Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy, received, this afternoon in Port Louis, the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo, during a policy dialogue meeting in a bid to discuss proposals in the context of the forthcoming budget 2022-2023.
In a statement after the meeting, Minister Ganoo highlighted that this year, the budget will be prepared while taking into account particular issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which affect many countries around the world, including Mauritius.
As far as Land Transport and Light Rail is concerned, Minister Ganoo underlined that, with the expansion of the Metro Express project, necessary funds are required so as to pursue ancillary works in connection thereof.
He also appealed to the Finance Minister to earmark funds in budget 2022-2023 for the renewal of the National Transport Corporation’s bus fleet so as to offer a better service to citizens.
This renewal, he underscored, implies putting electric buses at the disposal of passengers as these buses are more environment-friendly and economical in the long run.
He emphasised that it was also proposed to provide a subsidy to private bus operators so as to encourage them to purchase electric buses for the renewal of their fleet.
Furthermore, Minister Ganoo underscored that the Fleet Management System project was also discussed with the Finance Minister. This project, according to him, will enable the National Land Transport Authority to monitor the movement of every bus across the country, through an Operations Centre.
The use of a Global Positioning System will thus enable the Road Traffic Commissioner and his staff to effectively track all buses in real time with a view to provide a better service to the population, he stated.
We are on the right track for a reform in the transport sector and all these proposals will enable the Mauritian public transport to enter into a new era, he remarked.
With regards to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Minister Ganoo stated that discussions focused on the allocation of funding for the setting-up of an Intellectual Property Office, build capacity, and provide training to Officers in connection with the Intellectual Property Act.
With the enactment of this law, Mauritius has the potential to generate a substantial income, he reminded. He also pointed out that funds are also sought so as to fully take advantage of the numerous Trade Agreements already signed with several countries, including China and India.
The benefits of economic diplomacy and its importance due to the prevailing worldwide situation, he indicated, were also discussed with Minister Padayachy.
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