Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-02-29 16:00:48
Fostering an environment conducive to businesses, allowing them to thrive in the face of evolving market demands while maintaining their competitiveness, all without neglecting the development and investment in green energy. This is the government’s stated determination, with the goal of transitioning towards a cleaner Mauritius and safeguarding marine resources to mitigate risks related to climate change.
This was emphasized by the Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Naveena Ramyad, on Tuesday morning at the opening of a day-long workshop on the theme “Accelerating The Transition To a Net-Zero Nature-Positive Economy in Mauritius (NZNPA).”
Naveena Ramyad highlighted the central objective of the NZNPA project, which aims to accelerate the decarbonization of the manufacturing sector in Mauritius. Supported by a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project aims to propel the sector towards a Net-Zero Nature-Positive Economy, improving its competitiveness while promoting environmental awareness. Stressing the importance of aligning with global regulations and promoting sustainability, the minister emphasized the imperative for Mauritius to transition to a greener manufacturing landscape.
She also underscored the crucial role of the manufacturing sector, highlighting its multifaceted contributions to the economy. The sector stands out for its contributions in foreign exchange, job creation, and improving the standard of living. “A sector that remains the cornerstone of growth,” she emphasized.
The diversification into sectors such as agri-food and jewelry demonstrates, she continued, the sector’s adaptability, while its strong post-Covid recovery demonstrates its determination.
Naveena Ramyad also mentioned the sector’s evolution towards high-tech activities, particularly in the production of high-end clothing, medical devices, and pharmaceutical products. This diversification showcases Mauritius’ commitment to technological progress and innovation, positioning it favorably in the global market.
As the NZNPA project paves the way for a greener manufacturing future, the minister commended industry leaders for their unwavering commitment to sustainability and resilience, stressing the need for collective efforts for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and the Seychelles, Lisa Simrique Singh, emphasized the importance of a healthy environment for sustainable development, while acknowledging the potential obstacles posed to the progress of the manufacturing sector by climate change and cyclonic conditions. She advocated for strengthening the nation’s resilience in the face of such challenges and expressed gratitude to the government for its dedication to addressing the country’s needs and priorities.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
