Mauritius sees International Autumn Trade Fair 2004 as opportunity to diversify export basket

Having successfully diversified its economy over the last three decades, Mauritius is now characterized by a thriving export-led manufacturing sector, a growing tourism sector, a modern free port, well established financial service sector and a thriving IT sector.

Speaking on the first-time participation by Mauritius, Mr. Bhartwaj Mody, Manager of Mauritius Industrial Development Authority, the organizer of the Mauritius pavilion said that the biggest hurdle standing in the way to growth of trade between Mauritius and UAE was the absence of a direct flight between the two countries.

"But currently with Emirates operating four direct flights a week the opportunities have opened up for trade between the two countries to flourish. Before, we could not think of exporting perishable goods like food and flower which are in good demand in some developed markets," said Mr. Mody.

He said in horticultural sector, the flower sector in Mauritius revolves around the anthurium flower which has successfully placed Mauritius in the world market as a leader in cut flower exports. Mauritius is the world's second largest exporter of anthurium flowers after Holland.

Commenting on Mauritius participation, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information and Services, the organizer of IATF04 said: "The Gulf economies represent sizeable untapped potential markets for the products made in Mauritius mainly in the middle and upper middle consumer segments and participation in the fair will enable the exhibitors to assess the potential of the UAE markets."

He said the fair which is being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) will also provide opportunity for Mauritius to diversify its export market which is currently 65 per cent to Europe, 29 per cent to the US and 7 per cent to Africa.

"Positioning Mauritius as a quality source of imports is instrumental in building up demand for our products," said Mr. Mody. "It is believed that demand for the market segments, the upper and upper middle, is bound to increase significantly in the future."

In the agro sector, Mauritius is a major player in sugar exports. The country ranks at the top in the list of top sugar exporting countries in European Union. Mauritius Sugar Syndicate is participating in the fair with 15 variety of sugar specially made to suit specific purposes. Mauritius is world leader in special sugar.

"Juice from cane is processed in different ways to get different varieties of sugar for serving all types of consumers starting from industrial users like bakeries, confectionery and biscuit to household consumers," explained Devesh Dukhira, Executive, Market Research and Product Development of Mauritius Sugar Syndicate.

Mauritius currently produces around 70,000 tonnes of special sugar which has found market in 35 countries around the world.
Mauritius also exports canned tuna, processed fruit and vegetables, spices and snacks. Other major products of the country are jewellery made from gold, silver wrist watch and watch parts.

The country enjoys special duty and quta free access in the European Union and US market for garments.