export competitiveness due to the positive impact of support schemes such as the Freight Rebate Scheme (from 2014 to 31 January 2023, the amount disbursed stood at Rs 118.6 million to 95 beneficiaries); and the Support for Trade Promotion and Marketing Scheme (from 2016 to 31 January 2023, the amount disbursed stood at Rs 1.03 billion to 107 manufacturing companies and 447 agro-businesses) also feature among the reasons for this performance.

Moreover, the Minister observed that other influential factors comprise an extensive use of export promotional activities and B2B meetings conducted by the Economic Development Board (EDB), including Seafood Global Expo (Spain), Prowein (Germany), Premiere Vision (France), Bio-Europe (Germany), SIAL (Paris), as well as Trade and Investment Missions in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana. According to information obtained from the EDB, orders of over Rs 170 million have been secured, he added.

Mr Bholah further mentioned that the exports of Textile and Clothing increased from around Rs 20.2 billion during the period January to December 2021 to some Rs 21.8 billion in the corresponding period in 2022, while exports of Clothing (Wearing Apparel) surged by 10.3% in terms of value, during the period January to December 2022, as compared to the corresponding period in 2021.

As for the exports of Textile Yarn and Fabrics, he noted an increase of 1.5% in terms of value, during the period January to December 2022, as compared to the corresponding period in 2021. The exports of Fish and Fish preparations, he said, increased from Rs 9.95 billion during the period January to December 2021 to Rs 12.03 billion in the corresponding period in 2022.

Regarding the Exports of Jewellery/Pearls, Precious and Semi-precious Stones, Minister Bholah remarked an increased from Rs 3.78 billion during the period January to December 2021 to Rs 5.46 billion in the corresponding period in 2022, thus representing a major rise of around 44.1%. In addition, the exports of Medical Devices increased from Rs 1.63 billion during the period January to December 2021 to Rs 1.82 billion in the corresponding period in 2022, he underlined. As for the exports of Watches and Clocks, he pointed out that increased from Rs 1.29 billion during the period January to December 2021 to Rs 1.45 billion in the corresponding period in 2022.

Speaking on EOE exports by destination, Mr Bholah indicated that during the period January to December 2022, South Africa has maintained its leading position (17%) in our market share, followed by UK (12%), France (12%) and USA (10%). He observed that during the same period, EOE exports to main destinations, namely South Africa, UK, USA and France have increased by 12.5%, 12.6%, 17.4% and 19.7%, respectively.

South Africa, according to him, still maintains its dominant position as our main export destination. He added that there is a surge in exports of trousers, T-shirts and shirts for the South African market.

Referring to destinations such as UK, Minister Bholah underscored that there is an increase in exports of fish fillets, processed fish and live primates, while there is an increase in exports of wearing apparel (Shirts, T-shirts), live primates and semi-precious stones to USA. A rise in exports of medical devices, wearing apparel, watch movements, as well as straps and accessories is observed for France, he stated.