Mauritian textile sector needs to aim higher
According to Mauritius’ minister of industry, Dharambeer Gokhool, the country’s textile sector needs to focus on producing higher-quality goods and to look for new export markets to ship its goods to.
The industry has been an important one for Mauritius for many years, but has been impacted by the economic downturn and is now facing the end of an EU preferential trade deal. However, having recorded negative growth of 4% in 2009, the textile sector has grown 1% since the start of the year.
"To be competitive, Mauritius has to climb the ladder in terms of value-added products. Mauritius cannot remain competitive as a textile producer in manufacturing the basic textile items," Mr Gokhool told Reuters. "Competition is more intense at the low end of the market segment. It is vital for Mauritius to move up the global value-chain within the textile sector in producing value added textile items with design and brands.”
The main export destinations for Mauritian textile sector are the UK, Italy, France and Germany. The sector generates around 11 million jobs.
