Republic of Mauritius- The Textile and Apparel Industry called to reinvent itself by adopting technology to improve production methods

It is against this backdrop, that a workshop aiming to examine major challenges faced by the Textile and Apparel Industry, opened this morning at the Ravenala Attitude Hotel, Turtle Bay, in Balaclava.  The two-day event is organised by the Economic Development Board (EDB).

In his address, EDB’s Chairman, Mr Charles Cartier, recalled that the manufacturing sector, in particular textile and apparel, has contributed massively to the emergence of a nation of entrepreneurs who are brave, inventive and adaptable.

Today, Mr Cartier indicated, Mauritius exports 1 500 products to 125 countries and the relevance and importance of textile and apparel, which represent 54% of total manufacturing exports, still remains the backbone of the country’s industrial fabric.  The textile and apparel industry comprises 32 large, 65 medium and 60 small companies employing 44,000 persons, and producing a wide range of products, namely: t-shirts, shirts, denims, cardigans, pullovers, beachwear, suits, and uniforms.

However, emphasised Mr Cartier, the sector faces several challenges, and the official figures show a decline in exports confirming that the industry needs to break from the legacy of the past, reinvent itself, think outside the box and challenge the traditional approach and subsequently turn to best practices to thrive globally.

According to him, rising costs of production, Brexit, exchange rate volatility, the rise of low-cost competitors closer to the main markets, shortage of labour, and duty-free access being extended to our competitors have contributed in making a dent in the competitiveness of Mauritius.  These threats, he stated, can be addressed.

Both the Government and the private sector as well as all stakeholders of this Industry need to improve productive capacity and make the sector more flexible to the shifting sands of the global economy, Mr Cartier highlighted.  Thus for EDB’s Chairman it is important to adopt technology to improve production methods, promote e-commerce and multiply diplomatic efforts to broaden our economic horizons.

Textile and Apparel Industry workshop

An Overview of the Manufacturing Landscape in Mauritius was given by EDB’s CEO, Mr François Guibert.  The presentation focused on the need to adopt Artificial Intelligence automated machines, robotics, and Internet of Things smart manufacturing to reinvent the sector as well as the importance of creating the right ecosystem with qualified and skilled workforce, the elaboration of a new business model, and forming alliances with African countries.

The two-day workshop is the third event organised by the EDB as part of the discussions being held at the level of the Commission for Economic Affairs of the National Economic and Social Council. It follows the one organised on Agro-industry and food security and on Micro Small and Medium enterprises and Start-ups.

The workshop’s agenda comprises presentations and round table discussions on the following: status of textile and apparel sector; desirability and inspiration – the new drivers to increase brand and product value; the new business model to be more competitive; high-value manufacturing supply chain; human resources requirements to meet the challenge; made through Africa as an alternative supply chain for sourcing; the coming robotics revolution on apparel manufacturing; and, the business case for sustainable approach in manufacturing.