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Mauritius: Launch of the E-Licencing Project to improve the business and investment climate

11.05.2018
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The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius, Marjaana Sall and the Hon Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the Honourable Pravind Jugnauth launched the E-licencing Project designed to boost investment, steer economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.

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The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius, H.E. Marjaana Sall said:

- "Today’s event bears testimony that the European Union attaches great importance to its partnership with the Republic of Mauritius under the Economic Partnership Agreement. This project will enhance doing business and investment climate and contribute to economic growth. The European Union reiterates its strong commitment to support Mauritius in achieving the goals set under Vision 2030 for improved government transparency, improved regulatory framework and improved accountability."

 

The Chairman of the Economic Development Board, Mr Charles Cartier, said:

- “Improving the business and investment climate has become key to sustain the level of economic development and Mauritius has made tremendous progress in that regard so far. One of the main objectives of the EDB is to ensure that Mauritius has a conducive business environment and for which several projects are running concurrently. The E-Licensing platform co-funded by the European Union abound in the same direction. A central repository of all business licences will be created to provide a transparent, streamlined and rule-based access to licensing procedures.  The E-Licensing Platform shall also allow online submission, processing and approval of applications, as well as online payment of fees and issue of e-permits. These transformations would open the door to innovation within the public sector and lead the way for adoption of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics. They may open avenues such as working from home and women empowerment.”

 

The E-Licencing Platform was launched in the context of the EU Week and the Mauritius independence jubilee year. The objective of the project, which is being implemented by the Economic Development Board (EDB) over a period of four years, is to enhance Mauritius’ business and investment climate in line with Government priority.

Under this programme, Mauritius will be able to process permit applications through an electronic platform which will be a single point of entry for business permits and licences.

The project will facilitate the business and investment environment by reducing the number of business permit applications and the time taken to obtain business licences and permits. This modern and efficient practice will not only reduce the time and cost to the private sector, but will improve transparency, predictability and reduce uncertainty in the investment decision making process. The EU support will also enhance the policy and regulatory framework to enhance compliance and foster business development.

 

EU support to Mauritius in the area of trade and investment

The EU is the main contributor to FDI flows to Mauritius and the EU market represent about 50% of Mauritian exports. For the setting up of the E-licencing platform and to review the investment regulatory framework, the EU is providing funding of MUR 420 million to Mauritius.

Also, the EU provided technical assistance for:

  • Capacity building to SMEs participation in international trade, through compliance with export market requirement related to rules of origin, quality and standards.
  • Support to amend the Data Protection Act for achieving compliance with the EU data protection laws. The revised legal provisions would attract foreign investment through the facilitation of businesses relations with European countries to transfer data and enhances the 'ease of doing business' requirements.
  • Reviewing the regulatory framework for the development of a National Quality policy and Infrastructure framework, to enhance investment and trade so as to improve service delivery and coordination among regulatory agencies.

 

Category
Press releases
Location

Mauritius

Editorial sections
Mauritius