Africa-Press – Mauritius. Over 40 private investment projects to the tune of some Rs 110 billion with an implementation timeline spanning over the next five years, were reviewed at the fourth High-Level Committee chaired by the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, this afternoon, at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis.
Several Ministers including the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo; the Vice-Prime Minister, Dr Anwar Husnoo; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Mr Alan Ganoo; the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy; the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard; the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Kavydass Ramano; the Attorney-General and Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Maneesh Gobin; and the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Mahendranath Sharma Hurreeram were part of the Committee.
The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Om Kumar Dabidin and the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Medha Gunputh, along with senior officials of governmental and private bodies were also present.
The objective of the High-Level Committee is to accelerate the processing and the approval for private sector investment projects so as to ensure timely delivery of permits and licences.
In a statement following the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board (EDB), Mr Ken Poonoosamy, highlighted that the Committee will facilitate to fast track investment projects in several sectors of the economy including pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and hospitality.
He observed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many promoters especially in the manufacturing and tourism sector are reviewing their current strategies to adapt to the situation.
Hence, the importance of private sector investment to boosting economic recovery, promoting foreign direct investment as well as preserving jobs. Mr Poonoosamy further pointed out that discussions also focused on administrative bottlenecks hindering local and foreign investment in the country.
A number of issues concerning building and land use permits, EIA licences and clearance for housing, land and infrastructure were addressed, he indicated.
The High-Level Committee, he added, will provide support to advise on policy clearance while ensuring institutional coordination for the implementation of major projects.
