Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Maneesh Gobin, received, today at the seat of his Ministry in Port Louis, a delegation from the African Development Bank led by the Division Manager, Agriculture Southern Africa, Mr Vij Neeraj.
Senior Officials of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security were also present during the meeting, which aimed to discuss the setting-up of a Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Mauritius.
It is recalled that the African Development Bank approved a grant to the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security to cover the cost of recruiting a Consulting Firm to carry out a Feasibility Study & Development of a Plan to set up a SAPZ Project in Mauritius.
As such, the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security has retained the consulting services of Mahindra Consulting Engineers (MACE) Ltd to: undertake a full Feasibility Study and Master Plans for the Mauritius SAPZ; present Feasibility Reports and Master Plans to Government and stakeholders; and provide technical assistance on project coordination and management.
The overall objective of creating and implementing a SAPZ is to provide a conducive environment to attract private investors and empower entrepreneurs (including youth and women) in processing and value addition to agricultural produce.
The SAPZ will help to contribute to the country’s economic growth and development, achieve nutritional and food security, minimise wastage of agricultural produce, import substitution, employment generation and boost trade inclusively and sustainably.
The project is in line with Government’s vision to transform the non-sugar sector into a diversified, competitive agro-processing industry and provide job opportunities for the youth and enhance the island’s resilience to food crisis associated with COVID-19 and climate change by 2030.
It is to be noted that a validation workshop will be held on 05 July 2023 so that consultants can present their Feasibility Study and Master Plans to Government’s representatives and other stakeholders.
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