The Minister of Finance reiterates the Government’s support to private sector projects

Site Visit at the Riche Terre Business and Industrial Park, 20th January 2021

The Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr. Renganaden Padayachy, effected a site visit to the Riche Terre Business and Industrial Park (RTBIP) on Wednesday 20th January 2021. This zone represents an area of 500 arpents over which projects of significant economic impact, with investments to the tune of MUR 9 billion, are planned over the next 3 to 4 years.

The site visit was conducted in collaboration with the Economic Development Board & Landscope Mauritius, with representatives of the private sector also in attendance.

325 arpents of the RTBIP, which is managed by Landscope Mauritius, has been leased to some 50 economic operators engaged in manufacturing activities, food processing, logistics and warehousing, as well as services of an industrial nature (including clean technology).

The JinFei Smart City is being developed over the remaining 175 arpents by Mauritius JinFei. Some MUR 4 billion has already been invested in infrastructure development, construction of a Business Centre, apartments and warehousing facilities. 6 private promoters have set up manufacturing and logistics facilities for a total investment of MUR 1.8 billion, over some 50 arpents in the smart city.

Through the site visit effected, the Minister of Finance took cognizance of the progress of works and materialization of projects being developed in this area. 

 These projects include HV International, with an approximate investment of MUR 300 million for construction of new warehousing and logistic facilities, and Le Moulin de la Cité, which is upgrading its warehousing facilities to over 33,000 m2 representing investment of MUR 500 million. Both projects are expected to generate more than 125 jobs. 

The Minister carried on with visits at the Eden Garden and Noah Centre and construction site for a 5-star hotel, which are all components of the Jinfei Smart City. The hotel is being constructed at an estimated cost of MUR 2.5 billion and is expected to be operational in 2022. Mauritius Jinfei has also planned to start the construction of an Entrepreneur Club and a Waterpark in the course of 2021 with an investment outlay of MUR 4 billion over the next 2 years.

The Minister was also apprised of several other projects in phase of imminent implementation such as Pharmacie Nouvelle Ltee (PNL), Mediterranean Shipping Corporation (MSC) amongst others, which are developing major warehousing and logistic facilities within the RTBIP. 

In his statement to the press, the Minister of Finance expressed his confidence that several private sector companies will set up their warehouses and facilities in this region and invited new business to also start-up their operations to further consolidate economic growth of the country.

Reviewing the construction works underway, the Minister of Finance emphasized that 2021 will be the year of economic recovery and reiterated that Government will pursue its commitment to work closely with the private sector with a view to stimulate economic development in Mauritius in view of bouncing back from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In so doing, Dr. Padayachy underlined the crucial role of the Economic Development Board and Landscope Mauritius in consolidating economic development as well as job creation.

To conclude, the Minister expressed his satisfaction regarding the progress of the projects in the RTBIP and pointed out that these developments will further enhance the position of Mauritius as one of the most economically efficient countries in Africa.

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