The idea is not new, it was first evoked in the years 2000-2005. It was a sexy proposal and somewhat seduced everybody. At that time, a novice Minister of Finance was holding the reins of the country’s economy for the first time of his life: Mr Pravind Jugnauth. The novice is back again, more mature, feet on ground and head on shoulders – and again he tables the same idea. Good to see some determination out there!
Turning the island into a huge duty-free shopping area is a good concept. It all comes to revamping the economy and promoting something else besides the (now tiring) repetitive ‘sea, sun & fun’. You can’t be boasting about your natural beauty and stay there expecting two million tourists. Look at Bali, Ibiza and Dubai for instance. To survive in this evolving world, everyone has to keep pace with changing environment. Mauritius is no exception.
Why would people come over here and spend their money? There’s got to be a good reason for that. Good hotels are something we can decently find anywhere else in the world. You can’t bet on the warmth and smile of local people when the world is getting more focused towards personal comfort and materialistic. The Finance Minister does well to keep on his idea of duty-free island. But what can really demark the country from the other shopping giants of the world? I’m talking about Dubai, Singapore, and so on.
Well, successive governments had enough intelligence to knit a web of preferential trade agreements. It means clearly that we are able to get the goods in much cheaper fashion, avoiding tax and customs barriers. We’re closer to the impressive manufacturing industries of China and India – and more, we share a historical link with them. You’ll be glad to learn that we’ll soon be seeing a mini-China in Mauritius. Jin Fey, as they call it, is a large Chinatown (basically a new city in Mauritius) and will regroup a hotel, factories, houses and commerce. Chinese businessmen and government (I put government after businessmen) are financing all this.
Ok, let’s get back to the duty-free island. The intention is to propose a global. The implications are wide as it entails improving side infrastructures. Wise decision-makers are already one step forward. Our airport is soon to be a jewel in the region, capable of welcoming 4 million visitors a year. We’re getting our cruise quay ready to greet (rich) sea-lovers and … the first shopping malls are taking birth within months. The first two malls are within 1 kilometer distance from each other and very close to the new hub: the cybercity (that’s where my office is!). On a straight-line and within 2 kilometers we will be having 3 shopping complexes and two shopping malls, isn’t that wonderful?
The whole process will, and there’s no doubt on that, create more businesses and employment. If we dig deeper, we note that no many Mauritians can finance the creation and operation of world-class businesses. So there comes the space for foreign investors! Obviously, we can’t compete with the international exposure and competence of those present in the bigger cities of the world. Right now, several big names have already shown an interest in getting setting up their shops and manufacturing units. It will again generate more employment and more money for the local economy. Isn’t that brilliant?
Above all, it means that we, Mauritians, will be able to have duty-free shopping without the need to pay for an air-ticket.
That’s the best part of it!
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