Thinking beyond our frontiers: lessons and possibilities

The enriching international exposure as ambassador has motivated me to analyse the Mauritian economic and social problems under the new lens and share it with economic stakeholders and civil society.

As a patriot, I feel honoured to serve a country highly acclaimed globally in all meetings for its cultural diversity and unity, good economic governance with reference to the reminiscent economic miracle, well-functioning institutions, high ranking in ease of doing business and governance, economic and political democracy, dream tourist destination amongst others. Hence, it is imperative to further consolidate our national unity by crafting inclusive policies which are in line with the aspirations of the people based on the premise of meritocracy and equal opportunities. A number of measures are already implemented to promote social cohesion. One option could be a residential social service scheme of one year mandatory for all healthy Mauritians between 17 and 20 years. This would consolidate unity and understanding among Mauritians with different religious faiths. The use of this certificate for a job, access to social security, university education, etc. could be worked out by specialists.

There are a number of interesting lessons we can draw from Germany in order to achieve the dream of transforming Mauritius into a sustainable high income economy. The economic success of Germany is based on a number of factors, namely, work discipline, sound environmentally friendly policies, private sector efficiency, focus on training, research and innovations, efficient mass transit and road network, international connectivity, top educational institutions. Additionally, the country has also some specific attributes that contribute to its economic success such as cultural development, migration policy, international integration, health conscious, amongst others.

Germany is an economic power highly resilient with a renewed ambition to integrate the African continent and even showing interest in the Indian Ocean. Germany’s Africa policy is grounded in universal values and guided by German interests. Cooperation between Germany and Africa focuses on opportunities and prospects for the continent and its people. It is based on the following key areas namely: peace and security, economic development; climate change and the environment energy and raw materials; good governance, rule of law, democracy and human rights; sustainable and knowledge-based development. This is an opportunity for Mauritius to use inherent advantages to position as a gateway to the African continent.

Another impressive feature of Germany is a well-connected mass transit transport system which encourages commuters to use. In addition, bicycles lanes form part of the road network with priority to cyclists. Mauritius should explore the possibility of introducing bicycle lanes, especially with the emergence of Smart cities. As a new mode for mass transit, similar to many cities in Latin America, it is high time to explore the possibility to use cable cars or urban gondolas (cable propelled technology). A corridor between Port-Louis and Curepipe with stops at major shopping centers could be envisaged after a proper feasibility. There are German companies specialized in cable cars partly powered by solar energy which is at a relatively much lower cost when compared with other modes. In order to reduce traffic congestion, special permits could be given to car owners to use the roads on odd days or during specific days with lower running costs.

Moreover, Germany lays a lot of emphasis on cultural development manifested in terms of love for music, theatres, operas, museums and films, amongst others. Berlin is a cultural city and Mauritius as a multicultural economy should take advantage of its cultural heritage. We should emulate Germany and seek for its expertise to develop our cultural industry.

There is a lot of interest worldwide in the Germany’s dual system (Technical vocational education training), linking formal education to practical training. Mauritius has benefited from the German experience in developing its apprenticeship scheme in 1996 and there are some renewed efforts at present to solicit the German expertise to overhaul the existing training scheme. Given the promise to boost up SMEs and provide entrepreneurial skills, such an option would be beneficial.

German government lays a lot of importance on quality education and research. Public universities are free and this is a good opportunity for Mauritian students who are showing increasing interest despite the requirement of German language. The introduction of foreign languages such as German in our curriculum at school level is timely. There is a need for outreaching foreign languages to our professionals, graduates as well as qualified manual workers seeking jobs abroad.

There has been a rapid increase in German tourists visiting Mauritius due to increasing air access and aggressive campaign undertaken by the stakeholders in the Industry. A holiday in their dream destination Mauritius is always on the lips of German but they have a perception that it is highly priced. There is a need to propose alternatives to certain category of German tourists in terms of budget hotels and other accommodations. I am sure that specialists are already changing their business models by introducing additional attractions like mountaineering, culture, sport activities, ecotourism products as well as supporting our local staff with German language.

A lesson from Germany is their discipline not only at work but in different aspects. They are environment friendly, health conscious with their gluten free and bio food and regular practice of various sports. They have a specific business culture which our Mauritian counterparts should be well versed when dealing with them. They are risk averse and slow but once they are convinced, they are very reliable. Good business practice and transparency is normally a first rule to make a business deal.

At the international fair on Fruit Logistica, I met some successful Mauritian exporters of exotic fruits with the support of Enterprise Mauritius. I understood the high demand for our Mauritian fruits, in particular our queen Victoria pineapples and passion fruits. I reckon that our authorities could double their efforts to promote their production given the availability of markets and can even go into vertical integration by making pulps and juice for exports. The solution is to give a guaranteed price to planters, grouping them in co-operatives, especially small planters and provide them with market access as well as right technology. Given the policy of guaranteed price market for planters, even individuals can go into such
lucrative business.

Finally, we can draw a lesson from the human resource planning in Germany and the international credibility gained with the recent opening up its border to 1 million refugees. Germany is fast developing into a digital economy and in need of low-cost labour to support its economy in sectors which Germen are averse now. There is a need for highly qualified professionals such as medical doctors and IT specialists In Germany as stipulated in the Work in Germany programme. Mauritians should explore these possibilities and try to meet the entry criteria. The option of importing cheap labour in sectors averse to Mauritians could be a lesson so as to maintain our competitiveness and support these specific industries. Exporting our qualified labour could be a good source of revenues in terms of remittances and enhance the quality of life of Mauritians. Our Mauritian diaspora is a valuable
asset which the government wishes to tap the expertise. This is undoubtedly a good policy for some strategic critical skills. In an effort to recognize our Mauritius diaspora worldwide, it would be good for the government to decorate a Mauritian staying abroad annually by our President.

Hence, let me wish all Mauritians a happy Independence Day and we pray for a prosperous and united Mauritius. We double our efforts to hoist the Mauritian flag higher and higher.