Africa-Press – Mauritius. The European Union (EU) Report, ‘Biopharma Industry Development in Mauritius’, presenting the outcome of a comprehensive feasibility study for the establishment of a pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry as a new economic pillar was launched, today, during a seminar, organised by the Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) Ltd, at Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebène.
The President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun; the Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG-INTPA) of the European Commission, Mr Martin Seychell; the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius and to the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Oskar Benedikt; the Chairman of the MIB Ltd and Financial Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Mr Dharam Dev Manraj; the Chief Executive Officer of the MIB Ltd, Dr Rattan Kumar Gujadhur; and other personalities were present at the event.
The EU Africa RISE (Reform for Investment and Sustainable Economies) conducted the study based on market analysis and legislative review skills gap analysis, and proposed a roadmap on account of the intrinsic value of Mauritius, market dynamics and other external factors.
The Report thus recommends building economies of scale for local production of pharmaceutical products including vaccines, other drugs and the appropriate product mix.
It takes into consideration the regional market for supply of the pharmaceutical products using preferential access through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other trade blocks to which Mauritius is a member state.
In his address, the President of the Republic commended the forward approach of the MIB Ltd in commissioning a study to assess the potential of Mauritius to serve as a regional hub for the pharmaceutical industry which had the potential of becoming a significant economic pillar.
He deemed it a bold strategic step towards economic diversification and economic growth. Highlighting that the country had the right mix of competencies to seize the opportunities offered by the development of a biopharma industry, Mr Roopun stressed that there is a need to be more aggressive in research and development to achieve success.
On that score, he pointed out the importance of encouraging young people to take on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects. Moreover, the President talked of the imperative of engaging with the diaspora whom he considered as one of the country’s most valuable assets.
He called for reflections on the ways to turn brain drain into brain gain and to tap into the potential of the diaspora through knowledge and expertise sharing.
The President also expressed the country’s appreciation to the EU for its invaluable support through the Africa RISE initiative as well as its unwavering collaborative efforts over decades, with impressive results, for the socioeconomic development of Mauritius across several sectors namely women empowerment, environment, climate change, maritime security, education, public health, and good governance, among others.
For his part the Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG-INTPA) of the European Commission dwelt on the agenda of the EU geared towards strongly supporting and promoting sustainable growth, decent jobs, green and digital transitions, quality health and education for all.
Regarding the development of a biopharma industry in Mauritius, Mr Seychell stated that that he looks forward to learn more about how the Mauritian authorities would wish to proceed on the clear recommendations of the Report.
He added that Mauritius could rely on the EU regarding the delivery of an action plan further on. “Working together, we can certainly ensure that Mauritius, in the years to come, plays a key role for the benefit of its citizens but also of the wider region,” he said.
As for the EU Ambassador to the Republic of Mauritius, he reiterated the support of the EU to Mauritius, recalling the partnership between the two Parties since Independence.
Mr Benedikt put forward that the development of a biopharma industry in Mauritius was both feasible and sustainable as long as it has a regional reach and is complementary to other hubs in the region.
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